Continued from page 1
Let’s move along. Gal 1:8 8But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. (NAS) Paul makes a radical statement here. Surely this upset
“Pluralists” of his day. Pluralists are those people who want to include all religions of world as a way to heaven. They are very careful not to offend anyone, so they confirm everyone. Paul would never agree that all paths lead to God. He states plainly that one who preaches wrong gospel is cursed or excommunicated. That’s certainly an explosive statement. That’s like saying that Jesus is ONLY way to heaven, and those who reject Him are condemned eternally. (Does modern church still believe this? I certainly hope so.)
Gal 2:11-12 11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12For prior to coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with Gentiles; but when they came, he {began} to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing party of circumcision. (NAS) Mercy me! Paul has gone off deep end. He’s confronting his own peer about wrong doing. Doesn’t he know who he’s talking to? Peter was man. To him were given keys to Kingdom by Lord Himself. Peter had it going on. But Paul confronts him. Surely we should avoid, at all cost, contention in local church. But, evidently Paul felt that truth and impartiality were more important to uphold in church than risk of confrontation. Sometimes only way to communicate with another party is to stand firm, stand your ground, and speak out of conviction. They may receive it as contentious, but you don’t have to stay contentious with them.
Gal 3:1 1You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed {as} crucified? (NAS) Paul has gone to name calling, now. He calls his Christian brothers and sisters “foolish.” Would you continue reading a letter after author called you a “fool”? I’d probably get real defensive, tear-it-up and throw-it-away. I don’t want anyone calling me names. Yet Paul says that Galatians are unintelligent. He tells them that they are foolish and easily deceived. Man, Paul has some nerve. Gal 3:3 3Are you so foolish? Having begun by Spirit, are you now being perfected by flesh? (NAS)
Gal 4:9 9But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? (NAS) Gal 5:12 12Would that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves. (NAS) Paul reserves his real passion for Judaizers. He makes a play on words here. The Judaizers are so passionate about circumcision, maybe they should mutilate themselves. These are pretty tough words from a man of God, but men and women of God are passionate about body of Christ and sometimes use extreme language to get their point across. Thank God they do this. At least we know where they stand on issues. Pastor Terry Dashner. Keep faith. Stay course. Jesus, one who drove out money changers is coming again as Judge.
Pastors a small church in Broken Arrow, OK (918-451-0270).
