“In almost every church there were some members who were Jews by birth. To these converts the Jewish teachers found ready access, and through them gained a foot-hold in the churches. It was impossible, by scriptural arguments, to overthrow the doctrines taught by Paul; hence they resorted to the most unscrupulous measures to counteract his … Continue reading –>
Naissance (nay-SAHNS) lives in a tiny shanty home in Haiti. Like many in her homeland, she cannot read or write. She makes a meager living by selling boiled eggs and bananas on the street. Five years ago her teenage son gave his life to God and joined the Adventist Church. He urged his mother to … Continue reading –>
“Hey, look at this,” Fred said. “The Mormons are getting energized to preach their message around the world.” It was the first day of the General Conference session of the Church of Latter-day Saints, also known as Mormons, in October of 2011. “They’re building six new temples,” Fred continued. “Look at this.” He held up … Continue reading –>
The Origin of Paul’s Gospel The troublemakers in Galatia were claiming that Paul’s gospel was really driven by his desire to obtain the approval of others. What might Paul have done differently in his letter if he were merely seeking human approval? Consider Gal. 1:6–9, 11–24. Why did Paul not require Gentile converts to be circumcised? Paul’s opponents … Continue reading –>
“Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father…” Galatians 1:1, NIV If you have ever been to the drag races, you know that it is a noisy place. Powerful engines using explosive fuel mixtures can make it seem like you are in a war zone. … Continue reading –>
Key Thought: Paul opens his letter to the Galatians with an authoritative and succinct reference to God’s gifts of grace and a denunciation of any contrary doctrine. [Teaching Helps for Lesson 2: Paul’s Authority and Gospel, Oct 8, 2011] 1. Have a volunteer read Galatians 1:1-5 A. Ask class members to share a short thought … Continue reading –>
What normally follows the opening greeting in Paul’s letters? How is Galatians different? Compare Gal. 1:6 with Rom. 1:8, 1 Cor. 1:4, Phil. 1:3, and 1 Thess. 1:2. Although Paul addresses all kinds of local challenges and problems in his letters to the churches, he still made it a practice to follow his opening greeting with a word of prayer or thanksgiving to … Continue reading –>
In addition to defending his apostleship, what else does Paul emphasize in his opening greeting to the Galatians? Compare Gal. 1:3–5 with Eph. 1:2, Phil. 1:2, and Col. 1:2. One of the unique features of Paul’s letters is the way he links the words grace and peace in the greetings. The combination of these two words is a modification of the most … Continue reading –>
Though Paul’s epistles generally follow the basic format of ancient letters, Galatians contains a number of unique features not found in Paul’s other epistles. When recognized, these differences can help us better understand the situation Paul was addressing. Compare Paul’s opening salutation in Galatians 1:1, 2 with what he writes in Ephesians 1:1, Philippians 1:1, and 2 Thessalonians 1:1. In what … Continue reading –>
Read 2 Peter 3:15, 16. What do these verses tell us about how the early church viewed Paul’s writing? What does this teach us about how inspiration works? When Paul wrote to the Galatians, he was not trying to produce a literary masterpiece. Instead, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul was addressing specific situations … Continue reading –>
