Assumptions about Christianity
• Christianity is a provincial/ethnic phenomenon
• Christianity is a mere “brand-preference” among religions
– A way to get to “heaven”
– A way to get people to behave better
– A means of comfort in a hard world
• Christianity is a crutch for dim and weak people
The Book of Galatians
• This book has shaken/disturbed/ fractured the church more than once
– Paul (the author)
– Augustine (only commentary he wrote)
– Luther
What’s up in Galatia?
• People are moving away from the Gospel
– What do you assume that means?
• “As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed!”
– What do you assume this means?
Galatians?
Paul spend 14 early years doing ministry near his home region that we know nothing about
These cities he covered in his “first missionary journey” that we know of from the book of Acts
First Converts, First Churches
Roman cities were multi-ethnic but not melting pots
• Groups preserved language and culture
• Religion was ethnic AND inclusive (add another god…)
• All were expected to participate in the Imperial cult
“Greek” Jews?
• Far more Jews lived throughout the Roman world (mostly in cities) than in Judea
• These Jews were often well educated and more wealthy than those in Judea
• They were culturally different from those from Judea
• Associated with non-ethnic Jews became religious Jews/”God fearers” throughout the empire
– Especially women:
First Converts, First Churches
What’s up in Galatia?
• People are moving away from the Gospel
– What do you assume that means?
– “libertine” behavior?
• “As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed!”
– What do you assume this means?
– Syncretism: Jesus AND Caesar AND another cool new god…
Clue
Clue
Huh?
• Why is it so important that Peter eat with the Galatians? Why wouldn’t he?
• Who is this “circumcision group”?
Bible answer man says…
• “Circumcision group” must be Jewish Christians who said that in order to be a good Christian you should observe the Jewish legal requirements (including circumcision for males) and Jewish dietary restrictions
Question for Bible answer man
• Why would non-Jewish Galatian Christians be tempted to listen to the Judaizers?
Living la vida Roma
• Through obedience you seek the favor and blessings of the gods and avoid the god’s capricious judgments.
– The more gods you can get on your side the better!
– Follow their rules, pay them bribes
• Going to temple is NOT what you think!
• You become interested in a new kind of story of the world, and a God who dies for you and gives you new life just because He’s good.
– Why would you trade “la vida Roma” for this strange new Jewish religion?
Why believe the Judaizers?
• New God, new rules, same game (religion)
– Some Christians from Jerusalem visit. They know Peter and Jesus’ brother James and they tell us what the “new rules” really are
• That Paul never met Jesus really, now we’re getting it from the source!
– It only makes sense that if I get more from this God, it has to cost me more
Question for Bible answer man
• Why would non-Jewish Galatian Christians be tempted to listen to the Judaizers?
• Why does this make Paul so angry?
I would expect Paul to be reasonable
• If you want eat only special things, fine
• If you want to be circumcised, fine
• Doing hard, sacrificial things shows that you’re really trying, that must be a good thing…
– After all, its just making an effort that God is really looking for, right?
We’d expect Paul to be happy they are
• Not visiting their old temple
• Still pledge allegiance to the “right” religion even if they are a little strict
• Reading their Bibles! How much could it hurt for them dabble in the Jewish law. Jesus followed the Jewish law didn’t he?
The Judaizers aren’t asking them to do anything that would get you into trouble in any church today
Yet Paul says this…
Why is Paul so angry?
• Paul has lived this life
• Paul knows where this life goes
– Where does moralism really go
– Does moralism really satisfy?
• Paul has experienced new life and he doesn’t want the Galatian churches trading this in
The Book of Galatians
• This book has shaken/disturbed/ fractured the church more than once
– Paul (the author)
– Augustine (only commentary he wrote)
– Luther
2 ways to live that we think are different, but aren’t
• Living la vida Roma
– The life of the “libertine”
– Taking from life all that you can
– Cheating or bribing the gods to get what you want
– Where does it lead?
2 ways to live that we think are different, but aren’t
• Living la vida Roma
– The life of the “libertine”
– Taking from life all that you can
– Cheating or bribing the gods to get what you want
– Where does it lead?
• By following “the rules”
• Seeking favor with God BY obeying his law
– Getting the blessing by being a GOOD Christian
We don’t mind Judaizers, they make good neighbors and church members
• Living la vida Roma
– The life of the “libertine”
– Taking from life all that you can
– Cheating or bribing the gods to get what you want
– Where does it lead?
• By following “the rules”
• Seeking favor with God BY obeying his law
– Getting the blessing by being a GOOD Christian
We all know
The Gospel IS NOT moralism!
• Living la vida Roma (libertinism) will leave you spent and unsatified
• “Trying to be a good person” will eventually lead you
– to condemn those who are not good
– Resent their not following your rules
– Hatred, conflict, discrimination, prejudice
We will keep unpacking this
Today a meal sits before you
• Are you “good enough” to eat it?
• Is your neighbor “good enough” to eat it?
• What does this meal say?
