A Look at Galatians

This week in the chronological reading of our Bibles, we completed the book Galatians. Now, you’d think I would have figured this out, but it never occurred to me prior to this second time through. As usual, we used The Bible Project which told us the basic ideas being presented in each book, and we followed up our reading with Tara Leigh Cobble and The Bible Recap.

FRENCH?

I had no idea that the Galatians had come from Gaul—the ancient word for France. Did you take Latin? My husband and I both took it in high school. I will never forget the lovely Mrs. Louise Taylor repeating so many Latin phrases. Tempus fugit, was a favorite of hers. Translated, it means time flies. I only remember this one sentence about the French and France, Gallia est omnis divisa in partes tres. That means All Gaul is divided into three parts.

With the maiden name of DuPree (originally DuPre), and with my Daddy’s mother’s family name originally being Bordajeau (Burdeshaw today), you’d think I’d know that the book of Galatians was written to the Celtic people who later inhabited France. But I didn’t. I didn’t even know the French were Celtic.

This book is often called the second Romans as Paul, the Apostle who wrote the book Romans, also wrote Galatians.

A Look at Galatians @DDuPreeWilliams #faith #writing #justificationbyfaith Share on X

JUSTIFICATION BY THE LAW OR BY FAITH?

In Galatians, Paul doesn’t even give the friendly greeting he normally does. He’s so upset with the Galatian people (a part of Asia Minor located in modern-day Turkey) because they have been listening to so-called judaizers, or false teachers who were teaching the people that to become a Christian, they first had to become Jewish by faith and follow the law, including circumcision.

The New Testament teaches justification is by faith alone and not by anything we do, up to and including following the Law and circumcision. And this is just in the opening chapter and verses.

The remainder of the book reminds them of the Gospel they were first taught. In chapter 3, he calls them foolish. (3:1 ESV). He asks them, Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? (3:2 ESV). He reminds them in verse 7 that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham.

Tara Leigh Cobble wonders what the women must have thought about the teaching of the judaizers that the males must be circumcised before they can become Christians. There was no circumcision for the women. Therefore, how were they to become Christians? What outward sign would have been required of them? Confusing to say the least.

THE FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT

My favorite portion of the book of Galatians is 5:22-24, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control: against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

 I’ll admit, I’m still working on a couple of these, mainly patience and self-control. But I did get a chance to practice patience in my doctor’s office today. Is it okay to be proud of me for doing well in that category? The self-control one is difficult for me, especially when it comes to food.

I don’t know about you, but I’m thankful that nothing else is required of us besides to believe and have faith in Jesus Christ and what He did for us on the cross to be called Christians. Frankly, I don’t think I’d be very good at keeping all those laws.

SOME OF MY MARGIN NOTES

Here are a couple of notes I wrote in the margins of my Bible yesterday:

Grace is when we get what we don’t deserve. Mercy is when we don’t get what we do deserve.

 Jesus’s transforming presence through the Spirit is the key to eternal life and to a fulfilling Christian life here on earth.

 Leaning on our own goodness has nothing to do with faith in Christ.

 Freedom is an opportunity to magnify God’s character and model his love to the world around us. Read Galatians 5: 1-15.

 As I’ve said many times, I’m no Bible scholar. These are just a few things I took away from our reading of the book of Galatians. Please feel free to add your thoughts.

Blessings, y’all!

I looked for something to share with you. Couldn’t find what I was looking for. But we LOVE this one! I hope it blesses you. LOVE The Hoppers!  He’ll come again, y’all! LOOK UP!!