12 - Gal 3-6 - Ye are All One in

Welcome and Introduction

  • Event Context

    • Roundtable discussion at Brigham Young University on the New Testament.

    • Participants include Professors David M. Whitchurch, S. Kim Brown, Sister Gay Strathern, and Professor Daniel Judd.

Previous Discussion Recap

  • Last Meeting Overview

    • Focus on the Book of Galatians.

    • Galatia

    • Region in modern-day Turkey.

    • Galatian Saints' Issues

    • Baptized members of the church.

    • Problems arose with a diversion back to the Law of Moses.

  • Galatians 2:16

    • Prof. Whitchurch reads: "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ…"

    • Summary Points

    • Justification by faith, not works of the law.

    • Distinction between faith in Jesus Christ and works of the law.

    • Connection to 2 Nephi 2 in the Book of Mormon where similar ideas are expressed.

Paul's Rebuke in Galatians 3

  • Galatians 3:1

    • Paul uses the phrase "O foolish Galatians."

    • Interpretation of the term:

    • Translates to "O unintelligent Galatians."

    • Philips Modern English translation refers to them as "dear idiots of Galatia."

  • Galatians 3:2

    • Question posed by Paul: "Receive ye the spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith?"

    • Emphasizes the contrast between the Law and the Faith.

  • Miracles as Proof

    • Paul cites miracles performed during his ministry as evidence.

    • Parallel with Christ's miracles to establish faith over law.

  • Galatians 2:16 Further Explanation

    • Discussion on the Greek interpretation of "the faith of Jesus Christ":

    • Can mean the faith we have in Jesus or the faith that Jesus possesses.

    • Scholars debate the exact meaning.

    • Emphasis on Christ's faith justifying believers, alongside personal faith in Him.

Abraham and the Covenant

  • Transition to Abraham

    • Abraham introduced to challenge the reliance on the Law of Moses.

    • Abraham's covenant involves blessings to all nations, not just Israel.

  • Significance of Abraham

    • Abraham's faith counted as righteousness exemplifies the importance of faith.

    • Galatians 3:28 states: "There is neither Jew nor Greek… for ye are all one in Christ Jesus."

  • Law vs. Promise

    • Curses are associated with failing to keep the Law of Moses, referencing Deuteronomy.

    • Deuteronomy 27 discussed - maintaining all 613 commandments.

  • Concept of Redemption

    • Galatians 3:13: "Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us."

  • Abraham's Faith

    • Faith and belief are essential for righteousness, not merely adherence to the law.

    • The seed of Abraham leads to the Messiah, emphasizing the promise of salvation.

Interaction of Faith and Righteousness

  • Relationship with God

    • Emphasis on inheritance through faith, leading to an understanding of the Gospel.

    • Baptism as a necessary ordinance, alongside faith and the reception of the Spirit.

    • Repentance is implied as part of turning toward faith and away from prior law-based reliance.

  • Behavioral Implications of Faith

    • Faith encompassed behavior and actions in the teachings of Paul.

    • Galatians 3:26-27: "For ye are all the children of God by faith in Jesus Christ…" and baptism signifies putting on Christ.

  • Historical Baptismal Practices

    • Discussion on the early Christian practice of baptism, including the robing ceremony.

    • Symbolism of new life and inclusion into the faith community.

The Law of Moses as a Schoolmaster

  • Role of the Law

    • Paul describes the Law of Moses as a schoolmaster to guide until maturity.

    • Galatians 3:24-25: Law served a temporary purpose guiding believers until Christ.

  • Cultural Context of the Schoolmaster

    • The responsibility of guardianship and guidance for those maturing into a covenant relationship.

  • Transition to Higher Law

    • Discussion on the Galatians' fears of living without law and stability; emphasis on higher law requiring more responsibility.

Personal Reflections of Paul

  • Paul's Physical Trials

    • Reference to Paul's trials and tribulations as an apostle.

    • Speculations on his "thorn in the flesh" from 2 Corinthians.

  • Galatians 4:14-15

    • Paul recalls earlier admiration from Galatians and reflects on their once close relationship.

    • Concern over becoming an enemy for sharing the truth.

Birth Imagery and Allegory

  • Paul's Metaphoric Use of Birth

    • Refers to his concerns for the Galatians as "my little children."

    • Imagery transitions to the children of Abraham and the differences in their births.

    • Comparison of Isaac's miraculous birth to God's promises versus natural heritage.

  • Mount Sinai vs. Jerusalem

    • Contrast between the giving of the law at Sinai and the relationship with God experienced in Jerusalem.

Conclusion and Integration with Other Scriptures

  • Reaffirmation of the relationship between the law and faith in Christ, reference to 2 Nephi 25.

  • The law served as a preparatory means that leads to faith and reconciliation with God through Christ.

  • Encouragement for understanding the significance of the law, the gospel of Christ, and their interrelation.