Background and Overview In Chapter 1, Paul reveals to the church the Eternal Purpose of God. The main verses are verse 9 and 10. God only has one Eternal Purpose. He set this purpose according to His own good pleasure (v9). His eternal purpose was a mystery since the beginning of time (v9), but know … Read more
Author, date and time Paul wrote this letter (1:1;3:1) while in Rome’s prison (A.D. 59-61) destined to the saints in Ephesus (1:1). Other than Ephesians, Paul also wrote the letters of Colossians, Philippians and Philemon. These letters of called “prison epistles”. Paul asked Tychicus (6:21), together with Onesimus (Col 4:9) to deliver these letters to the … Read more
Background While believers are free from the law of Moses and possesses liberty in the Spirit, but we must fulfill the law of Christ, with the power of the Spirit. Such life involves sacrificial service direct toward sinning Christians, burdened Christians, teachers and all people. Division v1-10: The Christians life. v11-18: Final warning and benediction … Read more
Background After defensed both his authority as an apostle and the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ alone, Paul turned to defend the life of Christian freedom. Since Christians are not under law anymore, will that lead to sinful lifestyle? Of course not. Paul taught that alright Christians are called to be free, but … Read more
Background After Paul defensed the doctrine of justification by faith in chapter 3, Paul gave few illustrations in chapter 4 to strengthen his teaching. Division A legal illustration (v1-7) A personal plea (v8-20) An appeal not to turn to legalism (v8-11) An appeal to remember their relationship (v12-16) An appeal to consider Paul’s attitude toward … Read more
Background The Judaizers thought believers would have a more complete salvation and a greater sanctification if they would obey the Law, on top of having faith in Christ. In chapter 3 and 4, Paul presented unbreakable arguments to the Galatians churches to defense justification by faith in Christ alone. Division v1-5: By the experience of … Read more
Background Chapter 2 continues Paul’s defense of his apostolic authority and the gospel he preached, he focused not on the source of his message but on its content. Further, whereas in chapter 1 he emphasized his independence from the other apostles, he now demonstrated that there was a basic unity between himself and them. v1-10: … Read more
Background In chapter one, Paul condemned (v9) the false teaching of salvation by law. He defended the gospel he taught was a direct revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ (v12). Paul’s journey in his early years as believers After Paul experience the vision of Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:4), he some … Read more
Background Theme Justification by faith in Christ alone, liberty in Christ. Galatia Galatia is within the modem day Turkey. It was conquered by the Romans in 189 B.C., but allowed them to have some measure of independence until 25 B.C. when Galatia became a Roman province. Before 25 B.C., Galatia was referring to the northern … Read more
Strong believers ought to consider weaker believers (v1) Do not please ourselves, please others instead, like Christ (v3, Ps 69:9) Do not cause our weaker brothers to stumbles (14:21) Do not despise our weaker brothers (14:2) Accept one another, like Christ (v7) We do this to with hope to build up (14:19), not to tear … Read more
