INTRODUCTION If our salvation is based on promise, not upon law, then what is the law for? What is based on the law? What role does it have? THE TEXT: Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION We have learned that those who are under the law are under a curse. This is because being under the law does not mean that one keeps the law; rather, it means that one does not keep it, and is therefore under condemnation. How can sinful men be delivered from this … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION We come now to the glorious example of Abraham, and the apostle Paul draws much gold out of the mines of Genesis. We will be occupied with this gold for much of the remainder of the third chapter of Galatians. THE TEXT: Even as Abraham believed God, and it … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION The reason there is a crisis in Galatia is because the saints have given the time of day to a teacher or teachers they ought to have ignored. Paul brings this basic problem home to the Galatian believers in a very pointed way. THE TEXT: O foolish Galatians, … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION We now come to a discussion of a showdown between Peter and Paul at Antioch. The confrontation, the reasons for it, and the solution to it, are all filled with instruction for us. THE TEXT: But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION The ancient church, like the modern church, was not without its tensions and differences. Those tensions existed even among the apostles, and how they were addressed gives us direction and guidance. THE TEXT: But of these who seemed to be somewhat, … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION In the Christian faith, particular events, schedules, persons and conversations matter. They matter because we are talking about God’s intervention in history. The gospel is not a detached and abstracted affair—a set of timeless truths in the heavenlies. … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION Paul now gives a detailed account of his trips to Jerusalem. This was not important in itself, but it had become important because of the false accusations that had been leveled at him. THE TEXT: But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION We have all heard about the conversion of Saul on the road to Damascus. But what exactly was he converted from? The answer to this question is highly significant, and we need to get it right if we are to understand the rest of this epistle. THE TEXT: For ye … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION We now come to one of the great claims made in this epistle. The gospel is divine, not man-made, and this truth involves much more than might be assumed at first glance. THE TEXT: But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not … [Read more...]