INTRODUCTION The meaning of the two sons in this passage is absolutely basic to all spiritual wisdom. If we listen to carnal whispers will get this all tangled up—and we must not. THE TEXT: Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? For it is … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION The outline of Paul’s appeal is now plain. He then turns to make a personal appeal to the Galatians. Their potential apostasy involves much more than simply following an argument—although it includes that. That "much more" has to do with their personal … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION Not only do we have a contrast between the old Israel and the new, we also have a contrast between the old world and the new, between the old heavens and old earth, and the new heavens and the new earth. THE TEXT: Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did … [Read more...]

INTRODUCTION We continue our discussion of the relationship of the old Israel and the new Israel. In making the obvious comparisons, Paul changes the figure slightly. THE TEXT: Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though … [Read more...]

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...]