Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 48:22 — 22.1MB)
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Android | TuneIn | RSS
The church at Jerusalem, where Christianity began, was composed entirely of Jewish Christians. Peter had preached the Gospel to the Gentile Centurion Cornelius, which opened the Gospel to Gentiles. The question, then, was whether Gentile Christians were required to be circumcised and keep the Law of Moses. Galatians addresses this issue.
Paul begins his discussion by giving his qualifications. He says he was chosen by God and that his message did not originate with himself. The ordained, even bishops, are not lords of the church. They are dependent on Jesus for their message and hopefully love Jesus and the flock they are called to guide.
Paul says that the view that Gentile Christians must practice circumcision and keep the Law of Moses is heretical.
God calls and has a good plan for each believer, just like he did for Paul. A calling carries with it responsibilities. For Paul it included much study and prayer. He also traveled around the Roman Empire and suffered much persecution.
It is important to cultivate good theology and avoid heresy. The more we know Scripture the more we will be able to recognize false teaching.
It is important to be more concerned about God’s approval than the approval of others. We should be trying to please an audience of One, who is our Master, Jesus Christ.