A Light to the Nations

In Galatians, Paul maintains that God’s promise to Abraham was implemented in Christ; and that this “freedom from the curse” was accomplished specifically through his going to the cross, essentially becoming a curse for us. The basis for his conclusion is neither philosophical or mystical, but is the same as in all his letters: Scriptural, that is, according to that which is written. Here his reference is Deuteronomy. Galatians 3 is a striking example of the Apostle’s strict approach to teaching. We see how he bases his conclusion solely on Scripture. He does not offer any ideas of his own, nor does he reach any conclusions that come from outside the text. He simply reads Scripture and reminds his hearers of what is said and shows them what is written. Even when he says “these two things are an allegory” in Chapter 4, we shouldn’t understand the term as a story that communicates some hidden meaning. Scripture never does that. We should hear Paul’s words (it’s actually a verb in Greek - “allegorized”) in the general sense of “metaphor,” that is, an example whose meaning is explained by the text itself. 

Notes :
Genesis 15:6
Ezekiel 34:23-24; 37:24
Galatians 3:23-18; 19-20; 4:21-25
Hebrews 7:27-28
Psalm 2; 110
זַרְעֶֽךָ (zar-e-kā) - seed
σπέρματι (spermati) - seed
ἀλληγορούμενα (allēgoroumena) - allegorized


“Passing Clouds” performed by Roger Limb.
“Koran” performed by Delirium. 

Photo by Pixabay: https://www.pexels.com/photo/job-print-on-book-159679/

What is A Light to the Nations?

A Light to the Nations is a bi-weekly podcast examining all parts of the biblical story from a functional perspective. Instead of asking what words means, we consider instead their function, i. e., how they are used in other parts of the Bible. In each episode will discuss the functionality of words and how that allows us hear the teaching.