Paul’s powerful letter to the churches in Galatia, a region of north-central Asia Minor has a dispute over leadership, true and false teachings, and the place of Gentiles in this newly forming faith, Christianity is preserved in the New Testament Book, Galatians. This letter’s style, content, and language all resemble sections of Paul’s letter to the Romans. The central argument Paul wishes to make clear is to clarify Gentiles special status within God’s plan through Christ Jesus. He further argues their inclusion into the covenant of Abraham and Sarah, a clarification on the status of Jewish law and this interesting discussion on ‘new life’ in the Spirit versus the ‘old life’ of flesh. Finally, Paul wishes to convey the deep, eternal hope of Christ through the Holy Spirit as true freedom forever.

Galatians 3:26b-29

“²⁶for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. ²⁷As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. ²⁸There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. ²⁹And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.”

Prayer

Beckoning God, through Christ Jesus you have made me an heir to the promise and continue to call me through the voice of the Holy Spirit to trust that promise. Empowered by such hope, may I have courage to truly accept your commission to be a faithful servant, trusting disciple, now and always, Amen.