Social And Historical Context Of Galatians Flashcards
(49 cards)
What is the primary issue Paul addresses in his letter to the Galatians?
The Galatians’ overemphasis on their Jewish heritage and the potential devaluation of Christ’s work
Paul warns that this could lead to a faith in human efforts for acceptance by God.
How does Paul view the impact of the Galatians’ focus on Jewish traditions?
It could lead to a perversion of the gospel and make faith in Christ just one of many steps in salvation
Paul emphasizes that the gospel must remain centered on faith in Christ alone.
What societal issue does Paul highlight that threatens the unity of the Christian Church?
A dangerous class structure and the tendency to look down on others based on cultural or religious backgrounds
Paul points out that this attitude can create divisions among Christians.
According to Paul, what is the implication of insisting on strict Jewish rules among Christians?
It would lead to viewing uncircumcised Christians as second class citizens
This distinction undermines the unity that Christ intended for the church.
What does Paul assert about the nature of acceptance by God?
Faith in Christ, not adherence to any set of laws, opens the door to acceptance by God
This is a central theme in Paul’s message to the Galatians.
What does Galatians 3:28 state about equality in Christ?
In Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female
This verse emphasizes the breaking down of societal barriers in the Christian faith.
What internal evidence supports Paul as the author of Galatians?
Paul is mentioned by name at both the beginning and the end of the letter
The personal and autobiographical tone of the letter also supports this attribution.
True or False: Paul describes the Galatians as being involved in serious moral corruption like the Corinthians.
False
The Galatians are characterized by their focus on Jewish traditions rather than moral corruption.
Fill in the blank: Paul’s concern was that the Galatians would start trusting in their own ______ to gain acceptance by God.
[human efforts]
This refers to their adherence to the law and traditions.
What does Paul believe Jesus came to do regarding divisions among people?
Tear down walls between people
Paul’s message emphasizes unity and acceptance in Christ.
What is the significance of external evidence for the authenticity of Galatians?
Quoted or alluded to in 1 Peter, Barnabas, 1 Clement, Polycarp’s letter to the Philippians, Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen
Additionally, both Marcion’s and the Muratorian canon list Galatians.
Why did Paul write the Letter to the Galatians?
- To refute the Judaisers’ false gospel
- To re-establish his authority
- To remind the Galatians of the real basis of their salvation
What false gospel did the Judaisers teach?
Circumcision was essential to salvation
They believed faith and works were necessary for being a good Christian.
What was one danger of the Judaisers’ teachings for Gentile converts?
Gentiles would be put off coming to the faith because of circumcision
This could lead to a two-tier system of Christianity.
How did Paul defend his apostleship?
- Received by revelation, divine source
- Independent of the Jerusalem apostles
What is the real basis of salvation according to Paul?
Salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone
This counters the arguments of the Judaisers.
What did Paul teach about godly living?
It is the evidence of faith
This was a response to the antinomianists’ belief that salvation by faith allowed for a life without moral constraints.
What is the definition of antinomianism?
The belief that under grace, moral law is not binding on Christians
Antinomianists argued that once saved, one could live as they pleased.
What Greek idea influenced the antinomianists’ view of the body?
What you did in the body did not matter in spiritual terms
This concept led to the belief that the body was unimportant.
What is the key verse of Paul’s letter?
‘Know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.’ 2:16
How is one justified according to Paul’s letter?
By faith in Jesus Christ.
What does the law prove according to the content of the letter?
Our sinfulness and our need of a saviour.
What is the North Galatian Theory?
The belief that Paul’s letter was sent to churches in the geographical region of Galatia, which is in northern Turkey.
What is the South Galatian Theory?
The view that Paul wrote the letter to churches in the political province of Galatia, including cities like Lystra, Derbe, and Iconium.
