160. To What Do Believers Conform — the meaning of kanōn in Galatians 6:16.

In his conclusion to the letter to the churches of Galatia Paul prays that God’s peace and mercy would be experienced by “as many as conform to this kanoni (rule, standard, formula for rendering service).” The term kanōn only occurs in the New Testament … Continue reading

128. Does “allegorical” Mean “Allegory?” (allēgoroumena) (Galatians 4:24)

Within the context of his theological argument in his letter to the Galatians, rejecting circumcision as necessary for salvation, Paul employs the contrast between Hagar and Ishmael and Sarah and Isaac within Abraham’s household. In Galatians 4:24 he says “which … Continue reading

121. “Redeeming the Cursed and Redeeming Time” (exagorazein) (Galatians 3:13; 4:5; Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5)

Four times in his letters Paul incorporates the compound verb exagorazō — twice in Galatians and once each in Ephesians and Colossians. In his letter to the Christians in Galatia Paul used the verb to describe what the impact of … Continue reading

99. The Wonder of Revelation (apokalupsis Galatians 1:12; 2:2)

Our familiarity with the last book in the New Testament, Revelation (apokalupsis), hides the fact that the use of this noun as the title to describe divine revelation first occurs in the writings of Paul and Peter. This does not … Continue reading

97. The Purpose of Paul’s First Meeting with Peter (historēsai Galatians 1:18)

One of the intriguing questions about the early church is the nature of the relationship between Paul and Peter. Without doubt both men, committed Christian leaders, made a huge impact upon the shape of the Christian church. Their writings document … Continue reading

77. Holding God in contempt – a Human Deception (Galatians 6:7 – muktērizō)

Paul’s choice of words in his letter to Christians in the province of Galatia reflects careful intention. The issues he confronts are extremely serious, the opponents powerful and persuasive, and his audience somewhat befuddled. Strong warnings mingle with cries of … Continue reading