Is Paul’s framing of the ethical responsibility of followers of Christ adequate? How does “faith” relate to living life appropriately?
Paul stresses the freedom we have in Jesus Christ and repeatedly cites the concerns over circumcision as he does so. Rather than read this and feel that circumcision is a critical problem of our day, how can we ground this reference point in the world of the Galatians? What might be a similar marker in our current date that would function similarly to this?
Applying the Text:
Paul lists the ‘fruits of the spirit’ as “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (5:22-23). How do you see these gifts in your own communities? Are some of these gifts more available to you than others?
Paul’s arguments about the relationship of Faith and the Law has often affected the relationship between Christians and Jews. If you were explaining Galatians to a Jewish friend, what would you say?