"Great Catch of Fish," John August Swanson. Used by permission from the artist.
Image © by John August Swanson. Artwork held in the Luther Seminary Fine Arts Collection, St. Paul, Minn.
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One in Christ
Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29 Commentary
by Frank L. Crouch
So many resources focus on the question of “faith vs. works” or “the Law as tutor or disciplinarian” in this passage that, for a change of pace, we’ll explore other homiletical avenues.
“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? ... Did you experience so much for nothing?”
This comment shows Paul at his most raw (or perhaps that distinction belongs to the letter’s opening (1:8-9) or his wish that his opponents castrate themselves (5:12)). Everyone who has been deeply involved in congregational life has felt similar frustration. Fortunately, our reactions don’t usually become immortalized like Paul’s (although some blog entries or social media comments might come close).
But, also, fortunately his frustration is immortalized because the dynamics behind his words are so common. It should be made clear, though, that Paul is not reacting to disputes over petty things, such as the color of pew cushions or whether to have cushions at all. The conflict he’s addressing involves a deep disagreement over what matters most in life and in relationship to God.
A detailed analysis of Paul’s “faith vs. works” argument -- important ...
Commentary | Bible Text
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The narrative lectionary is a four-year cycle of readings. Read more.
Narrative Lectionary 084: One in Christ
May 12, 2013
Join Profs. Rolf Jacobson, Mary Shore, and Craig Koester for "I Love to Tell the Story," a weekly conversation on the narrative lectionary. The readings for Seventh Sunday of Easter are Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29; and Luke 1:68-73.