Problem: This passage is difficult to understand, because it is so tightly woven into the OT. Is Paul handling the OT properly?
09
Dec
2021
08
Dec
2021
Gal 2:16 – Are we saved by grace or works?
Problem: Many people in false religions teach that salvation and forgiveness of sins are obtained by faith and good works. Many appeal to Scripture to support this idea. But, when these verses are examined in context, they do not teach that works of any kind save us. In fact, the Bible clearly teaches that were saved without the works of the law. This is because nobody can keep the Law perfectly. God requires holiness (1 Pet. 1:16), nothing less.
07
Dec
2021
Gal. 2:1-10 – Is this passage referring to the Council of Jerusalem (in Acts 15) or is it something else?
Problem: Some scholars believe that Acts 15 and Galatians 2:1-10 are describing the same event from two different perspectives, because these two events have so much in common.[1] First, both passages describe an important event in Jerusalem. Second, both passages have the same people involved (e.g. Paul, Barnabas, Peter, James and Judaizers). Third, both passages seem to be dealing with the same subject (i.e. Gentile acceptance and participation in both salvation and fellowship). Fourth, both passages mention that circumcision is not necessary for salvation. And fifth, both passages refer to the internal struggles of Christian believers. Are these passages describing the same event?
06
Dec
2021
Gal. 2:2, 6, 9 – Why does Paul write that these men were of reputation? Is he being condescending?
Problem: Paul writes about the other apostles in a bizarre way. It almost seems as though he is talking down to them. He writes, “To those who were of reputation…” (Gal. 2:2), “Those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me)…” (Gal. 2:6), and “Who were reputed to be pillars…” (Gal. 2:9) These descriptions almost seem sarcastic. Was Paul trashing the other apostles?
04
Dec
2021
Gal 2:1 – What did Paul do in the 14 year period before his second journey?
Problem: Scholars have referred to this period of Paul’s life as “Paul’s Lost Years.” Many have held that Paul was reflecting on the Old Testament out in the wilderness somewhere like Elijah. Perhaps, during these so-called “Lost Years,” Paul was studying to become an official minister in the church. Is this the case?
03
Dec
2021
Gal 1:15 – Does this passage support the doctrine that God predestines some people to heaven and others to hell?
Problem: Some Calvinist interpreters hold that this passage supports the notion that God predestines humans for heaven or hell, while they are still in their “mother’s womb.” Is this the case?
02
Dec
2021
Gal 1:13 – Did Paul’s personality change after his conversion?
Problem: God personally created us in our mother’s womb (Ps. 139:13). Therefore, our personality and temperament were created by God. Does God change our personality, when we come to Christ?
01
Dec
2021
Gal 1:11-12 – Did Paul receive the Gospel from man or not?
Many have argued that there is a necessary contradiction between 1 Corinthians 15 and Galatians 1. In 1 Corinthians 15, Paul received a creed (formulaic statement of belief) and passed it on to the Corinthians. This creed was probably composed shortly after Jesus‘ crucifixion by various Christians. Many scholars argue that Paul likely received this creed from the Jerusalem apostles (cf. Gal. 1-2). However, Paul says in Galatians 1:11-12 that he did not receive the Gospel from man.
30
Nov
2021
Gal. 1:6-9 – How can Paul desire these men to be “accursed,” when Jesus tells us to “love our enemies?”
Problem: Jesus taught that we should love our enemies (Mt. 5:44), but Paul prays a curse over his enemies. This word for “accursed” is anathema. Colin Brown writes,
29
Nov
2021
Gal. 1:1-5 – Why doesn’t Paul pray in his introduction?
CLAIM: In Greek culture, most people would introduce a letter with thanksgiving and a greeting. In fact, it was considered shameful and offensive to dive immediately into the letter. Paul opens his letter with prayer and thanksgiving in every other letter. Why not this one?
28
Nov
2021
2 Cor. 12:12 – Does this passage teach that the charismatic gifts were only for the apostles?
Problem: Paul writes, “The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles” (2 Cor. 12:12). Cessationist interpreters argue that signs and wonders were given to the apostles in order their unique ministry and message. However, the charismatic gifts are not for today, because this purpose is no longer necessary. Is this the case?
27
Nov
2021
2 Cor 12:7 – What was Paul’s thorn in the flesh?
Problem: Paul writes, “There was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself!” (2 Cor. 12:7) What is the thorn in the flesh?
26
Nov
2021
2 Cor. 12:2 – What is the third heaven?
Problem: Paul writes that a man “was caught up to the third heaven” (2 Cor. 12:2). What is the third heaven?
25
Nov
2021
2 Cor 11:5 – Was Paul the greatest or the least of apostles?
Problem: Here Paul claimed, “I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles” (2 Cor. 11:5). And elsewhere he would have us believe that he is “the least of the apostles” (1 Cor. 15:9). But it would seem that both cannot be true.
Solution: Paul is speaking in different contexts. In one passage, he is speaking with respect to his ability, training, and zeal. However, unlike the other apostles, Paul had persecuted the church of Christ before his conversion and, therefore, considered himself unworthy even to be an apostle (cf. Gal. 1:13; Acts 9:1). So with respect to his preconversion antagonism to Christ he rightly considered himself “the least of the apostles.”
“Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
(2 Cor 11:15)
24
Nov
2021
2 Cor. 8:15 – Why does Paul quote Exodus 16:18?
Problem: Paul writes, “As it is written, ‘He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack’” (2 Cor. 8:15). Paul is citing Exodus 16:18 here, which refers to the manna given out during the Exodus. Why does he cite this passage?