Tuesday, June 10 – Galatians 3, 4

1. How are the Gentiles justified? (Galatians 3:8)

2. Whom have those baptized into Christ put on? (Galatians 3:27)

3. What is the difference between the son of the bondwoman and the son of the free woman? (Galatians 4:23)

4. What do Hagar and Sarah represent? (Galatians 4:24)

When Paul writes to the Galatians, he is deeply grieved by the rapid apostasy of these churches. As “The Acts of the Apostles” explains:

“Because of the influence of false teachers who had arisen among the believers in Jerusalem, division, heresy, and sensualism were rapidly gaining ground among the believers in Galatia. These false teachers mingled Jewish traditions with the truths of the gospel, ignoring the decision of the general council at Jerusalem, and urged upon the Gentile converts the observance of the ceremonial law.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 383.1

These teachers also undermined Paul’s authority by claiming he was not a true apostle. Paul responds with clarity and passion.

He reminds the Galatians that they received the Holy Spirit through faith, not by adhering to the law. He urges them to distance themselves from false guides. who “were hypocrites… their religion consisted of a round of ceremonies, the performance of which they hoped to gain the favor of God.” (The Acts of the Apostles, p. 386.4)

The message is clear: “The just shall live by his faith.” (Habakkuk 2:4, NKJV)

Paul explains that the law has a purpose: it reveals God’s character and leads us to Christ: “Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” (Galatians 3:24, NKJV)

Ellen White elaborates on this: “The law reveals sin, and makes known to us our need of Christ… The law of the Ten Commandments… if received in Christ, works in us the purity of character that will bring joy through eternal ages.” (Manuscript 23a, 1896)

“I am asked concerning the law in Galatians. What law is the schoolmaster to bring us to Christ? I answer: Both the ceremonial and the moral code of the Ten Commandments.”
(Manuscript 87, 1900)

In Galatians 4, Paul employs an allegory: Hagar and Ishmael represent the covenant of works; Sarah and Isaac represent the covenant of faith. According to the Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary: “Ishmael was the child of human planning… Isaac was the child of promise.” (SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 6, p. 969) “Paul uses this allegory to illustrate the spiritual bondage into which the Galatians had fallen.” (p. 970)

“As long as man depends on works… he cannot be free… Legalism… kills.” (p. 970)
“Hagar here represents the covenant of works from Sinai… it is not God’s plan that salvation be achieved through works of the law.” (p. 970)

The Galatians were repeating Israel’s mistake: “Literal Israel… was committing the same error Abraham made with Hagar and Ishmael: attempting to accomplish God’s purpose by means of human planning.” (p. 970)

Paul also contrasts two Jerusalems: “The ‘Jerusalem above’ represents the Christian church… Judaism is in bondage; Christianity is free.” (p. 970)

“Christ had broken down the wall of separation between Jews and Gentiles… now all were accepted as equals.” (p. 970) “The glorious prospect of success now belongs to the Christian church, a bearer of light to humanity.” (p. 971)

Paul’s warning remains relevant. Many today commit spiritual idolatry by placing riches, pleasures, or religious traditions above the gospel. Some preach a “Christ plus”: Christ plus works, rituals, or traditions. However, the gospel is not “Christ plus”, it is Christ alone: “For by grace you have been saved through faith… not of works, lest anyone should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8–9, NKJV)

As Peter reminds us: “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9, NKJV)

Let us rejoice today that, as spiritual Israel, we have inherited the privilege of proclaiming the gospel to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6). Let us not return to the bondage of works but remain in the freedom of the gospel of grace.

“Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” (Ephesians 6:24, NKJV)

May you have a blessed and prosperous day.