The Pauline Epistles Galatians1 and 2 Thessalonians June

The Pauline Epistles: Galatians/1 and 2 Thessalonians June 2, 2007

Epistle to the Galatians § Roman Provinces: § Galatia, Asia, Macedonia (Northern Greece) § Achaia (Southern Greece) § Likely recipients: Churches in Pisidian Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe (located in southern part of Galatia). § This area was evangelized during Paul’s first missionary journey: Acts 13, 14 § Written 48 or 49 A. D. (perhaps earliest letter)

Galatians-Major Themes § “Until Christ Is Formed in You” § Prior to conversion, the Galatians had been “enslaved to beings that by nature are not gods” (4: 8). Spiritual realities foster forms of character contrary to that of Christ. Having been transformed by God, Paul claims that “Christ lives in me” (2: 20). § In practice: giving oneself for the benefit or sake of others, after the model of Christ’s selfless giving (5: 13; 6: 2; 1: 4; 2: 20).

Galatians-Themes cont. § Paul’s accusations are twofold: § A. “Evil Eye Wielders”— 3: 1: “Who has bewitched you? ” or “Who has injured you with the evil eye? ” (Cf. Mark 7: 22; Matt. 6: 23)—character marked by envy, jealousy, or anger. § This is meant to mark a significant change in the spiritual power influencing the Galatians.

Galatians—themes cont. § B. “Sorcerers of Enmity”— 4: 16, 17: Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may be zealous for them. § They began with the Spirit (3: 3) and in faith (3: 2, 5), but other spiritual forces wedged themselves into the fellowship. § Paul associates the [works of] the law (as taught by the agitators) (5: 18) with the works of the sinful nature (5: 19 -21).

Galatians—themes cont. § “Sorcery” and “enmity” both appear in the list of 5: 20 -21(“enmity” immediately follows “sorcery”). During this period, hatred spells and separation curses were common. § Typical hatred curse: “Let X and Y hate Z; let them hate him with a great hatred and not wish to see him. ”

Galatians—themes cont. § Alternative: Spirit-filled character (5: 2226) and inclusion by faith, with the Jews, into a family of heirs to the promise of Abraham (3: 26 -29). CONTRAST 3: 26, 27 with the emphasis on the agitators’ attempt to promote division and enmity.

SUMMARY-Galatians § The Galatians are susceptible to spiritual realities other than the SPIRIT OF GOD, because of the malevolent (demonic) influence of the agitators. § Paul associates (1) one’s pattern of life/character with (2) “elements [forces] of the world” (4: 3, 9) and the “worlds” in which they operate.

Galatians-4: 12 -20 “become like me…” (resilient in commitment to gospel). § “You have done me no wrong”—the initial response and character of the Galatians: they did not reject (spit) Paul (4: 14); rather, in vulnerability and risk they received him. § Paul contends: the Spirit of God was at work in you—what happened? Whatever the Judaizers may have taught, it completely undermined “putting on Christ. ” (3: 27, etc. ).

1 Thessalonians § Written 45 A. D. (earliest letter)—future eschatological expectation plays a key role. § Gentile Audience: Paul gives thanks for how the Thessalonians’ reception of the gospel became a powerful witness to others: they “turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom he raised…”(9 b, 10).

1 Thess. § Previous passage provides rough sketch of Paul’s original missionary preaching: resurrection of Jesus from dead and he will return to save his people from wrath. § The role of the Thessalonians is not JUST TO WAIT, but “to wait” (v. 10) and “to SERVE (douleuein) God. ” Also v. 3 § Live now in honor of the future-directed hope. MAINTAIN LOVING ACTIONS, reject passivity…

1 Thess. § 1 Thess. 3: 12 -13—this is an intercessory prayer: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love…may he strengthen your hearts at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. ” LOVE AND HOPE linked. § Not an exhortation (primarily), but a PRAYER.

1 Thess. § LOVE and GOD’S POWER TO EQUIP US is also an important theme tied to previously mentioned; captured in CONCLUDING PRAYER: § “May God…himself sanctify you entirely…at the coming…The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this. ” 5: 23 -24

HOPE OF THE RESURRECTION § 4: 13 -18—hope of reunion with those “who have fallen asleep. ” § Parousia—This term refers to the “arrival of a king or emperor. ” apantesis 4: 18—”encourage one another with these words. ” Then, EXHORATIONS: STAY AWAKE, put on armor (faith, love, hope) (5: 8).

1 Thess. -Summary NEITHER PASSIVITY NOR FEVERED STRIVING, BUT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT GOD IS WORKING AMONG THEM TO PREPARE THEM FOR DAY OF THE LORD THROUGH WORKS OF LOVE.

2 Thessalonians 2 2: 10 -12 § LOVE § TRUTH § BELIEVE (TRUST) § DESIRE for goodness/faith GLORY § § DECEPTION FALSITY (2: 9) EVIL ARROGANCE; selfexaltation “do not know God” “do not obey the gospel” JUDGMENT (2: 8)

2 Thessalonians 3 § Vv. 1 -5: PRAYER REQUEST-spread of gospel amid faithlessness. Vv. 4, 5: prayer turns back toward recipients (obedience, love, and endurance). vv. 6 -15: Discipline/pattern of life (“in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, keep away from any brother who lives an undisciplined life”

2 Thessalonians 3 § Lazy and haphazard regard for others and their goods. § Devote more “work” hours to meddling in the affairs of others than in doing “their work”—aloof and ungrateful (3: 11). § “Apostolic pattern” for IMITATION (3: 9). Work to alleviate or preclude burdens upon others. LOVING ACTIONS (Proverb: “he who does not work shall not eat”).