Introduction to Paul: Galatians 11/27/17 Professor Tate

Vocabulary “occasional” circumcision faction James the Just justification (faith vs. works)

What We Know About Paul Was a devout Pharisee who persecuted Christians before converting himself. Focused his energy on missionizing to Gentiles (as opposed to Jews) Traveled and founded churches in various cities, teaching them the basics of the Christian faith before moving on. Kept up with the churches he founded through letters, addressing their questions and the problems that arose in his absence. Wrote his letters in the mid-50s C.E. (our earliest Christian literature).

The Occasion for Paul’s Letter to the Galatians I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—not that there is another gospel, but there are some who are confusing you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. (1:6-7) Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace…For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that founts is faith working through love. (5:2-6)

Justification by Faith vs. Justification by Works We know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law…If justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing (2:16, 21)

Paul’s Logic Just as Abraham “believed in God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying “All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you.” For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed. (3:6-9)

Why the Law? Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith…There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male or female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise. (3:23-29)

But It’s Personal… As we have said before, so now I repeat, if anyone proclaims to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let that one be accursed! Am I now seeking human approval, of God’s approval? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still pleasing people, I would not be a servant of Christ. (1:9-10)

Competing Conversions Luke-Acts Paul Auditory revelation “He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (9:4) “The men who were traveling with him stood speechless, because they heard the voice but saw no one.” (9:7) Visual revelation “But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his son to me…” (1:16)

Competing Conversions Luke-Acts Paul Paul is struck blind and cannot regain his sight until a disciple lays his hands on him. (9:17-18) Makes no mention of anyone else being present, and does not admit to losing control of his faculties.

Competing Conversions Luke-Acts Paul Does mention that he will spread the gospel to Jew and Gentile alike. (9:15) Claims that the risen Jesus himself sent him to spread the gospel specifically to Gentiles (1:16)

Competing Conversions Luke-Acts Paul After his conversion, when he begins to spread the gospel, he faces persecution. The other disciples come to his rescue. (9:20-25) Claims to have done his own thing and insists that he “did not confer with any human being, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were already apostles before me” (1:16-17)

Competing Conversions Luke-Acts Paul Paul goes to Jerusalem just a few days after his conversion in order to be incorporated with the established group of Jesus’ apostles. They are suspicious of him because he used to persecute Christians, but they soon accept him. (9:26-27) Doesn’t return again until 14 years later. (2:2)

How does Luke-Acts portray Paul’s relationship to the Christian movement? Based upon what you know, what might be motivating Luke to portray Paul in this way?

How does Paul portray his own relationship to the Christian movement? What might be motivating him to present himself in this way?

Which, if any, version of events do you think is the most historically reliable?