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J. Vernon McGee · Citado em PreceptAustin
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Vernon McGee has a "salty" comment (as usual) - Probably Paul’s thorn in the flesh was some sort of eye trouble, and it evidently made him very unattractive. I cannot conceive of them wanting to pluck out their eyes and give them to Paul if what he really needed was another leg. Apparently Paul had an eye disease which is common in that land and is characterized by excessive pus that runs out of the eyes You can well understand how unattractive that would be to look at while he was ministering to them. Paul says, “You just ignored it, and received me so wonderfully when I preached the gospel to you.” (See Thru the Bible) THOUGHT - See pix of trachoma [see Mayo clinic description] which is a communicable eye illness which would have made others even more likely to reject one with obvious symptoms/signs - as a former infectious disease specialist I tend to favor trachoma as Paul's revolting illness as it is very common in the middle east. And is it not fascinating that in the context Paul mentions they would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me? Trial (Temptation) (3986)(peirasmos from peirazo = to make trial of, try, tempt, prove in either a good or bad sense - classic Greek of a medical test to prove health or disease) describes first the idea of putting to the test and then refers to the tests or pressures that come in order to discover a person’s nature or the quality of some thing. Despise (regard, treat or view with contempt) (1848)(exoutheneo from ek = an intensifies + outhenéo = bring to naught) is a strong verb which means to despise someone or something on basis that it is worthless or of no value, considered as nothing. To treat someone contemptuously as if completely worthless or despicable. Loathe (only use in NT)(1609)(ekptuo from ek = out + ptuo = to spit) means literally to spit out used anciently as a gesture to ward off illness or demonic threat (see Schlier below). BDAG = "to eject saliva as an expression of contempt." Spit in token of disgust. The figurative idea is to reject with a measure of disdain. The point is that they did not do this to Paul when he preached the Gospel to them! And recall that Paul had some type of illness which makes this an interesting verb to use in the context. One might say the Galatians believers did not spit out at him as did superstitious pagans! Schlier - The Galatians did not see in Paul a person demon-possessed because of his sickness, and so they did not spit at him in the ancient gesture of self-defense against demons or misfortune. There are many examples of spitting both in incantations and for the healing of sickness, and spittle came into use in Christian baptism in connection with exorcism. The Galatians, however, received Paul as an angel of God. (See context in Theological Dictionary of the New Testament: Abridged)
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McGee - “Known of God” actually means approved of God or to be acknowledged of God. They had come to Christ through faith and God accepts that. Most of the believers in the Galatian churches were Gentiles. Now that they were Christians, they were turning to the Mosaic Law, which is, as Paul says, like going back into the idolatry they came out of. (See context Thru the Bible Vol. 46: The Epistles Galatians) Paul places the emphasis on God knowing us rather than us knowing God, which is similar to John's declaration. We could only come to know God because He first knew us! And why did God know us? Because He loved us as John says... In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and (NOTE THAT "LOVE" IS AN ACTION VERB - BECAUSE GOD...) sent His Son to be the propitiation (hilasmos = God's wrath is satisfied by the Son's sacrifice for it was "paid in full" or tetelestai - cf Jn 19:30+) for our sins. (1 John 4:10+) Or rather to be known by God - This is the key, that God knows them (and us). God initiated their salvation having even "sent forth the Spirit of His Son into " their hearts (Gal 4:6). No man "seeks for God." (Ro 3:11). God seeks sinful men, just as He sought Saul on the Damascus Road, while Saul was seeking to persecute disciples of Jesus (Read Acts 9:1-6+) And what should cause us daily to be thankful is the true that "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world." (Eph 1:4+). This is amazing grace indeed! Jesus spoke of the importance of one being known by God when He gave one of the most stern and frightening warnings in all of Scripture... “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ (THEY CLAIM TO "KNOW" GOD - THEY CLAIM JESUS AS LORD BUT REALLY THEY ARE THE "LORD" OF THEIR LIVES) will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does (present tense - as one's lifestyle, not perfection, but direction...toward Heaven, not Hell!) the will of My Father Who is in heaven will enter. 22 “Many (NOTE THIS ADJECTIVE - NOT JUST A FEW) will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’ (AGAIN THEY CLAIM TO "KNOW" JESUS BUT THEN THE JUDGE BANGS HIS GAVEL AND DECLARES THEIR SENTENCE - AN ETERNAL LIFE SENTENCE TO SPIRITUAL DEATH!) 23 “And then I will declare to them, ‘I never (GREEK NEGATIVE MEANS NEVER AT ANY TIME) knew you; DEPART (COMMAND IN aorist imperative - DO THIS NOW!) FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE (ergazomai in present tense = THEY CONTINUALLY ACTIVELY WORK AT ACCOMPLISHING) LAWLESSNESS.’(Mt 7:21-23+) THOUGHT - Dear reader, do you truly know Jesus, or better yet does He truly know you as His own possession (Titus 2:14)? If not "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved" (Acts 16:31+) The question is now that you are free in Christ and are "adults" (spiritually speaking as discussed in Gal 4:1-7) through your faith in Christ, why do you want to revert to your childhood servitude under the law? Why would you want to go back into slavery to the the world, the flesh and the devil? How is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things - Bengel on Paul's "How" - "A question full of wonder!" I would add and also full of shock and sadness. And remember given the context that these are individuals known by God, then they are genuine believers. And yet they have been tempted to turn from the truth that liberates to the lies that enslave. Wayne Barber on turn back - Now why does Paul bring this up, because these are believers? He brings it up because the Galatian believers had chosen rather than to walk in the fullness of the promises, rather than to enjoy the full adult privileges of being intimate with the Father, and walking daily with Him, they have chosen to go back to what their flesh has come up with. They have chosen what can give them nothing but despair, frustration. Paul has been there before himself and he says, why, why would you go back to a slavery that you have been set free from?...Let me ask you a question. Are you living as a slave or are you living as a son? If you are living as a son, the character of Jesus is being manifested in your life. He’s motivating your life. He’s moving your life. He’s presenting His presence in your life. If you are not, you’ve got something you have attached yourself to and chosen to become its slave. And it’s what is driving you. It’s what is framing your mindset. That’s what Paul is trying to get across to the Galatians. He’s not down on them, he’s frustrated. He’s trying to get them back to the place that God would have them to be. (Galatians 4 Commentary-Barber) Guzik on turn back again - In turning to legalism, the Galatians were not turning to a new error, but coming back to an old one – the idea of a works relationship with God. (Galatians 4 – Heirs and Slaves, Grace and Law) Warren
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Vernon McGee - Today I hear legalists claim they are keeping the Mosaic Law, yet they are keeping only the sabbath day. My friend, all the law comes in one package, including the sabbatic year and the Year of Jubilee. James in his epistle said, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (James 2:10). That is, he is guilty of being a lawbreaker. (See context in Thru the Bible ) C H
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McGee - Paul is saying, in a nice way, that he thinks he has wasted his time among them. Since they have been saved by grace, their returning to the Law is the same as returning to their former idolatry. He reminded them that they had not known God by means of the Mosaic Law but by faith in Jesus Christ. (See context in Thru the Bible) I fear (present tense)(5399)(phobeo) means to be in an apprehensive state that can range from mild uneasiness to stark terror. Where Paul was on this continuum is hard to say, but clearly he was very "uneasy!" Paul fears that the worst has happened. Paul's point is that he now knows the Galatians were observing "religious times" and his fear is that his labor would be for nothing, which would be the case if they continued in their attachment to the legalistic practices. I have labored (2872)(kopiao from kopos = labor, fatigue) means to to exhibit great effort and exertion, to the point of sweat and exhaustion (until worn out, depleted), even with the implication of difficulty and trouble. Paul used kopiao in describing his discipleship efforts among the Colossians "For this purpose (THAT THEY BE COMPLETE IN CHRIST - Col 1:28+) also I labor (kopiao - present tense continually), striving according to His power, which mightily works within me." (Col 1:29+). Undoubtedly Paul had worked just as hard among the Galatians, and now instead of being "complete in Christ" he fears they may be going in the opposite direction spiritually! Vain (without cause) (1500)(eike) refers to being without success or effect, to no avail, to no purpose or in vain (having no real value or failing to achieve a desired result). As noted above Paul used this same word in Galatians 3:4. DON ANDERSON'S LESSONS LESSON #1: We become sons and daughters at salvation. LESSON #2: As sons and daughters, we are part of God’s family. LESSON #3: God sent forth His Son and the Spirit to guide us into all truth. LESSON #4: The inheritance is for the family. LESSON #5: God’s timing is always perfect. “He has made everything beautiful in its time . . .” (Ecc. 3:11 NIV). LESSON #6: The cry of relationship is “Abba! Father!” LESSON #7: The Holy Spirit restrains us from evil. LESSON #8: We come from a slave to a son by the Savior through the Spirit. LESSON #9: The two-fold purpose of the Son’s coming into the world is: (1) “in order that he might deliver out by the payment of a ransom those under law” and (2) “in order that we might receive the adoption” (verse 5). LESSON #10: How careful we must be to focus and concentrate upon an ever deepening relationship with Jesus Christ rather than performing for Him. LESSON #11: May God’s Spirit motivate us to press on in perseverance to the finish line. Galatians 4:12 I beg of you, brethren, become as I [am], for I also [have become] as you [are]. You have done me no wrong; KJV Galatians 4:12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. I beg of you, brethren, become as I am Gal 2:14; 6:14; Ge 34:15; 1 Ki 22:4; Acts 21:21; 1 Cor 9:20-23; Phil 3:7,8 You have done me no wrong 2 Cor 2:5 Galatians 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Galatians 4:12-20 - Don Anderson Galatians Study 8; More Notes on Galatians Study 8 Warren Wiersbe's sermon Born Free - Galatians 4 - one of the simplest and most profound expositions you will ever hear on Galatians 4! Paul continues his appeal to his readers to drop their legalism The appeal from his relations to them (Galatians 4:12-20) i. The appeal for them to adopt his position (Galatians 4:12a) ii. The reminder of his past relations to them (Galatians 4:12b-14) iii. The change in their relation to him (Galatians 4:15-18) iv. The travail he is undergoing for them (Galatians 4:19-20) PAUL MAKES A MORE PERSONAL APPEAL Paul's appeal in Galatians 4:12-20 are some of the strongest expressions of deep tenderness and personal affection in any of his letters. John Stott writes " In Galatians 1–3 we have been listening to Paul the apostle, Paul the theologian, Paul the defender of the faith; but now we are hearing Paul the man, Paul the pastor, Paul the passionate lover of souls." (The Message of Galatians) I beg of you, brethren, become as I am - Become is present imperative and so Paul is issuing a command to "Keep on becoming as I am." "Become as I am" is first in the Greek sentence for emphasis. And notice he now calls them brethren which is a touch of compassion. He will end this personal appeal with the endearing phrase "my children (teknon)" (Gal 4:19). What does Paul mean by become as I am? The best answer was given by Paul himself earlier in this letter when he wrote For through the Law I died to the Law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. (Galatians 2:19-20+) “Become like me— delivered from the law and no longer living under it.” They are in danger of being dragged under the Law by the Judaizers and he reminds them that he had died to the Law and that this should be their confession and acknowledgement. Paul made a similar statement to King Agrippa Agrippa replied to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” And Paul said, “I would wish to God, that whether in a short or long time, not only you, but also all who hear me this day, might become such as I am, except for these chains.” (Acts 26:28-29+) NLT Galatians 4:12 Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to live as I do in freedom from these things, for I have become like you Gentiles-- free from those laws.You did not mistreat me when I first preached to you. (Gal 4:12NLT) Donald Campbell - Become like me, for I became like you, that is, “Become free from the Law as I am, for after my conversion I became like the Gentiles, no longer living under the Law.” The irony, however, was that the Galatian Gentiles were putting themselves under the Law after their conversions. John Stott - All Christians should be able to say something like this, especially to unbelievers, namely that we are so satisfied with Jesus Christ, with His freedom, joy and salvation, that we want other people to become like us. (Ibid) John Witmer on become as I am - In the broader sense, Paul presented himself as a model of Christian faith and life, something he does elsewhere as well (1 Cor. 4:16; 11:1), because he introduced them to the Christian faith (v. 13). Paul's life motto was "For to me to live is Christ" (Phil. 1:21), which should be the life objective of every Christian. (Twenty-First Century Biblical Commentary Series – The Books of Galatians & Ephesians: By Grace through Faith) Beg (beseech, request - present tense continually) (1189)(deomai from deo = to bind) indicates Paul was asking for the sake of their spiritual welfare and wholeness, asking even with a sense of a sense of urgency. He is pleading with them to reconsider their way. Brethren (80)(adelphos from a = denotes unity + delphus = a womb) means brother or near kinsman and in this context describes members of the Christian community. Paul here appeals to them as his Christian brothers and sisters in Christ as he seeks to urge them to walk in the same freedom that he had in Christ relying on God's grace and God's Spirit. For I also have become as you are - Note the italicized words which are added by the translators. Literally it reads "for I also as you." The only verb in this sentence is "become" discussed above. NLT paraphrases it "I have become like you Gentiles-- free from those laws."
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Vernon McGee - I had always wanted to place on the pulpit, facing the preacher, the words, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” A very fine officer of the church I served in downtown Los Angeles did this for me after he heard me express this desire. There is another verse I wanted to place on the audience side of the pulpit, but I never had the nerve to do it. It is these words of Paul: “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?” As you know, many folk today really don’t want the preacher to tell the truth from the pulpit. They would much rather he would say something complimentary that would smooth their feathers and make them feel good. We all like to have our backs rubbed, and there is a lot of back-rubbing from the contemporary pulpit rather than the declaration of the truth. (See context in Thru the Bible) Galatians 4:17 They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them. KJV Galatians 4:17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. Hendriksen These people are zealously courting you for no commendable purpose: on the contrary, they want to isolate you, in order that you may zealously court them. They eagerly seek you, Gal 6:12,13; Matthew 23:15; Romans 10:2; 16:18; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Corinthians 11:3,13-15; Philippians 2:21; 2 Peter 2:3,18 Shut you out 1 Corinthians 4:8,18 Galatians 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Galatians 4:12-20 - Don Anderson Galatians Study 8; More Notes on Galatians Study 8 Warren Wiersbe's sermon Born Free - Galatians 4 - one of the simplest and most profound expositions you will ever hear on Galatians 4! NON-COMMENDABLE COURTING OF GALATIAN BELIEVERS Commendable means worthy of high praise, deserving praise; admirable, creditable or meritorious; doing something in an admirable manner. If you describe someone's behaviour as commendable, you approve of it or are praising it. Paul is stating exactly the opposite -- the behavior of the Judaizers is not worthy of praise, which is an understatement! They - Who is they? The context would support the interpretation that it was those (presumably Judaizers) who have misled them about Paul and the truth of their freedom in the Gospel. (Read Galatians 1:7, 9+, Galatians 2:4+) In short, they are evil seducers! Are they not imitating their father the devil by laying seductive snares for the Galatians (cf 1 Ti 3:7, 2 Ti 2:26) Couch writes "They did not have a Christ-centered desire, but rather a selfish one. They wanted to convert these new Christians to rethink their salvation and make them return to legalism. They wanted to isolate those who were trusting in Christ. This is generally the practice of cults—to make their followers exclusive, to keep them from talking with others. Paul writes, "They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out"—that is, they wanted to keep the Galatians from the company or influence of Paul, or from the companionship of others who might think the same way, to the end that the Galatians "may seek them" (Twenty-First Century Biblical Commentary Series – The Books of Galatians & Ephesians: By Grace through Faith)
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Vernon McGee - Paul is saying that it is good to seek that which is the very best, but these Judaizers are after you in order to scalp you. They want to put your scalp on their belt and be able to say, “We were over at Galatia, and we had so many converts”—which, of course, would not be actually true. (See context Thru the Bible) Todd Wilson - The agitators are self-centered, not Christ-centered. They want to use the Galatians, not serve them. They share in “the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy” (Luke 12:1+). But Paul worries that they’ve leavened the whole lump (cf. Gal 5:9). So he further strengthens his appeal to the Galatians by drawing a sharp contrast between himself and the agitators. Paul, we must remember, is calling the Galatians not simply away from the agitators but back to himself. Thus he presents the Galatians with two divergent portraits—one of the agitators and one of himself—and leaves the Galatians to choose which they’ll have. Paul has already displayed the aims and intentions of the agitators (Gal 4:17). Now he must paint his own portrait in the remaining verses of this passage (Gal 4:18-20). And as he does so, the contrast at once becomes clear. While the agitators pursue the Galatians for personal gain, the suffering apostle serves them with his purposeful pain.(See context Galatians: Gospel-Rooted Living)
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McGee - False teachers are often very attractive. I am amazed at the very fine presentation the cults make. I have watched them on television programs that are done to perfection. That is the subtle part of it. Everything is beautiful to look at, and those taking part are attractive individuals. Also they present a certain amount of truth. For example, I listened to a man who is a liberal give the Christmas story during the Christmas season. No one could have told it better than he did. It was an excellent presentation. But when he began to interpret it, I realized that he didn’t even believe in the virgin birth of Christ. You see, the warning of Paul both to the Galatian and Corinthian (2 Cor 12:12–15) believers is very timely for our generation also. (See Thru the Bible) Charles Swindoll - As a pastor, what I find so disturbing about Paul's letter to the Galatians is not that its readers were stuck in a works mentality—most people in the world fit that description—but that although the Galatians had once embraced the message of grace, they decided to shift back to the message of works! In fact, Paul ended the last section with an exasperated exclamation: "I am perplexed about you" (Gal 4:20). (See context Insights on Galatians, Ephesians) David Guzik (enduringword) - This section, Galatians 4:12-20, shows us principles for the attitude for people in the church toward their pastor. Their attitude must not be determined by his personal appearance or personality. Their attitude must not be determined by their own theological whims. Their attitude should be determined by his loyalty to the apostolic message in the Bible. ii. This section, Galatians 4:12-20, shows us principles for the attitude for the pastor towards the people in his church. He must be willing to serve and sacrifice for his people. He must tell them the truth. He must love his people deeply; never for a selfish motive. He must desire to see more than mere excitement, but zeal for good things. He must desire to form Jesus in them, not himself in them. (Galatians 4 – Heirs and Slaves, Grace and Law) Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not listen to the law? KJV Galatians 4:21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law? NET Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not understand the law? GNT Galatians 4:21 Λέγετέ μοι, οἱ ὑπὸ νόμον θέλοντες εἶναι, τὸν νόμον οὐκ ἀκούετε; NLT Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who want to live under the law, do you know what the law actually says? ESV Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? CSB Galatians 4:21 Tell me, those of you who want to be under the law, don't you hear the law? NIV Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, are you not aware of what the law says? NAB Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? NKJ Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? NJB Galatians 4:21 Tell me then, you are so eager to be subject to the Law, have you listened to what the Law says? GWN Galatians 4:21 Those who want to be controlled by Moses' laws should tell me something. Are you really listening to what Moses' Teachings say? NRS Galatians 4:21 Tell me, you who desire to be subject to the law, will you not listen to the law? YLT Galatians 4:21 Tell me, ye who are willing to be under law, the law do ye not hear? BBE Galatians 4:21 Say, you whose desire it is to be under the law, do you not give ear to the law? Tell me, you who want to be under law Galatians 4:9; 3:10,23,24; Romans 6:14; 7:5,6; 9:30-32; 10:3-10 do you not listen Matthew 21:42-44; 22:29-32; John 5:46,47 to the law John 10:34; 12:34; 15:25; Romans 3:19 Galatians 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Galatians 4:21-5:1 - Don Anderson Galatians Study 9; More Notes on Galatians Study 9 Warren Wiersbe's sermon Born Free - Galatians 4 - one of the simplest and most profound expositions you will ever hear on Galatians 4! Paul continues his appeal to his readers to drop their legalism The appeal from the two contrasted covenants (Galatians 4:21-31) i. The question to those desiring to be under law (Galatians 4:21) ii. The story of Abraham's two sons (Galatians 4:22-23) iii. The allegorical interpretation of the story (Galatians 4:24-30) a. The two mothers representing two covenants (Galatians 4:24a) b. The description of the two covenants (Galatians 4:24b-28) 1. The one representing a covenant of bondage (Galatians 4:24b-25) 2. The other representing a covenant of freedom (Galatians 4:26-28) c. The expulsion of the slave woman and her son (Galatians 4:29-30) iv. The conclusion from the story (Galatians 4:31) PAUL TURNS TO THE LAW TO DEFEND HIS CASE In Galatians 4:21-31 Paul will continue to contrast grace and law, faith and works. In fact notice all of the contrasts Paul uses in this section to make his point clear. Use of contrasts is a great way to teach the truth (see terms of contrast). See table summarizing multiple contrasts in Galatians 4:21-31. Do you have a clear picture that becoming a Christian is a choice between two different ways of seeking the blessing of God? R C
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Vernon McGee - There are people who talk about the Ten Commandments or some legal system, but they don’t talk about the penalty imposed by the Law. They don’t present the Law in the full orb of its ministry of condemnation. Notice what happened when God called Moses to the mountain to give the Law: “And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightnings, and a thick cloud upon the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. (Quoted in A Practical Study of GALATIANS) Spurgeon Morning and Evening of the Vanity of the Law, etc - Why then do we calculate our forces, and consult with flesh and blood to our grievous wounding? Jehovah has power enough without borrowing from our puny arm. Peace, ye unbelieving thoughts, be still, and know that the Lord reigneth. Nor is there a hint concerning secondary means and causes. The Lord says nothing of friends and helpers: He undertakes the work alone, and feels no need of human arms to aid Him. Vain are all our lookings around to companions and relatives; they are broken reeds if we lean upon them—often unwilling when able, and unable when they are willing. Since the promise comes alone from God, it would be well to wait only upon Him; and when we do so, our expectation never fails us. Galatians 4:22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. KJV Galatians 4:22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. it is written that Abraham had two sons Genesis 16:2-4,15; 21:1,2,10 Galatians 4 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Galatians 4:21-5:1 - Don Anderson Galatians Study 9; More Notes on Galatians Study 9 Warren Wiersbe's sermon Born Free - Galatians 4 - one of the simplest and most profound expositions you will ever hear on Galatians 4! The appeal from the two contrasted covenants (Galatians 4:21-31) i. The question to those desiring to be under law (Galatians 4:21) ii. The story of Abraham's two sons (Galatians 4:22-23) iii. The allegorical interpretation of the story (Galatians 4:24-30) ABRAHAM'S TWO SONS The Apostle Paul goes into an incident in the Old Testament concerning Ishmael and Isaac to show that law and grace are incompatible and cannot co-exist.
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McGee - Paul is not saying that the story of Abraham is an allegory––some have interpreted this statement as meaning that––but Paul is saying that the incident of the two women who bore Abraham sons contains an allegory. It has a message for us today. (See context Thru the Bible) Don Anderson comments on allegory - Now I’ve got to talk to you about one more thing. We’re going to see what is called an allegory. This is the only place in the Bible where you have the word “allegory.” There are so many people who have gotten tripped up by this word allegory that they think that’s the only way to interpret the Bible. Everything is an allegory. You don’t have to prove its historicity. You don’t have to show what it’s saying literally. The only reason Paul uses a literal story—now get this in your mind, we’re going to look at the record (it’s literal, it happened for Abraham). Paul is going to take that literal happening and make an allegory out of it because the Judaizing teachers believe that the highest interpretation of the Law was an allegory. So he’s playing right into their court in what he has to say. Don’t let that affect your feelings about the book of Revelation, about any other situation with regard to the scripture. The literal interpretation is always the safest and the only way to be. When you have a parable, when you have a symbolism, a picture where it says “like” you can still interpret it literally. Like I’m teaching the book of Revelation on Monday night. I’ve got the word “like, like, like.” “Like the face of a man.” “Like a calf.” “Like an eagle.” You take the literal interpretation of that passage and apply it to the passage. So I’m just saying that because there are a lot of people who will turn to this passage and say “Well, Paul used an allegory, why can’t I use an allegory and allegorize the life of Christ? Or other things in the scripture?” We can’t. .... Now, to the Jews—the Judaizers, these teachers—they had 4 levels of interpretation whenever they interpreted the Law. The first one would be the LITERAL and they didn’t go there very often. The second would be the SUGGESTED—what do you think it means? The third would be EVOLVED FROM INVESTIGATION— you have really studied the Law, you’ve studied the language and this is the interpretation. And then if you reach the epitome, you would have an ALLEGORICAL interpretation. You would take the story to mean this and that. No sense of literal. Now, we’re just the opposite aren’t we? We come to the book knowing that it is verbally inerrant. It is a rule of faith and practice. It is authoritative. It is God’s Word and when we open it, we take it literally. And if we don’t understand it, we ask the Spirit of God to make it clear to us and we study and agonize over the text until it is clear what it is that is trying to be said in the passage.(Study 9 Teacher Notes) John Piper speaking of the events in Genesis adds "it is fully legitimate to use those stories from Genesis to symbolize and illustrate the later events." (Hagar and Slavery Vs. Sarah and Freedom) Below are several translations which render the Greek word as an illustration not as allegorically speaking... NLT Galatians 4:24 These two women serve as an illustration of God's two covenants. The first woman, Hagar, represents Mount Sinai where people received the law that enslaved them. CSB Galatians 4:24 These things are illustrations, for the women represent the two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai and bears children into slavery-- this is Hagar. GWN Galatians 4:24 I'm going to use these historical events as an illustration. The women illustrate two arrangements. The one woman, Hagar, is the arrangement made on Mount Sinai. Her children are born into slavery. TLB Galatians 4:24 Now this true story is an illustration of God’s two ways of helping people... Jewish NT (David H. Stern) Now, to make a midrash on these things: the two women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai and bears children for slavery — this is Hagar. Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia David Stern's Comment - Greek allêgoroumena, “being allegorized.” Hebrew midrash means “study, interpretation”; it derives from “lidrosh,” “to search.” Most of Jewish midrashic literature brings out ethical and devotional aspects of the Bible, sometimes drawing out and applying what is manifestly there, and sometimes imposing meanings on the texts, although the norm in Judaism is not to make a midrash that violates the p˒shat (simple sense) of the text (see Mt 2:15N). Here Sha’ul goes beyond the p˒shat of the Genesis texts, though without violating them. His application of them is bold and shocking; for although the Judaizers can claim physical descent from Sarah, Sha’ul (PAUL) calls them spiritual descendants of Hagar. Revelation 11:8 has an equally surprising reversal of traditional Jewish identifications. But such shocks are not limited to the New Testament—see Ezekiel 23, 34 and Hosea 1–2 for comparable examples in the Tanakh. (See online source Jewish New Testament and comments of David H. Stern) For these women are two covenants - Hagar and Sarah are not literal covenants of course under the inspiration of the Spirit Paul uses them as illustrations of two covenants. The two mothers and two sons represent two covenants. Hagar and Ishmael represent the Old Covenant of law and works, and Sarah and Isaac represent the Covenant of grace and faith, the Abrahamic Covenant (cf Ge 15:7-17,18+) which was the precursor so to speak of the New Covenant. Barton adds that "Paul didn't say it, but the readers could infer that the other woman represented the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:15-17), the covenant of promise—children of a free woman are free. This covenant of promise looked toward a new covenant, ushered in by Christ. This had already arrived, but the Jews did not accept it. (See context in Life Application Bible Commentary – Galatians) Covenant (1242)(diatheke from diatithemi = set out in order, dispose in a certain order <> from dia = two + tithemi = to place pictures that which is placed between two Thus, a covenant is something placed between two = thus an arrangement between two parties) literally conveys the idea of a testament, as in one's last will and testament. Diatheke uses in Galatians - Gal. 3:15; Gal. 3:17; Gal. 4:24; Related Resources: Covenant: Abrahamic versus Mosaic Covenant: New Covenant in the Old Testament Covenant: Why the New is Better Covenant: Abrahamic vs Old vs New HAGAR ILLUSTRATES THE LAW One proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar - One = One covenant, the Mosaic Covenant, the Old Covenant. At Mt Sinai God gave the Law through Moses and required God’s chosen people, the Jews, to keep all the commands. Mount Sinai was a terrifying experience. Moses warned the Israelites don't go near the mountain or touch the mountain lest you die. (Read Ex 19:12-13, 16, 21; Heb 12:20, 21+) The point was in essence not to go near to the mountain because it symbolizes the Law and if you break the Law you die. And not only that the phrase who are to be slaves describes the fact that it was humanly impossible to keep the Law and thus it produced in essence "religious slaves, as it were, bound to a master from whom they could never escape. Anyone, including a Jew, who attempted to satisfy God and gain freedom from condemnation by trying to live up to that covenant in his own self-righteousness was spiritually like a child of Hagar, the bondwoman (ED: AND THIS INCLUDED THE JUDAIZERS WHO PRIDED THEMSELVES ON BEING FROM SARAH NOT HAGAR - BUT AS STERN SAYS HERE PAUL IS SAYING SINCE THEY ARE SLAVES TO THE LAW THEY ARE LIVING LIKE HAGAR IS THEIR MOTHER! TALK ABOUT MAKE THEM MAD!). He (ED: THE ONE TRYING TO KEEP THE LAW GIVEN AT MOUNT SINAI) was a slave, struggling for a freedom he could not obtain by his own efforts." (MacArthur) Can you imagine the impact this statement by Paul had on the Judaizers? To reiterate, note what Paul is doing under the inspiration of the Spirit -- he is comparing the Jews (those who did not receive Jesus - Jn 1:11-12) to Ishmael, a Gentile, instead of to Isaac, a Jews, because the Christ-rejecting Jews (including those seducing the Galatian believers) proudly considered themselves as children of Abraham (e.g., read Jn 8:33 where the even got their history wrong! They had been enslaved in Egypt! Cf the cry of the rich man in Hades who still "lays claim" to Abraham as his father! Genetically yes, spiritually no! see Lk 16:24-25+) and under the covenant with Abraham. The missed the vital truth that the Abrahamic Covenant could be entered into only by grace through faith, not by works! And so in their centuries long spiritual confusion, the Jews (who rejected Messiah) failed to realize that they were children of the covenant with Moses, the covenant of law! Barton goes on to elaborate that "The Judaizers claimed superiority for their point of view by claiming that the blessings of the covenant came to descendants of Abraham through Isaac. Gentile Christians could be "adopted" into Abraham's covenant group by accepting circumcision. Paul contradicted the Judaizers by showing that those who promote (KEEPING) the law for salvation or sanctification demonstrate the characteristics of slavery to the law. Paul claimed that they were products of the Sinai covenant, not Abraham's covenant. Trying to win salvation by obeying the law leads to slavery, and as the Jews persisted in this pattern, they showed themselves to be enslaved to their law. Thus, the covenant with Moses on Mount Sinai "bears children who are to be slaves" (niv). Although the Jews had descended from Abraham and Isaac, as they tried to piously obey their laws, they were actually slaves to it! As slaves, they were more like children of the slave woman, Hagar. Thus, they were more like Ishmael than Isaac. (See context in Life Application Bible Commentary – Galatians) Paul's argument is brilliant, peerless and piercing! Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible - Hagar, that is, the law, bears children to slavery. The law says "do this" and "don't do that." It demands and insists on obedience. It enslaves a person to do exactly what it says. Therefore, if a person hopes to approach God in his own goodness, merit, virtue, morality, and righteousness, he is in bondage to the law. He must keep it in order to be good and moral and righteous and to earn the favor of God. The law, the rules and regulations of goodness and righteousness, enslaves him. (Keep in mind, Paul is not saying the law is not good. We are to live righteously and morally, but we are not acceptable to God because of our goodness and self-efforts. We do not save ourselves; we are not to be praised because of our works and goodness. Praise belongs to God. God is the One who saves us. This is what is being discussed.) (ED: Believers are free from the ceremonial laws that distinguished Israel from the pagans but were fulfilled in Christ. Believers are still subject to the moral law of God, but now have the power to keep it by relying on the Holy Spirit - cf Ro 8:12-13+) (See context in Preacher's Outline and Sermon Bible) Allegorically speaking (238)(allegoreo from allos = another + agoreuo = to speak in a place of assembly or market place an agora) means "to employ an analogy or likeness in communicating." (Louw-Nida) Friberg - "as aiming to convey other than the literal meaning...talk figuratively, illustrate with an (implied) comparison." BDAG = "to use analogy or likeness to express something." Liddell-Scott - "to speak so as to imply something other than what is said."