1953 Bible Studies - page 3

BIBLE STUDIES " Now these were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily, whether these things were so" (Acts 17. 11. )

VOLUME 21.

JANUARY, 1953.

THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

(Galatians 1. 7).

Much of Paul’s life, after he became an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, was devoted to spreading abroad the gospel of Christ, both by word of mouth and by manner of life. To him was entrusted a steward-ship to make known this unique gospel without charge, and in this letter to the Galatians he reveals how he received the gospel : not from a man, nor was he taught it as he was taught the law under Gamaliel (Acts 22. 3).

It came direct from the Lord Himself, and entirely eclipsed all the religious zeal he had formerly had for the traditions of his fathers.

The apostle was perturbed about the Galatian saints ; they were hearing a different gospel from that which he preached, and which, he adds, is not another gospel. Some, with a view to making a fair show in the flesh, were compelling men to be circumcised, only that they themselves might escape persecution for the cross of Christ. His aim in this epistle seems to be to correct them in the matters of law and grace.

To the Jew the gospel was a stumlingblock, so well evidenced in the case of Nicodemus and others. But even Nicodemus could not resist light that illuminated his understanding.

" T h e Master waited up that night, To give the darkened teacher light. "

S. Stoope.

THE EPISTLE OF PAUL TO THE GALATIANS.

T h e Gospel of Christ.  The Gospel Unique.

(Galatians 1. 1-10).

From Cardiff. -- Before commencing our consideration of the epistle to the Galatians, perhaps it would be advisable and profitable if we read over Acts 13. and 14., where we are given an account of Paul’s work in Galatia.  As a result of his labours, many had accepted Christ ; but, some time after he had left Galatia, certain Judaizing teachers came into their midst, drawing them away from the truth, asserting the necessity of their observance of the Law of Moses for salvation (compare Acts 15. 1

with Galatians 5. 2).

The Galatian epistle (written about A. D. 58-60, probably from Corinth)

[1] is introduced by Paul laying claim to his apostleship. Doubtless some of the Galatians had endeavoured to lessen his authority ; but he was an

apostle, not self-appointed, nor yet appointed of men, but through Jesus

Christ and God the Father.