Legalism

Peter’s Defense to the Legalists

Peter wisely had taken some Hebrew Christians with him when he went to Cornelius’ house, because it was not long before he was to be confronted for ministering to Gentiles (vv. 1-3). When he returned to Jerusalem he was met by members of the strong legalistic party in the church of …

Jesus Works and Heals on the Sabbath

On the Sabbath day, possibly the next day after the feast at Matthew’s house, another problem is brought up by the Pharisees. Jesus and His disciples are passing through some grain fields and being hungry they pluck some of the grain and ate it (v. 1). These Pharisees who s …

Paul Exposes His Adversaries

The Galatian Christians were told by false legalistic teachers that salvation was grace, “plus” works. The Judaizers claimed to be preaching “the Gospel” but like certain groups today they were saying “We believe in Jesus Christ, but we have something won …

The Difference Between Law (slave) and Grace (free)

Paul addresses those who want to be under the law (v. 21) and there are many who appear to want this. In his argument he takes the Galatians back to events in the Old Testament that actually happened but he uses them as an allegory. He takes them back to the life of Abraham and h …

Why Go Back Into Slavery?

The way of the Galatian Christians was not much different than many Christians today who get involved in various legalistic movements hoping to achieve certain goals. Children who are under age are no better off than slaves, even though everything their parents own will someday b …