Pau's Authority (Bible E-Course 34 Galatians 1)

The letter to the churches in Galatia describes a problem that still exists today, how they had fallen backwards from the grace of the Gospel into outward works of the law like circumcision. Thus, the theme of Galatians is justification by faith in Christ’s death and resurrection apart from the works of the Mosaic Law. Who ordained Paul? Would his credentials upset church leaders today?

This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead. (Galatians 1:1 NLT)

Paul’s claims were thoroughly vetted by the other apostles and his writings were recognized by the church as inspired scripture (2 Peter 3:15-16)? Anyone making such a claim today, would similarly have to either be accepted or rejected by an orthodox (right teaching) church community. Were others with him as he wrote?

and from all the brothers and sisters with me. To the churches in Galatia. (Galatians 1:2 CEB)

Galatia was most of what we now call central Türkiye (Acts 14:20-22). This is a very abrupt greeting. They had fallen away from the truth. Nevertheless does Paul begin with a blessing?

I pray that God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! (Galatians 1:3 CEV)

Paul’s prayer is for grace or kindness, and peace or wholeness. Why did Jesus give Himself?

who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (Galatians 1:4-5 ESV)

Does Paul get right down to business? What was the issue?

I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. (Galatians 1:6-7 KJV)

How serious is Paul about this problem?

But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel other than what we have preached to you, a curse be on him! As we have said before, I now say again: If anyone preaches to you a gospel contrary to what you received, a curse be on him! (Galatians 1:8-9 HCSB)

Should church leaders preach to please people or God? Does this mean that Godly preaching will sometimes anger people?

For am I now seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. (Galatians 1:10 NASB)

Paul’s Authority

How did Paul receive the Gospel?

I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel I preached is not of human origin. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:11-12 NIV)

How zealous was Paul once of the law and its associated traditions?

For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. (Galatians 1:13 NKJV)

What changed in Paul?

But even before I was born, God chose me and called me by his marvelous grace. Then it pleased him to reveal his Son to me so that I would proclaim the Good News about Jesus to the Gentiles. When this happened, I did not rush out to consult with any human being. Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to consult with those who were apostles before I was. Instead, I went away into Arabia, and later I returned to the city of Damascus. (Galatians 1:15-17 NLT)

After his time of direct revelation from Jesus Christ in Arabia what did Paul do?

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days. But of the other apostles I saw no one except James, the Lord’s brother. (Galatians 1:18-19 WEB)

Would some people naturally disbelieve Paul?

Before God, I’m not lying about the things that I’m writing to you! (Galatians 1:20 CEB)

How was Paul received in Syria and Cilicia?

Later, I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. But no one who belonged to Christ's churches in Judea had ever seen me in person. They had only heard that the one who had been cruel to them was now preaching the message that he had once tried to destroy. And because of me, they praised God. (Galatians 1:21-24 CEV)

Paul was trained in a manner different to the twelve, by revelation from Jesus Christ. He was well equipped to handle the problem of legalism that had crept into the churches of Galatia. Is legalism still a concern in our churches today? You decide!

The Church's Mission (Bible E-Course 28)

What is the church’s mission? Studying the church’s mission is called missiology.

Witness and Light

Where were the disciples to be witnesses of what they had seen and heard? Do we collectively carry on that mission?

but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NASB)

Did they reach every nation, tribe, language and people or must we finish their work?

And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people (Revelation 14:6 KJV)

What if those who are sent do not go and preach the good news?

For “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, Who bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:13-15 NKJV)

Is the church’s commission to bring salvation to the ends of the earth?

For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth." (Acts 13:47 NIV)

Has the commission changed from the Hebrew scriptures?

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples! (1 Chronicles 16:24 ESV)

Where did the commission start?

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47 KJV)

Is it an announcement of peace?

You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. (Acts 10:36 NIV)

Under what circumstances was Paul called to begin his mission?

And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting …” (Acts 26:14-18 NKJV)

When the job of announcing the good news is done, will the end come?

This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14 NASB)

Who are the ones sent?

A Short Term Mission Trip

Short term mission trips are as old as Jesus sending the 70 or 72. The Greek actually says they were “apostled.” Was going in pairs possible encouragement and protection? Were they sent in anticipation of Jesus’ arrival?

“… the Lord appointed seventy others also, [72 in NIV, NLT, ESV] and sent [apostled] them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.” (Luke 10:1 NKJV)

How big a job are pioneer missions?

The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few; therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest. (Luke 10:2 NKJV)

What are the dangers?

Go your way; behold, I send you out as lambs among wolves. (Luke 10:3 NKJV)

Although in later missions, people could carry money and changes of clothing, that was not the case here. Was this special training in faith? Why were they not to dilly dally along the way?

Carry neither money bag, knapsack, nor sandals; and greet no one along the road. (Luke 10:4 NKJV)

Why was peace offered? Was this possibly a test to see if they were welcomed?

But whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace to this house.’ And if a son of peace is there, your peace will rest on it; if not, it will return to you. (Luke 10:5-6 NKJV)

Why were they to stay in one place? Is mission life work worthy of wages?

And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his wages. Do not go from house to house. (Luke 10:7 NKJV)

When we are not made welcome, do we learn to shake it off and move on?

But whatever city you enter, and they do not receive you, go out into its streets and say, ‘The very dust of your city which clings to us we wipe off against you. (Luke 10:10-11 NKJV)

When they returned from the mission field with joy, what did Jesus tell them?

Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20 NKJV)

Why Go

Formally or informally, why do we go?

Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples. (Psalm 96:1-3 NKJV)

Long before many people will hear a preacher, what will they hear out of our mouths?

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? (Romans 10:13-14 NLT)

The Great Commission

What is the commission? Jesus gave what many call the Great Commission. What is that all about?

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV)

Go: Are we friendly with people outside our churches, or treat them with disdain and no hospitality?

Make: Do we make the effort?

Of all nations: Do we mix culturally?

Baptizing: We baptize in the singular name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Teaching: Teaching what, Jesus and what He taught?

I am with you always: Will Jesus ever leave the new church?

“I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 ESV)

Our combined mission is to be witnesses to the ends of the earth, looking for “lost sheep.” Disciples make disciples, baptize and teach them what Jesus commanded. What parts of prayer, contributions and action for that mission is your part? You decide!

What is the Church?

What is the church?

A Gathering

The early church borrowed a Greek term, ἐκκλησία (ekklésia), meaning a gathering of citizens. Thus we call the study of the church ecclesiology. Can it describe a local church?

To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours (1 Corinthians 1:2 NASB)

Can it mean a church in a region or province? Can it be both singular and plural?

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. (Acts 9:31 NIV)

The churches in the province of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, and so does the church that meets at their house. (1 Corinthians 16:19 NIV)

Can it even refer to the universal church?

Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. (Ephesians 4:11 NLT)

To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect (Hebrews 12:23 KJV)

An Old Testament word for church, קָהָל (qahal), also meant “assembly, company, and congregation.”

You shall keep it until the fourteenth day of the same month, then the whole assembly of the congregation of Israel is to kill it at twilight. (Exodus 12:6 NASB)

Thus, church refers to the people of God not a building.

Pictures

Metaphors help us understand the church via various pictures. Let’s look at a few. Is the church like the body of Christ?

And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. (Ephesians 1:22-23 NIV)

Is the church like a family?

"I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." (2 Corinthians 6:18 NIV)

Is the church like a vine and branches?

… I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing… (John 15:1-11 NKJV)

Is the church like a pillar of truth?

… the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15 ESV)

Is the church like a field and a building?

For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building. (1 Corinthians 3:9 NIV)

Is the church like a living temple under construction?

Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets. And the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself. We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. (Ephesians 2:20-21 NLT)

A living stone is easily chiseled. Was the cornerstone (Jesus) once rejected?

… And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple… The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone… (1 Peter 2:4-8 NLT)

Does God dwell in this holy temple?

Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in your midst? (1 Corinthians 3:16 NIV)

Is the church a royal priesthood and a holy nation?

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9 ESV)

Is the church like salt and light?

You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world. (Matthew 5:13-15 NIV)

The church is a varied gathering of people. It is far from perfect. Do you want to be in such a faulty institution as the church? I hope so. The eternal rewards are out of this world! You decide!

Christians Together (Bible E-Course 26 Romans 15-16)

Paul concludes his topic of patience over non-essentials with a glimpse of the early church.

If our faith is strong, we should be patient with the Lord's followers whose faith is weak. We should try to please them instead of ourselves. 2 We should think of their good and try to help them by doing what pleases them. 3 Even Christ did not try to please himself. But as the Scriptures say, “The people who insulted you also insulted me.” 4 And the Scriptures were written to teach and encourage us by giving us hope. 5 God is the one who makes us patient and cheerful. I pray that he will help you live at peace with each other, as you follow Christ. 6 Then all of you together will praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 15:1-6 CEV)

Should we welcome each other?

Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Did Jesus set us such an example?

For I say that the Messiah became a servant of the circumcised on behalf of God’s truth, to confirm the promises to the fathers, 9 and so that Gentiles may glorify God for His mercy. As it is written: Therefore I will praise You among the Gentiles, and I will sing psalms to Your name. 10 Again it says: Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people! 11 And again: Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; all the peoples should praise Him! 12 And again, Isaiah says: The root of Jesse will appear, the One who rises to rule the Gentiles; the Gentiles will hope in Him. (Romans 15:8-12 HCSB)

What does Paul pray for them?

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. (Romans 15:13 KJV)

Did Paul go over old ground or build on another’s foundation?

And concerning you, my brothers and sisters, I myself also am convinced that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge and able also to admonish one another. 15 But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given to me from God, 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore in Christ Jesus I have found reason for boasting in things pertaining to God. 18 For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed, 19 in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of the Spirit; so that from Jerusalem and all around as far as Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 And in this way I aspired to preach the gospel, not where Christ was already known by name, so that I would not build on another person’s foundation; 21 but just as it is written: “They who have not been told about Him will see, And they who have not heard will understand.” (Romans 15:14-21 NASB)

Where did he travel?

This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you. 23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ. (Romans 15:22-29 NIV)

What did Paul ask the church to pray for?

Now I beg you, brethren, through the Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God, and may be refreshed together with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. (Romans 15:30-33 NKJV)

Did Paul mention people by name?

I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a deacon in the church in Cenchrea. 2 Welcome her in the Lord as one who is worthy of honor among God’s people. Help her in whatever she needs, for she has been helpful to many, and especially to me. (Romans 16:1-2 NLT)

Did Priscilla and Aquila host a house church?

Give my greetings to Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in the ministry of Christ Jesus. 4 In fact, they once risked their lives for me. I am thankful to them, and so are all the Gentile churches. 5 Also give my greetings to the church that meets in their home. (Romans 16:3-5 NLT)

Did Paul mention others by name?

Greet my dear friend Epenetus. He was the first person from the province of Asia to become a follower of Christ. 6 Give my greetings to Mary, who has worked so hard for your benefit. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews, who were in prison with me. They are highly respected among the apostles and became followers of Christ before I did. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys. (Romans 16:5-9 NLT)

Were others also mentioned?

Greet Apelles, a good man whom Christ approves. And give my greetings to the believers from the household of Aristobulus. 11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet the Lord’s people from the household of Narcissus. 12 Give my greetings to Tryphena and Tryphosa, the Lord’s workers, and to dear Persis, who has worked so hard for the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, whom the Lord picked out to be his very own; and also his dear mother, who has been a mother to me. (Romans 16:10-13 NLT)

And more?

Give my greetings to Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers and sisters who meet with them. 15 Give my greetings to Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and to Olympas and all the believers who meet with them. (Romans 16:14-15 NLT)

That's over 30 individuals and groups. What was a holy kiss? Was it only holy as long as one did not linger, as the Didache jovially recommends?

Greet one another with a holy kiss. The assemblies of Christ greet you. (Romans 16:16 WEB)

Were there problems even in the early church?

Brothers and sisters, I urge you to watch out for people who create divisions and problems against the teaching that you learned. Keep away from them. 18 People like that aren’t serving the Lord. They are serving their own feelings. They deceive the hearts of innocent people with smooth talk and flattery. 19 The news of your obedience has reached everybody, so I’m happy for you. But I want you to be wise about what’s good, and innocent about what’s evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. (Romans 16:17-20 CEB)

Was the early church like a family?

Timothy, who works with me, sends his greetings, and so do my relatives, Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater. 22 I, Tertius, also send my greetings. I am a follower of the Lord, and I wrote this letter. 23-24 Gaius welcomes me and the whole church into his home, and he sends his greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our dear friend Quartus send their greetings too. (Romans 16:21-24 CEV)

What was Paul’s closing blessing?

Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. (Romans 16:25-27 ESV)

Paul’s focus was not on interfering in the ministry of others, but getting on with the Gospel, spreading the Good News to those who had never heard. Where should our focus be? You decide!

Christian Liberty (Bible E-Course 26 Romans 14)

Christ gives us liberty, but some are weak, and causing unnecessary offense is an abuse of that Christian freedom. How should we treat those who are weak in faith?

Welcome the person who is weak in faith—but not in order to argue about differences of opinion. (Romans 14:1 CEB)

What about food choices? Could this also relate to food choices like vegetarianism and Old Testament food laws?

Some think it is all right to eat anything, while those whose faith is weak will eat only vegetables. 3 But you should not criticize others for eating or for not eating. After all, God welcomes everyone. (Romans 14:2-3 CEV)

What about passing judgment?

Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. (Romans 14:4 ESV)

What about the choice of days? Could this also relate to a weekly rest day and annual worship days?

One person considers one day to be above another day. Someone else considers every day to be the same. Each one must be fully convinced in his own mind. (Romans 14:5 HCSB)

What is the right attitude towards such personal choices?

He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. (Romans 14:6 KJV)

Are we all in the church connected to the Lord?

For not one of us lives for himself, and not one dies for himself; 8 for if we live, we live for the Lord, or if we die, we die for the Lord; therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. (Romans 14:7-8 NASB)

Should we treat the legitimate choices of others with contempt?

For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living. 10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. (Romans 14:9-10 NIV)

Will we each be required to give an account of ourselves to God?

For it is written: “As I live, says the Lord, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 14:11-12 NKJV)

Should Christians avoid judgmentalism or a critical spirit?

So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall. (Romans 14:13 NLT)

Are Old Testament clean and unclean laws still in effect? Should we eat in front of those who do not eat certain foods, purposefully offending them?

I know, and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean of itself; except that to him who considers anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 Yet if because of food your brother is grieved, you walk no longer in love. Don’t destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. (Romans 14:14-15 WEB)

On the other hand, should we allow others to criticize our eating choices? What is it all supposed to be about?

And don’t let something you consider to be good be criticized as wrong. 17 God’s kingdom isn’t about eating food and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:16-17 CEB)

If we clearly put such personal choices of days and food preferences in the category of non-essentials, is God pleased?

If you serve Christ in this way, you will please God and be respected by people. 19 We should try to live at peace and help each other have a strong faith. (Romans 14:18-19 CEV)

What other actions can cause unnecessary offense?

Don’t tear apart the work of God over what you eat. Remember, all foods are acceptable, but it is wrong to eat something if it makes another person stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything else if it might cause another believer to stumble. (Romans 14:20-21 NLT)

Is it wise to keep our opinions on non-issues to ourselves? Should we violate our own conscience?

You may believe there’s nothing wrong with what you are doing, but keep it between yourself and God. Blessed are those who don’t feel guilty for doing something they have decided is right. 23 But if you have doubts about whether or not you should eat something, you are sinning if you go ahead and do it. For you are not following your convictions. If you do anything you believe is not right, you are sinning. (Romans 8:22-23 NLT)

Keeping the peace in the church is imperative. What other lesser issues are best kept to ourselves? You decide!