GALATIANS: DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Group 1

2:3-5 Why does Paul take the particular issue in these verses so seriously? But isn't Paul being inconsistent when he later has Timothy circumcised in Acts 16:3?

Timothy was half Jewish, and this act would allow him to be more effective in evangelizing Jews. Otherwise, he would not have been allowed to preach in the synagogue.

Group 2

2:19 What does Paul mean here? Does 3:21-25 clarify the situation?

Read Galatians 3:3. This is the crux of the problem at Galatia. At least they started with grace, but then later tacked on works. What is there in human nature that leads us to do that?

Galatians 5:13 gives one possible answer. I believe that the action-overreaction phenomenon is perhaps partially responsible. For example, I actually tend to emphasize the importance of works to people who believe in cheap grace. One Sunday school teacher I knew years ago was such a strong believer in “once saved, always saved” that (a) he felt that Judas is in heaven right now and (b) he stated that Christians don't need to ask for forgiveness when they sin since God has to save them anyway.

Group 3

4:8-11 What are the equivalents today?

5:7-12 Who is most likely to try to turn us away from the truth?

6:1-5 How can we fall into the same trap as the false teachers in trying to correct them?

All

6:9-10 Isn't Paul contradicting himself at this point on the works vs. grace issue?

It depends on the definition of works: works of law vs. “good” works, and on one's motive for the works.