Down an Unfamiliar Road

There are times in our lives when we are forced to accept reality, and there are occasions when we gladly accept an offer or situation. Acceptance is the active embracing of subjective experience, particularly distressing occurrences. The idea is not merely to grudgingly tolerate negative encounters but to embrace them wholeheartedly and without defense.

We are told that there is a movement in positive psychology, more accurately, toward radical acceptance, focusing on gratitude, and resonating with the positive. And with good reason: It works. People are improving their quality of life as a result of these techniques. It begins with acceptance, which probably isn’t what you think.

History teaches us that acceptance has been a key to happiness since Buddhism was born. The Second Noble Truth of Buddhism (of The Four Noble Truths) is that “desire” is the root of all suffering. This is interpreted as wanting reality to be anything but what it is; in other words, a lack of acceptance.

Acceptance has also been a cornerstone of the 12 Step treatment for alcoholism since the first “Alcoholics Anonymous” book was written in 1939. Doctor Paul Ohliger wrote a passage on how acceptance leads to being happier and sober. An alcoholic was in a social worker’s office, where she told him her story of desperately struggling with alcohol. He says, “No one had ever done this before. I had been preached to, analyzed, cursed, and counseled, but no one had ever said, “I identify with what’s going on with you.” In other words, he was finally accepted for who he was, not what people thought or wanted him to be.[1]

German theologian Reinhold Niebuhr penned a prayer, also used by Alcoholics Anonymous, called the Serenity Prayer: “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Psychologist Denise Fournier tells us that a big part of healing and recovering from the painful parts of life is accepting what’s taken place. In order to move on, we must first acknowledge what’s happening now. But, as all of us know, this is much easier said than done. Despite being one of the most important tasks in life any of us can master, the practice of acceptance is enduringly difficult.

At the same time, not readily accepting opportunities, occasions, or openings for our benefit, will leave us with the constant misery and regret, “Why didn’t I go ahead and accept that when I could have had it?” All of us have stories like that. But regret and remorse do not change the facts. Why was it so hard to make a decision? What stood in our way of getting the things we needed that would usher us into a new phase of living and enjoying life?

Steve Taylor is a senior lecturer in psychology at Leeds Beckett University, UK tells us about his struggle with tinnitus and how he managed to adjust to living with it. He says, “To me, this experience illustrates the amazing power of acceptance. An attitude of acceptance can neutralize unpleasant and irritating experiences – and even sometimes transform them into pleasant ones. I realized that the tinnitus was affecting me so negatively because I was resisting it. As soon as I stopped resisting, it stopped affecting me.”

For proof that rejection, exclusion, and acceptance are central to our lives, look no farther than the living room, says Nathan Dewall, a psychologist at the University of Kentucky. “If you turn on the television set and watch any reality TV program, most of them are about rejection and acceptance,” he says. The reason, DeWall says, is that acceptance – in romantic relationships, from friends, even from strangers – is absolutely fundamental to humans.

The Bible uses the term “acceptance” only once, and that involves God’s acceptance of the sacrifices brought to Him. But it does speak about whether or not we should “accept” certain things and people in our lives. There’s the story of Jacob, who was about to reunite with his older brother, Esau, from who he stole the birthright. So, he sends presents on ahead with the hope that “When I meet him face-to-face, he will accept me.”[2] And when Job argues with his friends about what he should or should not do, he asked them, “When are you going to accept what God says? Will you take God’s place and argue for Him?”[3]

The Psalmist asked, how long will you keep making bad decisions by accepting ungodly people in your life?”[4] And King Solomon repeated this same thought and added that such people can turn against those who want to do what’s right.[5]

However, Jesus laid it out plainly by telling us, “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.”[6] In other words, accept others the way they are, not what you think they ought to be. Once you get them to see who they really are, it will motivate them to accept the necessary changes. That’s why, said Jesus, “All whom My Father has given to Me will come to Me. I will accept whoever comes to Me.”[7] That’s why Paul told the Romans, “Accept each other as the Anointed One accepted you. This will honor God.”[8]

So, as we can see, acceptance does not mean shut up and be quiet and take whatever comes your way. No, it implies that we are not to try and change someone or something before will accept it. Only after acceptance can you then begin to influence change for the better. Like the story of the alcoholic we mentioned above, it was only after he found someone who was willing to accept him for what he was, a hopeless soul addicted to alcohol, that he then became open to changing what he did not like, not what they did not like.

That’s what happened to us when we lost, and lousy sinners came to God for forgiveness. The Apostle Paul declares that God showed His love to us. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.[9] It was only after He accepted us that we were ready to have Him help us change the things we didn’t like and were ashamed of. In a way, that’s what sanctification is all about. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

[1] Alcoholics Anonymous (1939), 4^th Edition, Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., New York City, 2001, p. 449

[2] Genesis 32:30

[3] Job 13:8

[4] Psalm 82:2

[5] Proverbs 18:5

[6] Matthew 7:1-5; Cf. Romans 2:3; Job 19:5

[7] John 6:37

[8] Romans 15:7

[9] Romans 5:8

PRECIOUS LORD, TAKE MY HAND

Doctors diagnosed 45-year-old Maria Filomena da Costa in Brazil with a benign brain tumor two years ago. It needed to be removed, but the location of the tumor made things tricky. Removing the tumor without impacting Maria’s speech and cognition wouldn’t be easy.

As a result, doctors determined Maria would need to be kept awake during brain surgery! “There was a big risk Maria would lose her speech, and it was important that she talked to the team during surgery,” neurosurgeon Carlos Rocha explained: Brain surgery is scary enough. But needless to say, this particular operation was terrifying. And Maria admits she found the idea of surgeons working on her brain while she was awake was daunting. So, the team delayed the operation until Maria was psychologically prepared for everything involved.

When it came time to operate, doctors used anesthesia to keep Maria “slightly sleepy,” but still able to speak and respond. The team planned to quiz her on colors, names, etc. “We had pre-arranged to do speech mapping with electrical stimuli to the brain and tests during surgery, asking her to name objects and colors, read and talk,” Carlos said.

But Maria surprised everyone when she started singing to her Lord and Savior as doctors began removing the tumor “I wanted to feel confident during surgery and have some sort of control in my own way,” Maria said. “My song thanked God for my life and for giving me the strength to fight and win through this difficult health battle that has been hanging over me since 2015.”

Maria’s actions completely stunned the doctors. Not only did it provide assurance for the doctors that Maria’s speech would be just fine, but it inspired the team in a powerful way. “There were a number of professionals involved in this procedure, and it was an emotional experience. Everyone couldn’t stop talking about her courage,” anesthesiologist Paula Fialho said.

The 8-hour surgery went well, and within only 4 days, Maria headed home from the hospital. She’s walking, talking, and is well on her way to a full recovery! Our God is certainly an awesome God!

Some people may question, why doesn’t God do this for everyone? No doubt that inquiry would get many answers. King David said, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm23:4) In another place, David wrote, “O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me, steadfast love.” (Psalm 59:17)

The prophet Isaiah shared God’s word with us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2)

And the Apostle Paul give his testimony when faced with a situation he could only handle with God’s help. God said to me, says Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

So, God may bring us through in different ways for various reasons, the outcome is in His hands. But we are too. Whatever we go through, He is there, that’s all we need to know and sing about. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXLVI) 08/07/20

Matthew Poole says that Paul now aims at those false teachers who perverted these congregations in Galatia and exhibited their hypocrisy under all their pretenses of goodwill. These are those who desire to make a good impression for their fellow believers and the world that they are very devout. It is what ideal followers, who are enthusiastic for rituals, ordinarily do. It is why the Judaizers were urging the Galatians to be circumcised, to show such dedication to rites and ritualism. That lacks any love they have in fulfilling the Law of God or enhance the spirituality of these Galatians. Poole says that it was to avoid persecution since Jews are more favorable to such Christians who, together with the Gospel of the Anointed One, also add Jewish rites, rituals, and regulations.

It was proven by Jews a long time ago who persuaded some Roman emperors to publish proclamations giving liberty to the Jews, in the provinces subject to them, to use their religious rites. So, the circumcised accepted the notion and ended up with more liberty than those not circumcised, who were persecuted by both Jewish and the heathen magistrates. The Apostle Paul is saying that those opposing these false teachers, who vigorously urged Gentiles to accept circumcision, to avoid the danger of persecution, were believers who refused to cooperate and remain firm by standing steadfast in their Gospel liberty from the Law. Paul was not hiding the fact that such persecution was coming. Their fellow countrymen will shun and avoid them because they did it for the Anointed One’s sake, who endured the cross on their behalf.^[1]

English Puritan Presbyterian minister John Flavel paints a beautiful word picture in response to what Paul says here in verse one about restoring those overcome with an unexpected attack on their moral weaknesses. The question is, did Jesus the Anointed One feel humbled most by His distress or by His compassion for others in their suffering? That helps us see that we can learn from Him that a compassionate spirit, laboring under burdens of expected sin, or affliction, is Christ-like and genuine in heart and mind. It was the Spirit of the Anointed One: “Oh, to be more like Him!” cries Flavel. Called by God, let us clothe ourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.^[2] To weep with those who mourn and rejoice with those that celebrate.^[3] It was the murderer Cain who asked God, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” [4] Jewish tradition tells us that God’s first question of “Where is your brother?” did not get a reply from Cain. It was after God asked him, “Why did you kill him?” that Cain offered his alibi.” [5] We are not Cain!

Praise God that Paul was of a different mind-set, says Flavel: “Who makes a mistake and we do not feel sadness? Who falls without our longing to help them? Who is spiritually wounded without our indignation rising against the one who hurt them,” asks Paul?^[6] Three things promote empathy in Christians. One is the Lord’s sympathy for them; He was willing to suffer with them; “In all their suffering He also suffered, and He rescued them. In His love and mercy, He redeemed them. He lifted them and carried them through all the years.” ^[7]

Another is the relationship we continue to have with God’s afflicted children: they are members with us in one body, and the members should have the same care of one another.^[8] The last is, we don’t know how soon we may need the same help from others, as others need from us now. “Brothers and sisters, if someone gets caught sinning, you who live spiritually should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.” ^{[9] [10]} My oh my, sounds like Brother Flavel was a fiery preacher of the Gospel!

In another place, this great speaker mentions again the principles involved saying, let the wounds and anguish of our fellow believers who suffer from an afflicted conscience at being untrue in their faith to remain holy before God, move us to compassion. God commanded the Israelites to be kind to strangers.  God says you understand the heart of a wanderer.^[11] And surely, if any case in the world requires help, sympathy, and all-out compassionate tenderness, aimless wanderers, need it most. Yet how do some have no time for the spiritual troubles of others! Parents sometimes rebuff their children and employers their employees. So how much more should we expect the inhumane and evil-minded to do so.

“Oh!” says Brother Flavel, “If we could only feel what they feel, we would never treat them as we do.” But even if we forget or don’t care, let us comfort such unfortunate individuals. Jesus the Anointed One knows your sorrows, and with lovingkindness will help you. Yes, He felt what you feel so that He might have compassion on you. If people do not show sympathy for you, God will. If there are people so cruel as to persecute you whom sin has wounded, God will pour the balm of love into the wounds that sin has made. If no one shows any concern for your troubles, except it be to aggravate them, God will not treat you that way. Those who have experienced similar difficulties cannot be without compassion for those that struggle with these hardships now.^[12]

In other words, Flavel is telling us not to be like those here in verse sixteen. Be more like Jesus. There were no awards handed out to Him after He took our beating. No one applauded when He finally reached Calvary. The crowd was not there to urge Him on to victory. He never felt lonelier and more deserted than He did hanging on the cross. Yet, He sought no fame or fortune. He underwent such torture to please His heavenly Father so that the forgiveness of our sins could save us through His sacrifice.

George G. Findlay (1849-1919) calls what Paul says here about avoiding persecution because of the Cross of the Anointed One, a “cowardly policy.” Did not Jesus say that His disciples would go out like sheep among wolves?^[13] And didn’t He tell them that to follow Him they must carry their cross?^[14] But the Judaizers were singing a different song. They thought they knew better than this. They had a play whereby the Galatians could be friends with Jesus the Anointed One and still stay on good terms with the crowd that crucified Him. So instead of Jesus being a bridge to Christianity, He would be a bridge to Judaism. That’s why Paul told the Galatians that these Judaizers had erected an idol and were using them as sacrifices to make amends for their cowardice. They were robbing them of their Christian liberties to use them as shields against the hostility of their fellow Jews.^[15]

George B. Stevens (1854-1906), Presbyterian minister and theologian, makes note that after issuing a stern rebuke to the Galatians for failing to stay on the straight path of the Gospel and getting off track on the crooked road of Judaism, he now decides to practice what he preaches. He reminds them and himself that there are always some believers who will be led astray into moral mistakes and missteps who need help in rising again in full strength to go onward for the Anointed One. So, the Apostle, as a result of this, helps them by teaching them how to help others. Although Paul spoke in a sharp tone when dictating his letter up until now, he uses a humble and compassionate manner in giving these instructions. Paul dealt with previous admonitions on a congregational basis; now, he does so on an individual basis. And all they need to follow is the Law of Love.^[16]

Paul says here in verse twelve that their fellow Jews persecuted these converted Jews because of the cross. We are not exactly sure what persecution was involved. But looking at known Jewish customs and manners, we find the act known in Hebrew as hērem, (“shunning”).[17] It means when a Jew meets or sees such a person who has no respect for the Torah; they are not to speak to them, greet them, or have anything to do with them. So, for converted Jews like the Judaizers to avoid persecution, they demonstrate their loyalty to the Torah by demanding circumcision of the Galatian Gentiles who believe in Christ.^{[18] [19]} In Jesus’ parable of the good Samaritan, both the priest and Levite shunned their poor fellow Jew who lay beaten and dying from robbers’ attack. Only one person was willing to stop and render aid. Let that one person be you and me when we encounter someone wounded by the devil’s assault just because they are a Christian.

Tim Hegg talks about the relationship between the synagogue and the Galatians. If this scenario in verse twelve needed to be pointed out by Paul, then the Jewish house of worship was doing the Roman authorities a favor to evict Gentiles who were simply using the school as a shelter for their unwillingness to worship the emperor. That is to say, persecuting the Gentiles, the synagogue was exposing citizens of Rome who were failing to act as citizens. In this way, it was a “win-win” situation: the house of prayer pressured Gentiles to “make up their mind,” and either becoming converts to Judaism or leave the community. From Rome’s point of view, the synagogue was doing them a favor by exposing citizens who were dodging their responsibilities as citizens of the state.

This same scenario would also explain Paul’s use of “for the cross of Messiah,” says Hegg. The Messianic Jew and converted Gentile persecution, from a Jewish viewpoint, was caused because they based their covenant status on the work of the Messiah, not on works of the Law. In refusing to undergo the ritual of circumcision, the Gentiles were clinging to Paul’s Gospel, which had as its central pillar the sufficient work of Yeshua in His death upon the cross and His resurrection. Paul himself describes the unbelieving Jews as the “enemies of the Gospel,” ^[20] by which he most likely means “opponents of my Gospel,” ^[21] the message of the good news which emphasized the equality of Jew and Gentile in the body of Messiah.^[22]

[1] Poole, Matthew: On Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[2] Colossians 3:12

[3] Romans 12:15

[4] Genesis 4:9

[5] Saba, Avraham: Tzror Hamor, op. cit., Vol. 1, p. 114

[6] 2 Corinthians 11:29 – The Living Bible (TLB)

[7] Isaiah 63:9 – New Living Translation (NLT)

[8] 1 Corinthians 12:25

[9] Galatians 6:1

[10] Flavel, John: The Fountain of Life, Sermon 19, Of Christ’s Humiliation in His Life, p. 232

[11] Exodus 23:9

[12] Flavel, John: The Method of Grace – How the Spirit Works, Ch. 9, All Men Invited to Apply Jesus Christ, p. 166

[13] Matthew 10:16

[14] Ibid. 16:24-26

[15] Findlay, George G.: On Galatians, op. cit., pp. 424-425

[16] George Barker Stevens: A Short Exposition of the Epistle to the Galatians, 1890, op. cit., pp. 219-220

[17] Cf. Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:11

[18] Cf. Galatians 5:11

[19] Levine, Amy-Jill; Brettler, Marc Z. The Jewish Annotated New Testament, op. cit., p. 637, Kindle Edition

[20] Romans 11:28

[21] Cf. Romans 2:16; 16:25; 2 Timothy 2:8

[22] Hegg, Tim: On Galatians, op. cit., p. 269

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXLV)

Benjamin W. Bacon (1860-1932) brilliantly summarizes this whole argument. According to a custom referred to in Paul’s other Epistles,^[1] he takes the quill from his scribe into his hand.^[2] On this occasion, he seems to be smitten half humorously with the contrast between his big untidy letters, and the excellent writing of the professional Greek scribe. Bacon suggests that while Paul could certainly speak and read Greek, he may not have mastered writing it without some difficulty.  Such seems to be the idea of the allusion to his handwriting here.

Grammatically, it is possible to render the words “how large a letter,” says Bacon. Taken in this sense to suppose Paul to be calling his readers’ attention to the length of the epistle, he felt obliged to write, though unable to command the services of a letter writer. But Galatians is not long enough to require very great manual effort for even an unpracticed hand. Moreover, on this interpretation, all connection with verse twelve is lost. It seems more probable that in this quaint touch, we have indeed a “token” of authenticity not dreamed up by Paul. Says Bacon, the words, “I have written,” are better rendering, “I’m writing.” However, the Greek idiom in such cases requires the past tense. The writer places himself as taking over at this point in the letter.^[3]

Lutheran theologian Paul E. Kretzmann (1883-1965) says that these single admonitions in verses six through ten do not come to us as abruptly as might appear at first glance. Paul is still speaking of life in the Spirit, which is opposed to all the typical grumbling and complaining. And here he expresses a thought which he also emphasized elsewhere: Let those learning the Word communicate to those that teach such good things.

Those taught the Word of God, says Kretzmann, either in private sessions or through public teaching and preaching, should continuously interact with the instructor. They should share not only financial support but all other benefits as well, such as feedback. They that preach the Gospel make a living by the Gospel.^[4] Thus the ministers, on their part, need not be reduced to making their ministry into a business, especially since they live on lower than average income. The parishioners, on their part, must not regard the money paid toward the minister’s support as charity, but as the proper support demanded by God.^[5]

Kenneth Wuest (1893-1961) gives us a different look at Paul’s excuse for the large letters he was using to write this portion of his epistle. There were two styles of Greek writing, says Wuest, the uncial, which consisted of inch-high letters formed singly (AGAPE), and with no connection with other letters, and the cursive, using smaller ABC’s as script (agape), joined together. According to Sir Frederic G. Kenyon (1863-1952), a British paleographer and classical Biblical scholar, there were four classes of artistry in the style of the writing of the first century. Manuscripts that are penned by highly qualified professional scribes get top ranking, followed by documents written by ordinary expert hands. Next in line are projects penned by educated, not professional writers, using the standard vocabulary. Finally, scribbled notes of average writers.

Scholars believe that Paul dictated his epistles to Tertius, Sosthenes, Timothy, and Silvanus. These proved to be very educated men, but not professional scribes. Therefore, their writings would be that of the informed amateur. It is the opinion of Kenyon that Paul’s writers wrote in the cursive, that is, in small letters, joined together in a running hand. Wuest states it as his opinion also that if Paul dictated the Galatian letter, the prescribed portion would be in the small cursive letters, and the part he wrote in his handwriting, in standard Greek inch-high letters.^[6]

Bible commentator Dr. Ann Nyland makes this point on Paul’s mention that this letter is in his handwriting. He says that Paul wrote this statement in the simple aorist tense.^[7] He explains: “The sense of this is hard to bring out in English, but Paul is trying to make his point – Hey, you! Look at this! Get the point! Read my lips!” ^[8] Paul was contending with people who wanted to put on a good show and was trying to force circumcision on the Galatian Gentile believers. Their reasoning was because if they ended up persecuted because they believed in the cross of the Anointed One, they could point to their circumcision as a plea for understanding and tolerance.  However, these Jewish teachers didn’t obey the law themselves. So, their main aim was to brag about convincing Gentiles to submit to circumcision. That way, if this Jesus phenomenon didn’t work out, they still had their Jewish faith in the Law.

However, modern theologian Robert Gundry sees it differently. He writes that when Paul mentions big letters, he gave the assurance of authenticity. Still, it’s hard to know whether the big letters have to do only with emphasis or also with poor eyesight on Paul’s part or a lack of scribal expertise. He goes on to say there are other possibilities. That by his mentioning, “I’ve written to you,” almost certainly reflects the Galatians’ standpoint when reading the letter to them. Given this possible certainty, Paul’s handwriting covers 6:11-18. A scribal secretary will have written 1:1-1:10 at Paul’s dictation. We know from Romans 16:22, combined with 15:15, that Paul used such a secretary in writing to the Romans. Gundry points out that this was more or less Paul’s style of using his penmanship at the end of his letters.^{[9] [10]}

I took the time and space to share with you the debate among scholars concerning whether Paul simply ended the letter with a personal note or wrote the whole manuscript and was apologizing for his bad handwriting due to the way he formed his words on purpose. That’s because when preaching or teaching on the Word of God, sometimes it’s the small bits of information that impress the listeners with the idea that you are a diligent student of God’s Word. That will increase their faith in what else you have to share with them.

6:12 Believe me, I’m aware there are people among you wanting to make themselves look good on the outside to others, who are trying to talk you into performing religious rituals and following regulations. But I must tell you; they have an ulterior motive: they are merely trying to avoid the persecution that comes from believing in the Anointed One and the Cross as the only right way to salvation.

EXPOSITION

What Paul says here in verse twelve will never grow old as long as the Church is around. Even before there were assemblies of believers, Jesus saw this same pretense among the Jews. So, He told His disciples that when they give to those who are poor, don’t announce that you are donating. Don’t be like hypocrites. When they are in the synagogues and on the streets, they blow trumpets before they give so that people will see them. They want everyone to praise them. Jesus goes on to tell them that when they pray, don’t be like the pretenders. They love to stand in the synagogues and on the street corners, praying loudly. They want people to see them. To put it bluntly, that is all the reward they will get. And when you fast, says our Lord, don’t make yourselves look sad like the phonies Pharisees. They put a look of suffering on their faces so that people will see they are fasting. Their reward will not increase beyond what they get for their self-centered prayers.^[11]

But that’s not all, Jesus also told them not to try making themselves look good in front of people. God knows what is really in your hearts. What people think is important is worth nothing to God.^[12] Some say our Lord takes a small part of what they have to share with the less fortunate. Then they try to make themselves look good by saying long prayers. God will punish them severely.^[13] But the Master is still not finished. Using Himself as an example, He said that if I only taught my ideas, I would just be trying to get honor for myself. But if I am trying to bring honor to the One who sent me, I can be trusted. Anyone doing that is not going to tell you something that’s not true.^[14]

So, we shouldn’t be surprised that Paul also informed the Corinthians that he was not interested in comparing himself with those who think they are essential. There was no reason for him to compare himself to them. They use themselves to measure themselves, and they judge themselves by what they are. It shows that they know nothing.^[15] You can count on them being false apostles, lying workers. They only pretend to be apostles of the Anointed One.^[16] Some people, says Paul, only do it to make themselves look better than anyone else. So, don’t copy them, don’t be interested only in what you get out of it. Be more concerned about what they get out of your teaching.^[17]

COMMENTARY

Benjamin Jowett (1817-1893) makes an interesting comment on Paul’s notion here in verse twelve about accepting circumcision to avoid being persecuted because of the Cross of the Anointed One. It was Paul’s way of revealing a new aspect of the Judaizers and those who joined them in mixing the Law with Grace. They were not only zealots for the Law but in terror of those who were even stricter. So, the Galatians complied out of both fear and boastfulness as motives for their conduct. It was a case of not wanting to be loved and hated by the same people. It’s like being beloved by church leaders for listening and living the way they should but hated because they weren’t doing it their way.

And it all came down to the Cross of the Anointed One, says Jowett. It boiled down to this: no matter which way a believer lived, were they living in harmony with the Cross of Calvary? It caused them to fear that persecution would come to them. Jowett says we might translate this to say, “so that they would put to death on a cross like the Anointed One.” That means they were not willing to be crucified with the Anointed One on the Cross. That means the way of the world would die to them and them to the world. Everything then will be done by faith and not by works. The Anointed One would receive all the praise, honor, and glory for the work He did to bring salvation. We deserve no recognition for the good works we tried to add. Apparently, for some Galatians, that would be too much to bear. Let the Anointed One carry His cross, but they didn’t feel it was necessary to bring theirs.^[18]

[1] 1 Corinthians 16:21; Colossians 4:18; and 2 Thessalonians 3:17

[2] See Romans 16:22

[3] Bacon, Benjamin W: On Galatians, pp. 108-109

[4] 1 Corinthians 9:14

[5] Paul E. Kretzmann: On Galatians, op. cit., p. 257

[6] Wuest, Kenneth: On Galatians, op. cit., p. 94

[7] The aorist tense expresses action, especially past action, without indicating its completion or continuation.

[8] Nyland, Ann, Galatians: The Source New Testament with Extensive Notes on Greek Word Meaning, (Kindle Location (1097-1099)

[9] See 1 Corinthians 16:21; Colossians 4:18; 2 Thessalonians 3:17-18; Philemon 19

[10] Gundry, Robert H.: Commentary on Galatians, loc. cit.

[11] Matthew 6:2, 5, 16

[12] Luke 16:15

[13] Ibid. 20:47

[14] John 7:16-18

[15] 2 Corinthians 10:12

[16] Ibid. 11:13

[17] Philippians 1:15; 2:4

[18] Benjamin Jowett: On Galatians, op. cit., pp. 390-391

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXLIV)

6:11 I decided to pen this closing in my handwriting, and I want you to notice how large the letters are.

EXPOSITION

Now comes the hardest part of the letter, saying goodbye. Although Paul had a scribe for his letter to the Romans,^[1] he wanted to write something in this letter with his own hand. It also suggests that Paul’s eyesight was not optimal, and the fact that he wrote in such big letters was because he needed to see what he was writing. In the closing of his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul writes a similar farewell: I will write these final words of this letter with my hand: if anyone does not love the Lord, let that person be banned. Lord Jesus, come! “May the love and favor of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One rest upon you.” ^[2]

 It appears that Paul dictated his letter up to this point to a trusted scribe, whose penmanship made the writing more legible. But now Paul puts his stamp on this passionate epistle to the Galatian believers for whom he loved and suffered. His mention of writing in such large letters suggests to some scholars that Paul suffered from poor eyesight. Therefore, he needed to pen magnified letters to see what he was writing. Still, others believe that Paul deliberately wrote in a large script to ensure that the Galatians recognized who endorsed this letter and could distinguish it from the scribe’s handwriting.

Either way, Paul mentions that he autographed all his letters in this manner.^[3] By authenticating each parchment with his handwriting, he wants to make sure they end on a personal note. It implies that whatever Paul wrote from that point on in each letter was just between friends. In so doing, Paul offered proof of his affection for them; even though he was currently involved in ministry with a heavy workload, and was spreading the Gospel to others, he still took the time to sit down and dictate this lengthy epistle for their benefit.

COMMENTARY

Robert of Melun states that Paul ended all his Epistles by writing his name with Hebrew letters. It is not possible to ask Robert what manuscripts he saw to come to that conclusion, but since all of Paul Epistles were written in Greek, signing them in Hebrew would have been counterproductive since many of those he wrote to were Gentiles who spoke only Greek.^[4]

Early church theologian Thomas Aquinas points out after admonishing the Galatians on how to behave towards people who are living right and being fair; the Apostle Paul decides to personalize his instructions on how to act toward misbelievers and the nonbelievers. Whenever the Apostle wrote anything unfavorable against them, he followed the practice of penning something they could not misinterpret at the end. In this way, it proved that it came from him with full knowledge of its contents. That’s why he says: “The salutation from me, Paul, written with my hand.

 It allowed him, says Aquinas, to have the entire Epistle to the Romans to be written by someone else at his dictation; then, on the last page, he added something in his handwriting. According to this procedure, then, whatever followed from that place on, Paul wrote in his hand. That’s why he says; See what a letter I have written to you with my hand; to the end, namely, that you might firmly believe everything I’ve said. Furthermore, you might obey better, knowing it’s my letter to you. In this same way, ministers should write in their hand, so that what they teach by mouth and manuscript, may be shown by example. That’s also why it is said: “I have etched your name in the palm of my hands,” ^[5] and it is told of Moses, that he descended from the mountain carrying two stone tablets written by the finger of God.^{[6] [7]}

Cornelius á Lapide gives us a glimpse of biblical interpretation during the Middle Ages. He takes note of Paul’s brief farewell here in verse eleven. From his research, he found that Chrysostom and Theophylact of Ohrid suggest that Paul was telling the Galatians to observe the scribbled letters he formed in his signature, but yet he knew that the Galatian’s love for him was strong enough to excuse his imperfections. Lapide then quotes Augustine that Paul is telling the Galatians to notice that he signed his Epistle with large letters without any fear of the Judaizers. Hillary of Poitiers and others who agree with him believe that it was code for: See what lofty ideas I have put before you. But Jerome says it shows that Paul used a stenographer who wrote the Epistle up until that point, and from here on out, it is Paul’s handwriting. It was Paul’s way of authenticating the genuineness of the Epistle.

But, Lapide says, the best explanation is that this is an allusion to the length of the letter, and a reference to Paul’s affection for the Galatians, which caused him to dispense with the usual scribe and write a long letter with his hand.^[8] While it is always interesting to get one’s facts straight using clear, authenticated evidence, summations, and guesses are only worth the ink, it cost to write them. Since it asserts no power on our salvation, it is a matter of these dedicated Bible scholars hoping their guess will be right.

Catholic writer George Haydock shows us that not all the early leaders of the church agreed on this. He tells us, Jerome understands what he is beginning to write, with the rest written by the hand of another. Chrysostom, Theophylactus, and Theodoret speculate that the Apostle Paul wrote the whole epistle in his handwriting, and here excuses himself for writing the Greek letters so large, which were so very different from those of his native language. But Jerome understands that he wrote only this latter part of the epistle, as a testimony that the whole came from him.^[9]

However, reformist Martin Luther sees it differently. For him, with these words, the Apostle Paul intends to draw the Galatians’ closer. “I have never,” he is saying, “written such a long letter with my hand to any of the other assemblies of believers.” His other epistles he dictated and only subscribed greetings and his signature with his hand.^[10] Luther feels that Paul had an important reason for doing so because the false apostles were trying to draw the Galatians away with their false doctrine.  He hears Paul saying: “The teachers you have now do not seek the glory of the Anointed One and the salvation of your souls, but only their glory. They avoid the Cross. They do not understand what they teach.”

But Paul has no such fear; he glories in the cross because of the drastic and irreversible change it brought to the world of humankind. So, he didn’t want them to have any doubts about this letter that he was sending. John Calvin also subscribes to this concept that Paul wrote this whole epistle in his handwriting, as does John Wesley. However, later commentators have taken this to mean that Paul is referencing his closing, not the entire epistle.^[11]

Wesleyan theologian Adam Clarke (1760-1832) agrees that there is an unusual variety of opinions concerning the Apostle’s meaning here in verse eleven. Some think he refers to the whole epistle, others that the largeness of the Greek letters relates only to his closing remarks, and yet others to the inadequacy of the Apostle’s writing. It appears that most of his epistles were written by a stenographer, and simply authenticated with his signature. But the whole Epistle to the Galatians was written by his hand. To say that the Apostle was unskilled in Greek, and especially in the Greek characters, is in Clark’s opinion absurd.

Perhaps they forgot that he was born in Tarsus, a city which, according to Strabo, rivaled both Athens and Alexandria in philosophy, and the arts and sciences; and, therefore, he could not be ignorant of a language which was the very means of conveying all this instruction. His writing the epistle proved uncomplicated since the Greek script he used dominated penmanship in those days. They resemble that character of the Roman alphabet, not Hebrew. Clarke concludes, therefore, that what the Apostle says must be understood as referring to the whole epistle, in all probability the largest he ever wrote with his hand. However, he dictated several, much larger epistles written by his scribe or secretarial assistant.^[12]

John Brown (1784-1858) takes verse eleven here as the final section of this letter, and everything written from this point on is in the Apostle Paul’s handwriting. So, everything Paul writes from here to the end is personal for those who know him among the Galatian assemblies of believers. One can surmise that he intended it for those in leadership. Paul doesn’t want them showing off just to make themselves look good. In other words, don’t go around like the high priests in Jerusalem with their elaborate garments adorned with jewelry and gold chains. And also, for those who bought into the Judaizer’s false gospel of adding Jewish rites and rituals including circumcision.^[13]

Charles J. Ellicott (1819-1903) responds to the various interpretations of Paul’s statement as to how big the letters of his handwriting are. He believes that the only way to arrive at a meaningful understanding is to look at the meaning of each word. Paul begins with the Greek verb eidō (“see what” – NIV), which means “to perceive with the eyes.” So, it does not imply an up-close inspection of one letter but to what one perceives in reading. Then comes the Greek pronoun pēlikos, which refers to expansive or large. It is only used once again by the writer of Hebrews, who said, “Now consider how great this man was” – speaking of Abraham.

So, it can also mean qualitative as well as quantitative. It leaves open the door in understanding whether Paul refers to the size of the letters or the length of the epistle. Finally, we have the Greek verb graphō, which refers to the size of the individual letters which form a word or sentence. Elsewhere in Scriptures using this Greek verb, the standard English translation is “written.” Therefore, Paul is not intimating his signature, but his handwriting.

The only thing left to consider is whether Paul refers to words written up to this point, or inscribed from here on out? It would seem odd for Paul to preface what he’s about to write with such a notice. It looks more natural when it ends what he has already written.^[14] That’s why the KJV translates the Greek verb graphō as “have written,” and the NIV, “as I write,” and the NEB “am now writing.” [15]

[1] Romans 16:22

[2] 1 Corinthians 16:21-23

[3] See Colossians 4:18; Philemon 1:19; 2 Thessalonians 3:17-18; and Philippians 19

[4] Robert of Melun: On Galatians, op. cit., (Kindle Location 1737)

[5] Isaiah 49:16

[6] Exodus, Chapter 32

[7] Aquinas, Thomas: Commentary on Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[8] À Lapide, Cornelius: On Galatians, op. cit., p. 340

[9] Haydock, George: Catholic Bible Commentary, Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[10] Luther, Martin: Commentary on Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[11] Ernest DeWitt Burton: Commentary on Galatians, loc. cit. p. 347 (See Romans 16:22)

[12] Clarke, Adam: Commentary on Galatians, loc. cit.

[13] Brown, John: On Galatians, op. cit., p. 259-265

[14] Charles J. Ellicott: On Galatians, op. cit., pp. 148-149

[15] Those translations that support the traditional rendition of Paul words as written in the KJV are The New American Standard Bible, the New Revised Standard Bible, the New Jerusalem Bible, the New Century Version, the New International Version, the Complete Jewish Bible, and the New English Bible. Those that chose to put it in what Paul is about to write are: “I will write these closing words in my handwriting. See how large I have to make the letters!” – The Living Bible; “Notice what large letters I use as I write these closing words in my handwriting – New Living Testament; “See what big letters I make when I write to you with my hand.” – New Life Version. I agree with the NIV.

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXLIII)

I like what William A. O’Conor (1820-1894) says about doing good to everyone. There is no need, he says, for coming up with ingenious methods and hunting for occasions to do charitable work. Ordinary life gives us daily opportunities for practicing this fruit of the reborn spirit. We are to take every gift God gives us to do what’s right. Both when it’s convenient and inconvenient. People who go out looking for chances may stop searching if they don’t find what pleases them, or try something different made available to them. That’s because they know they’ll get less notice and applause when they do certain things that are unnoticed.

O’Conor also says that the phrase “Doing good” is somewhat vague, and may allow doing something evil so that good may come of it. In each case, we should do the thing that is precisely right and good. The Greek adjective agathos Paul uses here can mean doing something beneficial, useful, pleasant, excellent, and upright. Thayer, in his Greek Lexicon, says that agathos in this verse means “doing what is upright, honorable, and acceptable to God.” ^[1] It’s another way of saying do good when it is appreciated and do good when it is unappreciated, as long as God values it. And Paul knew this went against the Jewish Law, which states to do good to only to other Jews. But by doing what’s right to all those we meet, we can learn to do good to those whom we have not yet met.^[2]

Edward Huxtable ((1833-1893) feels that Paul is saying here in verse ten that our efforts should include all people. God lets rain fall on both the good and the bad.[3] Furthermore, it must also consist of those around us who do not necessarily share our values or points of view. Whatever we do for others, it must be for their benefit, not ours.^[4] Our behavior should never be marked with treating one class of people better than another.^[5] Doing things without bias, discrimination, and bigotry was an entirely new idea to the Gentile world and scarcely heard of in the Jewish community. However, the Book of Jonah teaches us that. But Paul does go on to say that charity begins at home. Show love to those outside the congregation of the Anointed One. Show the same passion to those inside the body of the Anointed One.^[6]

Paul knew how hard it was to keep oneself motivated in doing good things for others at the cost of their resources and even their health, especially when it goes unappreciated or not used for its intended purpose. At the same time, Paul did not want the Galatians to take his cheerleading on helping others by overdoing it or try to outdo each other.  So, he encourages them before they become exhausted, trying to meet every need to “keep their eye on the goal.” Like a farmer fighting the heat, hard ground, and sowing seed in what looks like endless rows, Paul is trying to motivate them to start dreaming of that same empty field ripening into a great harvest.

Even a casual observer can see that to remain healthy and do an admirable job of reaching out to someone in need would require the fruit of the spiritual oneness with the Anointed One in sterling quantity. No one can keep up such humanitarian efforts with no end in sight, especially when those we attempt to reach are less than hospitable. As believers, we must always view the compassion we have for those suffering and in need, and our endeavors to meet those needs, as something we do according to the will of God. The essence of transforming love becomes not only an expression of mercy to those we serve but also an expression of appreciation to God. If our involvement is only generated out of obligation or wanting to make ourselves look good, weariness will come quickly, and discouragement will follow even quicker. We can see the difference in being told to dig a hole in the ground for no reason or ask to dig a hole to find water because the family was dying of thirst.

Paul wanted them to understand that they should not look for instant success or reward.  God will send a harvest in His own time. But what kind of crop should they anticipate? When you take the time and effort to reach out to others, and they reward you with support, whatever you do, says Paul, don’t feel obligated out of guilt to turn around and repay them in some form for their giving. You receive a gift and then give something as a “thank you” in return to the donor. The benefactor then, in turn, gives you another token of their love for you, and you give back another “appreciation momento” to them for the contribution they just gave you. How much longer can this go on? No, no! Let God bless them for their generosity. Otherwise, it would only make them feel like they were loaning you the good things they share. Remember, God blesses both the giver and receiver.

Grant Osborne sums up verses nine and ten by saying that Paul stresses the positive side of the caution in verses seven and eight, in fact, of all of 5:13–6:8, as the consequences of doing good. The Galatians needed to sow good deeds, and when they did so, they would reap a “harvest” of rewards. Life in the Spirit at the community level will always include good works as the faithful “bear each other’s burdens” and take care of their leaders. The “good” of which Paul speaks here is primarily sharing one’s resources to care for the needs of others.

But Osborne also points out that there is the danger of “becoming weary” and then to “giving up” in terms of caring, about which Paul also warned the Thessalonians: “Never tire of doing what is good.” ^[7] It may well have been an issue based on seeking earthly pleasure and spiritual laziness of the kind expressed in Hebrews.^[8] The Galatians needed to fight such worldly tendencies and center on what God called them to do: Share and do good. Osborne says we should make it a goal for today’s Church, as well as the reason for a church to develop and maintain a program of congregational care.[9]

Richard Longenecker makes a good point about what Paul says here in verse ten about keeping the saints in mind when sharing our goods with others. Earlier, Paul said, you make sure that you do good works that are beneficial to all humanity. But here he seems to restrict it mainly to those in the fellowship of believers. Is this a contraction, asks Longenecker? Not at all. Paul merely points out that believers get so involved helping unbelievers outside the church, they take no notice of believers inside. It’s like a mother getting so engaged in assisting orphans that she doesn’t notice the needs of her children. And pastors sometimes get so excited about the new people in the congregation with follow-up visits and personal attention that they don’t notice some of the regulars who stopped coming.^[10]

I remember traveling to a remote coal-mining region of Yugoslavia to preach for a small but vigorous congregation that met in a converted farm shed. It was the first time any preacher from outside the country had traveled to their village to minister to them. These people lived on meager incomes, to begin with, but as Christians, they were further disadvantaged because only those who joined the Communist Party received the higher-paying jobs. After a song and short prayer, I preached for almost two hours (which included a translation of course) as the congregation responded with enthusiasm. Then they sang for about an hour, after which the interpreter told me they wanted another sermon, and if I didn’t have anything, give my testimony. It went on for another hour and a half. Nobody got up and left; no one fell asleep, and not one sat back and did not join in.

Afterward, when we went to the pastor’s house, we enjoyed a wonderful meal of fried pig fat about two inches thick with crackly skin, along with a stack of potato pancakes and rich, dark syrup. My interpreter came to me and handed me an envelope, explaining that the people wanted me to have this. I figured it might be a picture or some souvenir from that area. Instead, it was an offering of Yugoslavian Dinar equal to about $25.00 – a substantial sum in their economy. My first inclination was to refuse it and tell the translator to give it back because they could use it a lot more than me.

However, the Holy Spirit immediately admonished me and told me to keep it because by returning it, I would be giving the impression it wasn’t enough; or that the money of poor people wasn’t worth anything to me. The Spirit convicted me that in so doing, I would be stealing their blessing of giving to the Lord.  I quietly thanked the Holy Spirit for His guidance and told the interpreter to tell the people how humbled and blessed I was for their generosity and would pray God’s most abundant blessings on them. They had shared their good things with me and showed God their appreciation for Him sending a preacher to preach the Good News and encourage them to remain healthy and faithful during this time of trial and hardship.  In the end, I was the one most blessed.

Likewise, Paul wanted to encourage the saints in Galatia not to grow impatient or weary in sharing good things with their preachers and teachers and sharing each other’s burdens. In so doing, Paul spoke of their reaping a harvest, an increase of more fruit of the spiritual oneness with the Anointed One, and the blessings and favor of God on the sower’s life and ministry.  Remember, one seed of wheat produces many heads of grain; one apple seed gives birth to a tree full of apples. But just as the harvest comes in its season, so at the right time, the spiritual yield will come. There is always the lapse of time between sowing and reaping. Just don’t become exhausted or exasperated and give up or give in before harvest time.

[1] Cf. Romans 2:7, 10; 5:7; 7:12, 13; 8:28; 9:11; 10:15; 12:2, 9, 21; 13:4

[2] O’Conor, William A. On Galatians, pp. 100–101

[3] Matthew 5:45

[4] See Colossians 3:23; 3 John 1:5

[5] Ephesians 6:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:14

[6] Pulpit Commentary: op. cit., Galatians, Exposition, Edward Huxtable, p. 305

[7] 1 Thessalonians 3:13

[8] Hebrews 5:11; 6:12

[9] Osborne, G. R. On Galatians: Verse by Verse, op. cit., pp. 207–208

[10] Longenecker, Richard N. On Galatians, Volume 41, op. cit., Kindle Location 14096

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXLII)

That’s why Paul instructed the Galatians to take every opportunity available to do what God wants them to do, especially their ministry to those of weaker faith who are part of God’s household. That’s why the preacher in Ecclesiastes told his flock that every time they see work that needs to be done, to do it to the best they can. Because in the grave, there is no work. There is no thinking, no knowledge, and there is no wisdom. And we are all going to the place of death.^[1] No wonder Jesus informed His critics that He healed people on the Sabbath because He needed to do everything possible while it was still daytime, so He continues doing the work of the One who sent them. The night is coming when no one can work.^[2]

And since we are to be more and more like Jesus, His example is for us to follow. Later on, Jesus told His disciples that the Light would be with them for only a short time more. So, they were to work while they had daylight. That way, darkness would not overtake them before they finished because people don’t know where they’re going or how to live without any of God’s instructions.^[3] Surely Paul understood what Jesus was saying because he told the Ephesians they were to be careful how they behaved; these were difficult days ahead. So, don’t be foolish; be wise: make the most of every opportunity for doing God’s work.^[4] And to the Colossians, Paul said that they were to be careful in the way they conducted themselves, especially when they were around unbelievers. They were to use that time to God’s advantage.^[5]

Paul did not want anyone to forget that Jesus, the Anointed One gave Himself for us. He died to free us from all evil. He died to make us pure – those people who belong only to Him and who always want to do what’s right.^[6] The Psalmist expressed it this way: “Trust the Lord and do what’s right. Then you will live comfortably in the land and feel safe.” ^[7] And, as Paul told the Thessalonians, don’t think it necessary to get back at people who did you wrong. Instead, treat everyone fairly, beginning with your fellow believers, and then do the same for everyone else.^[8] And Paul shared this motto with Titus: Make people understand all that I’ve taught you. Then those who believe in God will be careful to use their lives for doing what’s right. These things are beneficial to everyone.” ^[9] Also, the writer of Hebrews told his readers not to forget to do good and to share what they have with others because sacrifices like these are very pleasing to God.^[10]

As odd as it may sound, apparently Paul found out that some of the Galatians were following the obligation that the Council in Jerusalem placed on Gentiles by giving to the poor, but were not as excited about giving to their fellow believers. So, He reminded them that charity begins at home. Or as it is said another way: “The light that shines the furthest shines brightest at home.” It complied with what Jesus told His followers, that anyone who does what His Father in heaven wants is His true brother and sister and mother.^[11] Our Lord uses a parable to show that any good a person does for their fellow believer, is doing the same for their God.^[12]

After all, as Paul explained to the Ephesians, believers of every nation, race, color, and culture are no longer strangers and foreigners. We are fellow citizens, along with all of God’s holy people. We are members of God’s big family.^[13] We don’t do this just for looks or to get the applause of others, as the writer of Hebrews tells us, the Anointed One is faithful in ruling God’s house as His Son. And we are God’s house, we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.^[14] Not only that, but because of that, God is fair, and He will remember all the work we have done. He will not forget that we showed our love to Him by showing love to His people and continued to help them.^[15]

The Apostle John does not hold back on making it clear that this is not a game; this is for real; this is something we must take seriously. He wrote: Brothers and sisters, don’t be surprised when the people of this world don’t like you. We know that we were once spiritually dead, but now we have been given new life. We know this because we love each other as brothers and sisters. Anyone who does not show love to their fellow believers is still spiritually dead. And anyone who dislikes a fellow believer has the mind of a murderer. And you know that no murderer has eternal life.

John goes on to say that this is how we know what real love is: Jesus gave His life for us. So, we should give our lives for each other as brothers and sisters. Suppose a believer, who is rich enough to have all the necessities of life, sees a fellow believer who is underprivileged and does not have even basic needs. What if the rich believer does not help the poor one? Keep this in mind, we will know for sure, by our actions, if we are on God’s side, and our consciences will be clear, even when we stand before the Lord.^[16] For if you believe that Jesus is the Anointed One – and that He is God’s Son and your Savior – then you are a child of God. And that you love the Father and His children too.^[17]

All of what Paul is telling the Galatians here about helping each other was not new to Him. Even as a Pharisee, when he visited the Temple in Jerusalem, he noticed that there were two chambers in the Temple, one called the “Hall of discreet donors,” and the other “The chamber of vessels.” The Jewish Mishnah explains to us that the room for the discreet donors served those God-fearing people who would discreetly place their gifts in it. Then, the poor, descending from good families, could support themselves without public knowledge. The chamber of vessels served those who wanted to contribute containers to the Temple; they would put them there. And once in thirty days, the treasurers would open them up. Any vessel found which was able to be used directly for the upkeep of the Temple they would leave. They sold the rest, and the funds went to the chamber for the Temple upkeep.^[18]

That’s why Jesus and His Apostles always made sure that people knew they were not to make a big deal out of helping their less fortunate brothers and sisters. Here in the Mishnah, they are called “discrete donors.” What they do for others may be appreciated and of great value, but for themselves, they remain anonymous and invisible. That God sees them is reward enough.

COMMENTARY

Marius Victorinus believes that Paul is insistent that we are to work, to work hard, and to work it in such a way that we show no partiality toward any individual. The truth is, says Victorinus, we only do that which is excellent and useful for all. For indeed, if love lifts a person and they feel loved, then every act of kindness works for the benefit of everyone. However, Paul makes the point that all the good we do on behalf of others should begin with our fellow believers. They are the ones who believed and trusted in the Anointed One and the Father who sent Him.

Victorinus also notes that Paul comes to the climax of his argument, making this specific point. It was particularly relevant to the Galatians. For they, by making certain additions to their faith from Judaism, were not acting out of loyalty. They believed that they would gain fruit from works and ritual observances. Therefore, he emphasizes that they begin with the household of believers because they trusted only in the Gospel, that is, in God and the Anointed One.^[19]

Jerome believes that all the things we say are like seeds being sown in two fields: a sinful swamp and spiritual soil. If what comes out from our hand, mouth, and heart is useful, it is planted in the Spirit and will produce the fruit of eternal life. If it is unuseful, when harvested from the swamp of sinful nature, it will grow an unsavory crop of corruption for us. It should be observed that to the one who sows in their sinful nature is sowing “to the flesh.” But the one who plants in their reborn soul is sowing “in the Spirit.” They will reap a harvest of delicious and nutritious spiritual fruit to share with everyone.^[20]

Thomas Aquinas takes the opportunity to express how he sees these instructions of Paul that we help each other in carrying out our duties. Someone asked Aquinas if it is lawful to love one person more than another? Aquinas responded by saying that we should observe that love can be called greater or lesser in two ways. In one way, from the standpoint of the receiver. Another way, from the intensity of the giver. To love someone is to will good things for them. Accordingly, one can love one person more than another, either because they give them more because of their greater need, which is the object of love. Or because they think they deserve more in light of how they will use it.

Therefore, concerning the first, we ought to love everyone equally, because our goal is that all should have eternal life. However, regarding the second, it is not necessary that we love everyone equally since the intensity of any act depends on the principle of the greatest and most urgent need. Aquinas feels that we should love those we know less about with a higher degree of love than those we know very well.^[21]

Alexander Maclaren stated that “Jesus the Anointed One can redeem the world Himself, but He chose not to without the help of His servants.” Jesus said he desired that we carry the Gospel to all humanity by His Incarnation and Sacrifice. Therefore, what He called us to do was not achieved in the manger nor the cross on Calvary alone. He intended that those He called would participate in carrying out His ministry to the world.^[22]

To this, I add that those called to be part of this great ministry are guides in this world is to lead the lost to the Light, where they can receive forgiveness and eternal life. It is a great honor and privilege to do so. It is necessary because instead of Jesus taking all the inheritance He is to receive for His work and sacrifice here on earth, He decided on His own to share it with those who are also willing to be part of His suffering. Paul shared this with one of his protégés: “If we die with Him, we will also live with Him. If we remain faithful to Him even in suffering, we will also rule with Him.” ^[23]

[1] Ecclesiastes 9:10

[2] John 9:4

[3] Ibid. 12:35

[4] Ephesians 5:15-16

[5] Colossians 4:5

[6] Titus 2:14

[7] Psalm 37:3

[8] 1 Thessalonians 5:15

[9] Titus 3:8

[10] Hebrews 13:16

[11] Matthew 12:50

[12] Ibid. 25:40

[13] Ephesians 2:19; cf. 3:15

[14] Hebrews 3:6

[15] Ibid. 6:10

[16] 1 John 3:13-19

[17] Ibid. 5:1

[18] Jewish Mishnah: Division Mo’ ed, Tractate Shekalim, Chapter 5, Section 6

[19] Victorinus, Marius: Edwards, M. J. (Ed.). On Galatians, op. cit., pp. 98-99

[20] Jerome: Edwards, M. J. (Ed.). op. cit., On. Galatians, pp. 97-98

[21] Aquinas, Thomas, op. cit., loc. cit.

[22] Maclaren, Alexander, Expositions of Holy Scripture, Galatians, loc. cit.

[23] 2 Timothy 2:12

When we hear the name King Solomon, most of us immediately think about his wisdom. The royal recorder of kings tells us that King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.[1] Some people think of wisdom as knowledge, but that is not the case. You can know a lot of things but it is useless unless you know how to use it.

Psychologists tell us that wisdom can be acquired only through experience, but by itself, experience does not automatically bestow wisdom. Researchers are probing the social, emotional, and cognitive processes that transmute experience into wisdom. Psychologists tend to agree that wisdom involves an integration of knowledge, experience, and deep understanding that incorporates tolerance for the uncertainties of life as well as its ups and downs. There’s an awareness of how things play out over time, and it negotiates a sense of balance.

Researchers found that there are five strengths that operated beneath wisdom’s umbrella:

• Creativity
• Curiosity
• Judgment
• Love of Learning
• Perspective

Each of these strengths exists in every person to some degree. They also can increase in prominence as you learn to use them more. These strengths are part of a larger list consisting of twenty-four.

You can learn about all 24 of your character strengths and see how each rank. (Visit ViaCharacter.org.)

Some people define wisdom as expert knowledge about practical life. Many authors have tried to identify the specific components associated with wisdom. While they vary somewhat, authors tend to point out the following elements:

• Interpersonal skills. Level of knowledge, sensitivity, and sociability when relating to others. Interpersonal skills allow an individual to adapt to other’s needs and have the most effective interaction possible.
• Communication skills and good judgment. Wisdom, which people usually relate to experience, implies having knowledge and being able to give advice. Wise individuals can help people with their problems and come up with practical solutions that others can’t see.
• Understanding. Wise people, who can cultivate emotion and life experiences, can understand and empathize with others.
• General competence. This is probably the thing that people most often associate with wisdom. The wise are intelligent, cultured, highly knowledgeable in many fields, and know how to communicate that knowledge.

No doubt we could go on and on with the various views and theories about wisdom. There are too many to list here, but let us select some that point out where wisdom comes from and how it is used.

But there is one source that will give us a definition of wisdom from God’s point of view, and that is the Holy Bible. King David said it all, reverence for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding.[2]

It appears that his son Solomon was listening because he also says that reverence for the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.[3] He continues by telling us that the way a fool acts is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.[4] So, says the King, listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future.[5]

Furthermore, Solomon has advice for those who want to gain wisdom. He tells us an intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.[6] For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.[7] It will pay off, says Solomon, for a person who finds wisdom is blessed, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are satisfying.[8]

And the importance of wisdom was not lost on our Lord or the Apostles. Jesus told his disciples not to worry when they were confronted by disbelievers or in answering charges against them. At that moment, said our Lord, I will give you wisdom in what to say and I will help you say it. Those who are against you will not be able to stop you or say you are wrong.[9]

Then James, the brother of our Lord advises us that if any of you lacks wisdom, let them ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given them.[10] Not only that, but the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.[11] Therefore, says James, those of you who gain wisdom, show it by your good conduct so that others can see how wisdom operates in humility.[12]

The Apostle Paul was also a great fan of wisdom. He told the Corinthians that because of Him you are in union with the Anointed One, Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.[13] And to the Colossians he wrote, let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.[14] And to the Ephesians Paul cautioned them to look carefully then how you behave, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.[15]

So, as we can see, wisdom starts with acknowledging there is an all-wise God who is ready to guide and provide for all those who trust in His Word. King David said, only fools do not recognize and acknowledge that God exists.[16] And those who think that God’s Word is not the source of wisdom are in the same category. People like that are all talk and no action. When the Apostle Paul finished dictating his informative and instructive letter to the congregation in Rome, he finished it this way: All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, forever. Amen. When we are finished with our labors here on earth may we be able to say the same. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

[1] 1 Kings 10:23

[2] Psalm 111:10

[3] Proverbs 1:7; Cf. 9:10; 15:33

[4] Ibid. 12:15

[5] Ibid. 19:20

[6] Ibid. 18:15

[7] Ibid. 2:6

[8] Ibid. 3:13-18

[9] Luke 21:15

[10] James 1:5

[11] Ibid. 3:17

[12] Ibid. 3:13

[13] 1 Corinthians 1:30

[14] Colossians 3:16

[15] Ephesians 5:15-17

[16] Psalm 14:1

A MODERN CINDERELLA

Sometimes, when God puts a call on your heart, you can’t help but ask, “Am I crazy?” That’s exactly what pediatric nurse Amber Boyd asked herself when she felt a tug on her heart telling her to take home one of her tiny patients. It wasn’t due to greed or envy that she wanted to take this baby. The baby’s mother thought the child was so ugly she couldn’t stand looking at her. So, she walked away and said, “You can keep her, I don’t want her.”

You see, the reason the mother abandoned the baby because it was born with a rare birth defect. A tumor was growing inside the baby’s nose, which made it so large that it pushed her eyes apart and she looked like an animal. Nevertheless, Amber just knew in her heart that this little girl named Nicole belonged with her.

When tiny Nicole was born, doctors quickly realized she suffered from a rare birth defect called omphalocele. It’s a condition that causes the baby’s gastric organs to grow on the outside of the belly, rather than inside. Because of this, she was rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the New Mexico hospital where Amber works.

“Baby Nicole was pretty sick that whole first year and a couple of months of her life,” Amber recalls, “Right around her first birthday, she was making progress, but the intensive care she needed was beyond anything anyone could accommodate at home.”

Nicole’s biological parents had already lost custody of her, and the baby girl belonged to the state. So, the hospital started looking for a medical foster home — one that would be able to keep up with Nicole’s very special needs. And that’s when Amber felt the pull in her heart! Amber had felt a connection with the sick baby girl from day one. “As a nurse, sometimes you bond with patients,” said Amber. “I’ve had that frequently happen throughout my career, but nothing as strong in the way I feel for this child. She was on her own and really sick. I guess it was that motherly instinct. I think it was a bond that was meant to happen.”

And after spending a year caring for her professionally, Amber just knew she was the best person to continue that care at home. “I said, ‘Well, that’s something I could do from home,’” But then I said, “This is crazy, am I crazy?” She ran the “crazy” idea by her husband, who didn’t find it crazy at all! He agreed Nicole belonged in their loving home.

Soon after, Nicole went home with the Boyd’s as a foster child. And Amber says she fit right in! Once it was clear to everyone that this was where Nicole belonged, the loving nurse adopted the sweet girl officially! “Everything this little girl needed they had,” said Camille Walker, Amber’s colleague at the hospital. “It was like she won the lottery with the parents that she got.”

By the time Nicole was 3 years old, she had undergone 13 surgeries to put her organs back inside her body and is shocking everyone by how quickly she’s developed, despite her special needs. But of course, we know it’s because of God’s perfect plan! Now Nicole’s face is taking on a natural look so that it won’t be long before no one will know what she looked like in the beginning.

“I can’t imagine a time without her,” says Taylor, Amber’s husband. “We have only had her for a short amount of time but she has become a huge part of the family.” Amber went on to add, “It is like a perfect fit. I don’t know how to explain it, it was just right.” “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’” (1 Corinthians 2:9).

The Psalmist had it right when he said, “For my father and my mother have abandoned me, but the Lord will take me in.” (Psalm 27:10). No doubt, he was able to say that because God told the children of Israel, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or abandon you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6). You see, when we felt abandoned by friends because of our new birth defect, the words of Jesus gave us comfort, “I will not leave you abandoned, I will come to you.” (John 14:18) Jesus goes on to say, “Look at the birds; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. You are much more valuable to God than they are.” (Matthew 6:26).

So, there’s no reason for every believer that God is not watching over His new creation in Jesus the Anointed One. You are precious to Him. He loves you so much that He doesn’t want you to die. (Psalm 116:1). But when you do, He will not abandon you but tuck you away into His arms until Jesus comes to get you and take you home to Him. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER SIX (Lesson CXLI)

Ramsey Aiyer contextualizes these verses this way: “Don’t deceive yourselves into thinking that you can try to keep God’s Law and yet be righteous; You cannot outwit God by sowing one kind of crop and reaping another kind; you cannot, by trying to obey God’s Law conscientiously, be able to live a godly life; a person will always reap just the kind of crop they sow!  If they try to be good in their human strength, living conscientiously by moral principles and standards, which is an exercise of their own human will and effort, they will only become absorbed in a selfish way of life that will lead to sin and corruption. But if they surrender their will to God’s powerful spirit and let it rule and order their life, they will truly be enabled to live a life of holiness, and thus gain life. Yes, what you sow, you will reap.” ^[1]

6:9-10 One more thing, don’t lose your motivation for doing what’s right. If you don’t get discouraged and give up, you will reap great blessings at harvest time. Take every opportunity to be useful, especially to your fellow believers.

 EXPOSITION

But Paul knew that by the Galatians keeping their minds on God’s will and following the teachings of Jesus the Anointed One, and continually listening to the urging of the Holy Spirit is not a casual thing to do. It takes time and effort. So, he wants them to concentrate on the goal and not just on the race. The prophet Malachi addressed a similar problem in his day. And the Lord spoke to him with a message for all the people of God.

Here’s what the Lord said: “My people all around the world respect My Name. From all around the earth, they bring good gifts to Me and burn offerings as a gift to Me because My Name is essential to all of them.” This is what the Lord All-Powerful said to me, says Malachi. “But you people show that you don’t respect My Name. You say that the Lord’s altar is unclean. And you don’t like the food from that altar. You smell the food and refuse to eat it. You say it is terrible. Then you bring sick, crippled, and hurt animals to Me. You try to give sick animals to Me as sacrifices, but I will not accept them.” These words, says Malachi, is what the Lord All-Powerful said to me. “Some people have good animals that they could give as sacrifices, but they don’t. Some people bring good animals and promise to provide those healthy animals to Me. But then they secretly exchange those good animals and give me sick animals instead. Bad things will happen to those people. I am the Great King, and people all around the world respect Me!” Listen to what the Lord All-Powerful said to me, says Malachi.” ^[2]

When we put this into today’s language and church culture, oh my, how this should resonate with the church today. Some people go to church looking for the best praise and worship team, want the most beautiful solos, want the most powerful, and yet least assertive sermons to make them comfortable. However, when asked to take time to pray, study God’s Word, to be involved in ministry, and give to the needs of the neediest members, they don’t have the time or interest. It seems that Paul faced the same dilemma in Corinth. That’s why he wrote telling them my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm and steadfast. Don’t let other interests change you. Always offer yourselves fully to the work of the Lord. You never waste your time working for the Lord.^[3]

Paul also mentioned to the Romans that some people conduct their lives for God’s glory, for honor, and indestructible future life. They live for those things by continuing to do what’s right at all times. God will give them eternal life.^[4] This is the best way for God’s children to stop uninformed people, says Peter, from saying foolish things about them. It is what God wants His children to do by following His will.^[5] It is far better to suffer for doing what’s right than for doing what’s wrong. It is better to have a desire for what God wants than what we want.^[6] Because, if God lets you go through hardships, you should trust your lives to Him. He is the One who made you, and you can trust Him. So, continue doing what’s right.^[7]

You may not see this come to pass all at once or even in a short time. Moses had the same advice for the children of Israel when he told them that if they remain faithful to doing things God’s way, He will give them rains at the right time. Then the fields will grow crops, and the trees in the grove will grow and bear their fruit.^[8] That’s why the orchard caretaker doesn’t become discouraged because apples do not start developing the next day after the tree’s blossoms bloomed. The Apostle James uses this same illustration to make an identical point.^[9]

However, warns Paul, the end can only be reached if they don’t get tired and quit. Isaiah put it this way. Sometimes even young men get tired and need to rest. Even young boys will stumble and fall. But those who trust in the Lord will become strong again. They will be like eagles that grow new feathers. They will run and not get weary. They will walk and not get tired.^[10] But Jesus added another factor for believers to consider. He tells us that the day will come when there will be so much spiritual indifference to sin in the world that the love of most believers will grow cold. But the one who remains faithful to the end will be saved.^[11] When you start feeling discouraged and weary, said Jesus, pray for strength, and never give up.^[12]

Paul wants the Galatians to know what he told the Corinthians, that God never chooses anyone to do the work He desires for them to do, without equipping them with the spiritual secrets they need to know on how to survive.^[13] Paul went through many hardships to preach the Gospel throughout Asia Minor, and the good saints at Ephesus were worried about him, but he told them that all that he went through was for their benefit.^[14] There was no reason for Paul to wish he could do it all over with fewer adversities, but there was no reason to do so. The writer of Hebrews declared that the Anointed One is faithful in overseeing God’s house as the Son. And we are God’s house if we remain confident of the great hope, we are glad to say we have. It gives us the honor of sharing in all that the Anointed One has if we continue until the end, having the same faith we had in the beginning.^[15]

The writer of Hebrews encouraged his readers not to lose the courage they had in the past. You will receive a rich reward for your bravery. You must be patient. After you have done what God wants, you will get what He promised you.^[16] He then uses Jesus as an example of someone who did not lose courage and quit because what He came to do looked impossible.^[17] And in his Revelation, the Apostle John heard this said by Jesus the Anointed One to the Ephesians: You never stop trying. You have endured troubles for my name and have not given up. So, let everyone who hears this should listen to what the Spirit says to the Churches. To those who win the victory, I will give the right to eat the fruit from the tree of life, which is in God’s paradise.^[18]

And then to the Church at Smyrna, the Anointed One had this to say: Don’t ever be afraid of what may happen to you. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison. He will do this to test you. You will suffer, but be faithful, even if you end up dying. But if you remain committed, I will give you the reward of eternal life. The second death will not touch those who win the victory.^[19] And to the Church in Pergamum, He says that He will give the hidden manna to everyone who wins the victory. He will also give each one a white stone that has a new name written on it. And no one will know this name except the one who gets the stone.^[20]

But the Angel of the Lord is not finished. To the Church in Thyatira, He said that He would give power over the nations to all those who win the victory and continue until the end to do what I want. They will rule the nations with an iron rod. They will break them to pieces like clay pots. They will have the same power He received from His Father, and He will give them the morning star.^[21] And to the Church in Sardis, the Angel said that all would wear white who is victorious. He will never erase their names from the Book of Life, but He will announce before His Father and His angels that they are mine.^[22]

The Angel of the Lord goes on with His message to the Church in Philadelphia. Those who win the victory will be pillars in the Temple of My God. I will make that happen for them. They will never again have to leave God’s Temple. I will write on them the name of My God and the name of the city of My God. That city is the new Jerusalem. It is coming down out of heaven from My God. I will also write My new name on them.^[23] And finally, to the Church in Laodicea, He says, I will let everyone who wins the victory sit with Me on My throne. It was the same with Me. I won the victory and sat down with My Father on His throne. Everyone who hears this should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches.^[24]

Reading these messages from the Anointed One to all assemblies of believers leaves no doubt what Paul told the Philippians is true. We can be confident that the good work God began in us will continue until He completes it on the day when Jesus the Anointed One comes again.^[25] It’s not just our battle, but God’s battle as well. But we cannot sit on our hands and do nothing and expect the Holy Spirit to fight all our battles for us. Soldiers don’t sit in the barracks while the commander goes out and fights the enemy. We are under the command of the Lord Jesus the Anointed One. We must listen to His commandments and do them with all our heart and soul.

[1] Ramsey Aiyer, The Contextual Bible Galatians, loc. cit.

[2] Malachi 1:11-14

[3] 1 Corinthians 15:58; cf. 2 Thessalonians 3:13; Hebrews 12:3

[4] Romans 2:7

[5] 1 Peter 2:15

[6] Ibid. 3:17

[7] Ibid. 4:19

[8] Leviticus 26:4; Deuteronomy 11:14

[9] James 5:7

[10] Isaiah 40:30-31

[11] Matthew 24:12-13

[12] Luke 18:1

[13] 1 Corinthians 4:1

[14] Ephesians 3:13

[15] Hebrews 3:6, 14

[16] Ibid. 10:35-36

[17] Ibid. 12:3-5

[18] Revelation 2:3, 7

[19] Ibid. 2:10-11

[20] Ibid. 2:17

[21] Ibid. 2:26-29

[22] Ibid. 3:5-6

[23] Ibid. 3:12

[24] Ibid. 3:21-22

[25] Philippians 1:6