Down an Unfamiliar Road

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER FIVE (Lesson CII)

5:22e  Our oneness with the Anointed in the Spirit bears the fruit of . . . Patience . . .

Both joy and peace, in the original languages spoken by Paul, prove fairly easy to translate, but when it comes to this Hebrew combination of adjective and noun, ‘aph’arek, it is more of a challenge. To understand this better, let’s look at the makeup of the word.  First, ‘arek means “long” and ‘aph means “face.” Most of us certainly know what a long face conveys. But the long face here is an angry one, a frustrated look, rather than sadness or disappointment. The way the LORD looked when He passed by Moses and declared that He was merciful, gracious, longsuffering (patient), and abundant in goodness and truth.^[1] He was letting Moses know that He did not lose patience very quickly. When Moses explained what God told him to the Israelites, he repeats God’s words to him.^[2] And the Psalmist named off the same qualities of God’s essence.^[3] And the prophet Jeremiah begged the LORD not to discard him, out of a lack of patience.^[4]

Today, we might call it an “impatient” look. However, as Augustine notes in his commentary: “patience helps us to be consistent in our love.” In other words, patience is more than just standing there, rubbing your hands, or tapping your foot; it means looking for ways to keep calm while forgiving recurring mistakes. The oft-repeated phrase is found in the First Covenant, “slow to get angry,” which has more in common with the Greek word for patience than the Hebrew “long-face.” The Greek noun is makrothumia, and as the Hebrew, takes two words to explain itself. Makro means “long,” and thumos means “temper.” It’s another way of identifying people who possess tempers with long fuses, people who endure patiently. Patience is slowness in avenging wrongs. It is the quality of restraint that prevents believers from speaking or acting hastily in the face of disagreement, opposition, or persecution. Patience is bearing pain or problems without complaining.^[5]

In Roget’s Thesaurus, it provides an antonym for “long-tempered” – “quick-tempered.” In my vocabulary, we often call it “short-tempered.” Adam Clarke points to a British compound word for long-tempered – “long-mindedness,” and defines it as: “Bearing with the frailties and provocations of others in consideration of the fact that God was very patient with us. Clarke goes on to give two more meanings: “bearing up through all the troubles and difficulties of life without murmuring or complaining,” and “submitting cheerfully to every situation God allows us to go through so that we gain benefits from every occurrence.^[6] However, for the sake of our study, we will use “Patience,” which we will further define as a fruit of transformed-love.

So, the early English translators gave us “longsuffering” to translate both the Hebrew and the Greek. In English, it means: “to allow, to tolerate or put up with something for a long time without despairing.” It serves as the essence of patience. It expresses an attitude toward people in which one endures their stubbornness or procrastination no matter how unreasonable they may be. It never loses hope for them, however ugly and unmanageable they become. Since God declares patience as one of His virtues, we can see that the Spirit’s transformation of love to produced patience. It’s not for our patience with God, but our patience with others even as God was patient with us. At the same time, it denotes an attitude toward circumstances that never admit defeat. It never loses hope or faith, no matter how dark the situation becomes or how inexplicable events may turn out to be. Theologian Robert Gundry describes such patience as “having a long fuse, as opposed to ‘outbreaks of rage,’ which is one of the works of the sinful nature.” ^{[7] [8]}

Four great people of faith in the First Covenant give us glowing examples of patience. There is Noah’s patience with God’s prophecy and people’s harassment. Abraham’s patience with God’s promise while waiting for his son to be born. Joseph’s patience with God’s plan by refusing to take the easy way out. And Job’s patience with God’s purpose by not compromising his faith in a just Redeemer. Job, more than any other patriarch, became the icon of patience to every Jewish believer, and Christians admire him just as much. However, as a fruit of transformed-love manifested by the spiritual oneness with the Anointed, we must find how other Scriptures portray this attribute of love being consistent and strengthened in the believer’s life to grasp Paul’s reason for including it in the list of spiritual fruit.

The writers in the First Covenant knew that patience required the virtue of love. When Moses pleaded with God to forgive the rebellious Israelites, he tried to convince them to repent. He also attempted to persuade the LORD to pardon them. His message to them was this: “It takes a long time for the LORD to get angry because He’s filled with an unfailing love that allows Him to forgive every kind of sin and rebellion.” Then Moses prayed: “O LORD, because You have such magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of these people, just as You have forgiven them over and over since they left Egypt.” ^[9]

The Psalmist agrees and praises the LORD for being a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.^[10] Then the prophet Joel used the same thought when pleading with the people that judgment day was coming, “Return to the LORD your God, for He is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He is eager to be patient and not to punish.” ^[11]

Even Solomon, in his wisdom, taught that sensible people control their temper and earn respect by overlooking wrongs.^[12] Also, people with common sense control their anger because they know a hot temper makes them look foolish.^[13] Furthermore, patience is more admired than influence; self-control should be more desired than winning.^[14] For Solomon, patience did not imply weakness; instead, it spoke of the power to pause; strength to stand, and energy to endure. Even more, a reason to accept that love is an act of the will, not the expression of romantic emotions, no matter how deeply we feel them.

In the eighteenth chapter of Matthew’s Gospel, we find a fascinating interaction between Jesus and His disciples on character and virtues. His followers start by asking who rates as highest in the Kingdom of Heaven, and Jesus replies by pointing to those who have child-like faith. Then Jesus proceeds to instruct them on being forgiving and not resentful; rejoice when you win back someone through patience. It impacted Peter in such a way that he later came to Jesus and asked how patient should people be in forgiving others. Should they be patient for a respectable amount of time? Jesus looked at Peter and smiled, “No, Peter! Be patient as long as it takes!” [15]

Our LORD then commences telling Peter a parable about a man who was overdue in paying back the king a large amount of money he owed. When the king requested immediate payment, the man fell before his master and begged him, “Please be patient with me, and I will pay it all back.” The king relented and marked the account, “Paid in Full.” This same man then went and found a neighbor who owed him a small amount of money, and started choking him while demanding that he pay up at once. The man fell before him and begged for a little more time. “Be patient with me, and I will pay it all back.” This scoundrel showed no patience or mercy and had the man jailed. When the king was informed, he ordered the ungrateful man arrested and thrown into prison.

After telling this parable, Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” In other words, let your love act decisively by being patient with those who may offend you, especially your fellow believers, even as your Heavenly Father was patient with you until you confessed your transgressions and asked His forgiveness. Wow! Now that’s something to think about, isn’t it?

As such, the word patience gives us essential insight into the essence of Love. Emotions and passions of admiration and attraction are not Love; they are the basic instincts of “a need to be wanted and appreciated,” as well as to satisfy our human nature.  Love, however, is an act of the will. John does not say that God so loved the world because they were kind to Him.^[16] Paul tells us that while we were yet sinners, the Anointed died for us. That’s why with God’s love in our hearts, we can decide to show kindness and goodness to someone even if they don’t return the favor right away. Therefore, when someone tries our patience, they are testing our persistence in loving them.

Paul’s definition of love helps clarify that love can help develop the character of one’s spiritual oneness with the Anointed.^[17] What the world calls love is often not much more than a romantic notion. It’s like a flame that sparks into being and then quickly dies out. But the love of God that the Holy Spirit infuses us with has the power to will love into action anytime it is needed. Once we lose our will to love, however, then the fruit of the spiritual oneness with the Anointed will wither on the vine.  No wonder the Psalmist said to the LORD, “I’d rather have your unfailing love than life itself.” ^[18] On the other hand, when we do “will to love” and return our investment with affection by the person to whom we showed love, then all the emotions and desires that accompany that act of love are felt more substantial and more profound than ever.

When Epaphras came from Colossae to visit Paul, he told him about the love the Holy Spirit put in the Colossian’s hearts for others. So, Paul wrote to them, “We have not stopped praying for you ever since we heard about what you’ve done. Each time we ask God to increase your comprehension of His will and add to your spiritual wisdom and understanding. Then the way you live and act will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit.  All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better. We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power, so you will have all the endurance and patience you need.” Here we see how the consistent Love of the Holy Spirit brought into their hearts is transformed into patience.

[1] Exodus 34:6

[2] Numbers 14:18

[3] Psalm 86:15

[4] Jeremiah 15:15

[5] Rose Publishing: The Fruit of the Spirit (Kindle Location 80)

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

[7] See Galatians 5:20

[8] Gundry, Robert H., Commentary on Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[9] Numbers 14:18-19

[10] Psalms 86:15

[11] Joel 2:13

[12] Proverbs 19:11

[13] Ibid. 14:29

[14] Ibid. 16:32

[15] Matthew 18:21-22

[16] John 3:16

[17] 1 Corinthians 13

[18] Psalm 63:3

Undoubtedly, you’ve heard someone say about another individual, “They are dedicated to their profession, or job, or role, etc. Just what does it mean, “to be dedicated.” For clarity, we must decide how the phrase is being used. In the case of religion, it’s the dedication of a church facility, baptistry, or a child. It can also apply to the setting aside of some object for a particular purpose. In some situations, it is putting someone’s name on an object as dedicated to their memory.

Psychologist Marcia Reynolds sees the dark side of dedication. By that she means, choosing to stick with something based on a bad excuse, or no excuse at all. The Big Question always boils down to, “Who is making your decision? Society, your parents, or the slave-driver, fear-monger, criticizer in your head?” Is your dedication to what you have just an alibi to stay safe?

Dr. Reynolds goes on to ask: What inner strengths can you call on? Recall a time in your life when you accomplished something you were proud of. What inner characteristics did you call on to make this happen? Were you courageous, determined, creative, curious, trusting (had faith), adventurous, hopeful, or competitive? What inner strengths and gifts can you call on to quit hiding behind your “dedication” and move on?

In the book, “The Practice of Presence,” Patty de Llosa writes, “Finally, my dedication to ‘keeping the family together’ led to illness, depression, and a lot of suffering before I could separate from my husband and begin life again.” She goes on to describe what she learned about the myth of marriage and family from psychologist James Hillman, that keeping the marriage and family together is not always the best option, and possibly detrimental to the psychic health of children. The excuse keeps the troubled person from talking about problems and dreams. The resentment leads to a breakdown of the relationship which doesn’t keep the family together anyway.

So, what we learn here is not just the defining “dedication,” but is that dedication for your good or for your harm? Master Therapist Thomas M. Skovholt dedicated his book to those who —graciously gave of their time for this research project. —have helped so many suffering from emotional pain. —inspired other therapists and counselors to reach higher in their professional development. In other words, they took some of “their” time and spent it on others.

Psychologist Ciarán Dalton shares an interesting look at how we conceptualize our future selves and how that relates to habits of procrastination. In a sense, we think about ourselves in the future the same way we think about others. We see this concept unfold when we look at the level of dedication and hard work some athletes put into their off-season workouts. The fit, dedicated, and persistent players are the ones who relate more closely to their future selves. Whereas the unfit, procrastinating players imagine themselves during the season as if it were someone else. Which athlete are you? Here we see that dedication is the antitheses of procrastination.

This is why dedication must be linked to a “purpose.” The Association for Psychological Science tells us that dedication buffers people against boredom. They say that based on research and studies, managers and executives should consider designing jobs in a way that minimizes monotony while cultivating dedication.

In Behavioral Psychology, Michael Schreiner says that when people want to change some aspect of their lives and actually there is a lot of fluidity between the behavioral and the existential. Sometimes you can’t have that ‘aha!’ moment until you feel the difference in your life. But, Schreiner thinks the existential realization that change is needed is more powerful. Without this dedication, feeling it in your bones that the new behavior is essential, no regimen will last that long because you can always come up with rationalizations that sound really good to the parts of yourself that don’t want to do the hard work that change entails.

Schreiner goes on to say that You can try dedication with any challenging activity in your life where successful outcomes are not guaranteed even though you are trying your hardest, and where you feel tempted to give up, slack off, or lose concentration. You want success to be possible but not a given, and for there to always be the possibility of doing even better.

However, unhealthy obsession and healthy dedication look similar in terms of manifest behavior so we have to isolate the underlying intentions if we want to figure out which is which. Our inside thoughts and outside behavior can appear quite similar in instances of dedication and instances of obsession even though existentially speaking these two life orientations are worlds apart. So, talking about the difference between obsession and dedication actually helps us highlight what we see as the inherent deficiency in the underlying theoretical structure of behavioral psychology. In our existential view, the main difference between obsession and dedication is that with an obsession you can’t stop thinking about it even if you want to and your behavior is compelled, it’s outside of your conscious control, whereas with dedication you think about it all the time because you want to and your behavior is determined by your own freely willed choice to pursue that path.

But the one we want to look at is dedication being used to define a person’s self-sacrifice, devotion, and loyalty to God and His kingdom. While all of these others are excellent points, the most important is how dedicated are we to our spiritual life and God? There is no better place to start than here: How blessed are those who reject the advice of the wicked, don’t stand on the way of sinners or sit where scoffers sit! Their delight is in Adonai’s Torah; on his Torah, they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams — they bear their fruit in season, their leaves never wither, everything they do succeeds.[1]

And Moses gave the Israelite this message: Nothing that a person dedicates to the Lord of all they have, of man or animal or their own land, will be sold or bought. Everything that has been dedicated is most holy to the Lord.[2] This is another way of saying that whatever we dedicate to the Lord should be used for no other purpose than to praise, please, and honor Him.

Many Churches, in dedicating infants to the Lord, follow the example of Joseph and Mary when they brought Jesus to the Temple in Jerusalem to dedicate Him.[3] And the Apostle Peter touches on this in his instructions: Dedicate your minds for good use. Keep awake. Set your hope now and forever on the loving-favor to be given you when Jesus Christ comes again.[4]

And the Apostle Paul cautions believers to remember that your body is a dedicated house of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you. If anyone defiles and spoils God’s house, God will destroy them. For God’s house is holy and clean, and you are that house.[5] Then he lays out his idea of dedication to God’s service: Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to dedicate your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to dedicate yourselves to Him.[6]

So, what can we say about our dedication to God, His service, His Word, and calling? Is it more of an obsession than dedication? Is it done out of habit or, like God’s blessings, new every morning?[7] Can we truthfully say that our dedication to some present activity is real, or are we using it as an excuse not to move forward and let God use us in another part of His vineyard? Also, when we say we are dedicating something we do for God, are we taking some of “our” time and giving it to God, or are we using time when we have nothing else to do? You can only fool yourself, and perhaps others, but you cannot fool God, no matter how dedicated you may be. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

[1] Psalm 1:1-3 – Complete Jewish Bible

[2] Leviticus 27:28

[3] Luke 2:22

[4] 1 Peter 1:13

[5] 1 Corinthians 3:16-17

[6] Romans 12:1-2

[7] Lamentations 3:22-23

SOMETIMES, GOOD THINGS COME IN OLD BOXES

Jeannie Joseph worked as a neonatal nurse at Swedish/American hospital in Rockford, Illinois, for ten years. She was in the special care nursery one day when she noticed a young teenager in a hooded sweatshirt holding a shoebox and crying. His terrified face told her something was very wrong.

Inside the shoebox was a 3-pound infant wrapped in a dishtowel. The baby boy was born six weeks premature. Jeannie grabbed the baby, and the medical staff immediately went to work. They treated him for hypothermia, dehydration, and an infection from the household scissors used to cut his umbilical cord.

“We were sad, of course, but we had to work very fast with this baby,” Jeannie said. Despite the harrowing conditions, God used Jeannie to help work all things out for the baby’s good! Although the tiny lad’s condition was grave, it was a miracle he was alive at all. Premature babies need warmth immediately and often are not developed enough to breathe on their own. And yet, despite the terrible circumstances, this little one was breathing and fighting for his life. “This is one of the cases I won’t forget,” said the doctor who treated the shoebox baby. “There was someone from up above looking down on him.”

As hospital staff did everything to save the newborn, his teenage father waited outside, sobbing uncontrollably. Jeannie kept him posted on his baby’s progress. Once the infant’s condition stabilized, she explained to the young, terrified dad that if he gave up his baby that day, he’d no longer be able to receive updates on his health. She reminded him he could take his time in exploring options rather than make an impulsive decision.

The teenage boy took the parental bracelets Jeannie offered him so that he and the baby’s mother could come back to visit him. The young couple came the next day, and every day after for several weeks. As it turns out, the shoebox baby’s mother was 15-year-old Cherish Coates. She knew all too well the difficulties of teenage pregnancies. Her own mother had her at fifteen and left her to be raised by her grandparents, although her mom visited regularly.

Growing up, family members often warned Cherish about getting pregnant. They encouraged her to be the first in her family to finish high school and go on to college. Everyone was rooting for her. So, when she found herself pregnant by the boyfriend she’d been dating for two years, she was completely distraught. Cherish felt like she’d let everyone down, and was too afraid to share the news with anyone. Cherish barely gained any weight, so it wasn’t hard to hide her tiny bump. She hid her morning sickness and attended school and work as usual.

But time flew by quickly. One day Cherish began experiencing severe stomach cramps at the end of the school day. She locked herself in her bedroom and quietly whimpered as she delivered her baby all alone. She found a pair of scissors and cut the umbilical cord. Terror mixed with an undeniable love for the child she held. “I remember just looking at how beautiful he was, and how tiny he was,” Cherish recalled. She’d never held a baby before. “I was scared that I was going to break him.”

She frantically called the baby’s father. The two decided to would walk eight miles to the nearest hospital and leave the baby boy there with a note inside, where he would be cared for. The note Cherish wrote read: “We love you, we are just not able to raise you. We want your name to be Allen Corey, and we hope to be able to see you again. God will be watching over you.”

Jeannie first saw the terrified mother the day after baby Allen was stabilized. The girl walked into the nursery, holding her head down in shame. She wanted to see the little one before relinquishing him under the state’s “Safe Haven” law. Jeannie’s heart immediately went out to her. “She looked like such a frightened little girl,” Jeannie recalled. “She came in and sat down at the bedside. And you could tell that she was sad, embarrassed, and scared.”

The compassionate nurse put a hand on her shoulder and led Cherish to her baby’s incubator. “You know that you saved his life, right?” she told the girl. “I don’t want you to hang your head. You gave him the best chance you could.” That moment of compassion changed everything. The two connected, and God used Jeannie to change baby Allen’s story drastically!

Jeannie’s kindness was a calming force in the chaotic situation Cherish faced. She found herself returning to the hospital every day to check on her baby and to have heart-to-heart chats with Jeannie. Even though Jeannie was a complete stranger, she was a shoulder to cry on, never showing an ounce of the condemnation Cherish felt sure she deserved. “Jeannie was not judgmental at all, very nurturing and motherly,” Cherish said. “She encouraged me to tell my grandparents, but she didn’t talk to me like I was just some stupid teenager. She talked to me like I was a person.”

Cherish wound up opening up to Jeannie about the entire ordeal, explaining how terrified she was to tell her grandparents and mother about her pregnancy. “As a mom, I was just like, ‘No, no! This is too big of a secret to keep from your family. You need their support. Whatever decision you decide to make, you need to talk to them,’” Jeannie said.

While Jeannie helped Cherish explore options like adoption, she reminded the girl her grandparents’ love for her was unconditional. And finally, Cherish decided to tell her family about her baby boy. Cherish decided to start with her mother, reasoning she’d be more understanding since she, too, got pregnant at fifteen. After a month at the hospital, it was almost time for baby Allen to be discharged. Terrified, Cherish brought her mother to the hospital without any explanation as to why.

Standing in front of Allen’s incubator, Cherish froze up, and her mother’s face paled. Jeannie stepped in and calmly explained how Allen had been born early. She detailed the wonderful care he’d been given and what a fighter he was. Cherish’s mom immediately wanted to hold her tiny grandson. Cherish’s grandmother had the same reaction a few hours later. Just as Jeannie predicted, their love for Cherish was unconditional. They never showed any anger and were heartbroken she’d kept her secret so long.

Cherish may only have been fifteen, but she loved her son as fiercely as any mother would. She’d explored many options, including open adoption, but knew in her heart she didn’t ever want to part from her baby boy. To her surprise, her family completely supported her decision. They loved little Allen just as much as she did! It was decided Allen would come home with Cherish to her grandparents’ house, where the family would help watch him so she could continue school. As they discharged Allen from the hospital, Jeannie hugged Cherish tightly, making the girl promised she’d stay in school.

Cherish kept her promise and stayed in school. After finishing high school, she moved on to Rock Valley College in Rockford. Inspired by her special angel, Jeannie, Cherish studied and became a certified nursing assistant. Later, she entered law school and hoped to become a mental health attorney.

Little Allen thrived in his loving home. He hit every milestone, and while he had a few delays in speech, they were quickly resolved in special education. By the fourth grade, he was in mainstream classes and already reading at a ninth-grade level. Today, he’s a normal, well-adjusted teen.

Sadly, Allen’s father is no longer involved in his life. Cherish, and Jeannie kept in touch for a while but eventually drifted apart as life rolled along. But Jeannie stopped to think of the young mom and her shoebox baby often. Then, one day, the nurse who still works for Swedish/American’s special care nursery, received a message on Facebook. It was from Cherish, now a 29-year-old mother of three who lives in Arizona, working as a law clerk. The two hadn’t spoken for many years. But neither had they forgotten each other. Cherish expressed her desire to rekindle their old friendship. And of course, Jeannie was more than delighted to oblige!

“It just makes me think, ‘Wow, every interaction you have with anybody is so important,’” Jeannie said. “To be able to be in this position where I’m part of someone’s story of their life – that’s such an honor.”

But it’s Cherish who feels honored. That’s what prompted her to reach out. “I just wanted to let her know how much of an impression she made,” Cherish said.

The ladies weren’t able to reunite face-to-face right away. They daily keep in touch online, both valuing the special bond God had given them. “It feels like such a blessing,” Cherish said. “We will always be connected because we share this unique story.” What a difference Jeannie made, all because she chose Christ-like compassion. It just goes to show the power of kindness and love! (This story is courtesy of the Chicago Tribune.)

While Jesus was on earth, He told His disciples, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Mt. 19:14). But Jesus is no longer physically here. Yet His invitation remains the same. So, whom should the little children be taken to? They are to be taken to those in whom Jesus lives. That’s you and me. Remember, each time someone in need comes to you, they are really coming to Jesus living in you. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER FIVE (Lesson CI)

It’s marvelous that the Holy Spirit used a man of Paul’s intellect and spiritual strength to communicate these truths. Being a Greek scholar, Paul understood that to the Gentiles, the term peace came only with the elimination of desire and the depth of emotion. For Greeks, peace helped them cope with the forces and circumstances beyond their control. As their Stoic teachers taught, longing for anything or anyone must be strangled before it is born.

At the same time, as a Jewish scholar, Paul comprehended the term peace to mean the absence of war, strife, tranquility, friendship, as well as being content, healthy, and prosperous. So, he weaves them together with a spiritual connotation affecting the believer’s emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual state after being reconciled with God. He tells the believers in Colossae, “Let the peace you have in the Anointed control your hearts, for as members of one body you are called to live in peace; you should always be thankful for this.” ^[1] How wonderful, if we have peace on the inside, we will have peace on the outside.

Early church teacher Augustine sees the role of peace in this light: The war between the Spirit and the flesh marks an intense fury in the believer’s life, and this spreads over into a fierce battle. Those in the spiritual world live in the Light while the unconverted world continues stuck in darkness. Therefore, says Augustine, when we maintain this peace that is ours among His people by being reconciled to God, it keeps the vices of witchcraft, hostility, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, and discord from infecting us.^[2] When a believer is at peace with God and others, it will bring peace to themselves. In that light, Augustine sees peace more in a civil framework of human nature than in the structure for the spiritual condition.

We see this same thought carried on by medieval scholar Bruno the Carthusian, who describes peace as calmness and composure, or humbleness of mind, from which King Solomon takes his name,[3] meaning peaceful, saying he would restore tranquility during his reign.^[4] For Bruno, peace is in harmony with all people that are born of love.^[5] So for him, it equals cordiality among believers. What Bruno does not include is that such friendship between believers or even people of the world begins first with the peace secured in God through the Anointed. Without that, then peace only represents the cessation of hostility due to some sort of peace treaty. But even our Lord, the Prince of Peace,[6] did not come to sign a peace treaty with the devil; He came to destroy the devil’s power.

According to church theologian Thomas Aquinas, peace is provided by the continuous flow of love through joy into a state of secured satisfaction and contentment. With this in mind, Aquinas notes that first of all, joy must be complete and that only happens when a believer’s love is excited about God and know that this same God loves them even more. For it is then that the God who loves his peace when He is Lord to the person He loves. As Solomon says, “I have come into His presence as one looking for peace.^[7] Secondly, that there is complete enjoyment in that which is loved, which likewise brings peace because no matter whatever else happens, nothing can hinder God’s love for them. As the Psalmist said, “Much peace is theirs that love Your law, and to them, there is no stumbling-block.” ^[8] In this way, joy is the fruit of transformed-love; peace then is the perfection of transformed-love through joy. And by these is a person made inwardly whole to enjoy only good things from the Lord.^[9]

Reformer Martin Luther thinks we should simply accept peace as an expression towards God and others. Christians should be peaceful and relaxed members of society. Not argumentative, not hateful, but with thoughtfulness and patience. But there can be no peace without patience.^[10] So we might say, rather than Luther seeing patience as an outgrowth of peace, he sees peace as evidence of patience. However, I disagree with Luther in that we must expect patience first before there was any peace. If one is not at peace, they will have very little patience.

Luke records for us the story of the woman with an immoral reputation who came in and washed Jesus’ feet while the self-righteous Pharisees laid around plotting to criticize Him for allowing her to do so. When the woman finished her act of loving-kindness, Jesus says to her, “Your faith has saved you; let that give you peace of mind as you go.” ^[11] How powerfully these words illustrate love being transformed into peace, knowing that after being forgiven, we can continue with our lives without letting those sins bother us and steal our joy. It is not a peace treaty with sin and evil; it’s the permanent peace we have with God that keeps sin and wrongful tendencies from controlling our destiny.

John tells us how the very presence of Jesus brought peace to His distraught disciples. On Sunday afternoon, the disciples were meeting behind locked doors because they were afraid of Jewish leaders finding them and doing the same thing to them, they did to Jesus. Suddenly, Jesus was standing there among them! Using the traditional Jewish greeting, He said, “Peace be with you.” ^[12] In other words, Jesus was saying, “Settle down, gentlemen! I’m here now; everything is going to be okay. Jesus implies that His presence, along with access to all that He is and ever will be, can result in the sense of inner peace. Therefore, not only is joy love excited by being in God’s presence, but we see that peace is love secured by God’s presence.

That certainly concurs with what Bible scholar Robert Gundry thinks. For him, peace is a fruit of the reborn spirit. It has nothing to do with peace of mind as with peaceful relations with fellow Christians – that is, the opposite of “biting and devouring one another,” figuratively speaking – so that community relationships might prosper rather than break down.^[13] But this raises the question, does that also include Love and Joy? Love and Joy result from a close relationship with God. Peace, as well as the next fruit of the spirit, expands that relationship to include those around us.

Joana Stratton, chairwoman Education Department at Hobe Sound Bible College, Hobe Sound, Florida, informs us that peace is something for which the world is looking. There are books written on how to find peace; We can find interesting research connected to “mindfulness,” a popular movement in our country, seeking the product of peace. According to the dictionary definition, says Stratton, peace can be defined as “freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions.” That sounds pretty good, says Stratton.

But let’s look further than the dictionary. We have freedom from sin, bondage, and oppressive thoughts in Jesus the Anointed. Did he not say, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” [14] Shouldn’t this be enough to keep us from becoming stuck in trying to figure out all the upsetting things going on in our world and our lives? Jesus us our peace. So, to have Jesus is to have peace.[15]

Caslyn Rice points out that there are many different personalities, opinions, and preferences which can easily cause discord within relationships. We will allow those things to bring separation, or will we be exhibit peace and take the appropriate actions to restore unity?[16]

I love this story! A hardworking businessman/philanthropist finally retired and wanted to take up his life-long passion for painting. But years of heavy labor and arthritis crippled his hands and fingers, so he was unable to pursue his dream. He decided to have a contest for up-and-coming artists. He rented a large auditorium and sent out invitations to all aspiring artists in the country, inviting them to enter the competition. His common theme for all artists to interpret in their painting was “Peace.”

On the day of judging, he began walking down between the many rows of canvasses to see who portrayed “Peace” the best.  He stopped at the easel of a young lady. It depicted a scene high in the Alps with untouched snow filling the valley. A small cloud seemed snared at the tip of the highest peak as the sun shone through the pure air glistening off the undisturbed mountain landscape. He asked the young lady, “What do you call this painting?” “Peace on the Mountain,” she replied.

After a while, he came to a portrait where he saw a beautiful valley with knee-high grass, blossoming flowers, and trees full of fruit. A small herd of deer stood drinking from a slow-moving brook flowing through the lush meadow. In the background sat a beautiful vine-covered cottage with a wisp of smoke rising from the chimney. “My, oh my, what do you call this piece?” he asked the young man. “I call it, ‘Peace in the Valley,’” replied the young fellow with a gleam in his eyes.

As he approached the end of the last row in the exhibition, he spotted a watercolor created by an older artist that startled his eyes. To get a closer look at the canvass, just to make sure of what he saw, he came nearer. He stared at a wild rushing river of white foam, roaring through a mountain gorge, pushing everything out of its way. The sky was pitch dark and flashes of lightning emitted from the clouds with brilliant bursts, as rain pelted down with horrendous fury pounding everything it hit with ferocity. The shocked philanthropist looked at the artist and exclaimed, “Weren’t you told that the theme was ‘Peace?’ I don’t see any peace here!”

The artist asked the gentleman to get even closer. He then saw up on the side of a sheer cliff, a slender limb sticking out underneath an overhang holding a nest on which a small bird sat chirping away as she calmly covered her eggs. “What in the world do you call this painting?” the philanthropist exclaimed! The artist smiled and said softly, “Sir, I call it ‘Peace in the time of storm.’” It didn’t take long before the philanthropist announced that the artist of “Peace in the time of storm” was the winner. This graphic and touching illustration of the peace portrays what the Prince of Peace came to instill in our hearts and minds. Like that little bird, our love is secure in the love of the Anointed our Savior, which gives us a peace that goes beyond anything we’ve ever experienced.

Such peace the world cannot give, nor can it be acquired by amassing fortunes and reaching the pinnacle of fame. It can only come from the Prince of Peace when we go to Him to make peace with God. No one can manufacture it or produce an imitation. That’s why for Christian believers who desire more peace, they must seek more of God and more of Jesus the Anointed and the Spirit in their life. That will surely bring heavenly peace. As the old hymn written by Warren D. Cornell in 1889 goes: “Peace, peace, wonderful peace, coming down from the Father above! Sweep over my spirit forever, I pray, in fathomless billows of love!”

[1] Colossians 3:15

[2] Augustine of Hippo: Commentary on Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[3] From the Hebrew name שְׁלֹמֹה (Shelomoh), which was derived from Hebrew שָׁלוֹם (shalom) meaning “peace”.

[4] Haimo of Auxerre: Commentary on Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[5] Bruno the Carthusian: Commentary on Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[6] Isaiah 9:6

[7] Song of Solomon 8:10

[8] Psalm 119:165

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

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

[11] Luke 7:50

[12] John 20:19

[13] Gundry, Robert H., Commentary on Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[14] John 14:26-27

[15] Stratton, Joana: Revivalist Magazine, April 2019, p. 5

[16] Rice, Caslyn, op. cit.

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER FIVE (Lesson C)

5:22d:  Our oneness with the Anointed in the Spirit bears the fruit of . . . Peace . .

Sometimes words, when spoken, can produce an astounding effect. Nothing illustrates this more than when Jesus spoke to the howling winds and lashing waves during a storm and said, “Be at peace!  Quiet down!” Later, when He appeared in the upper room and found His disciples in a state of panic and despair over His death, He greeted them with, “Be at peace.” Since the beginning of time, there are few things humanity has sought after more than peace. The search is universal and, for the most part, indefinable.

Efforts to produce a world at peace will always be futile until everyone has peace in their hearts. Such peace cannot be simply proclaimed by one person or some world power, but only by the power of God’s transforming love. Therefore, we can see how secure Love in God is transformed into peace. Peace brings us a sense of blessed assurance, the dispelling of fear, and a feeling of contentment. We see it in fellowship, hear it in harmony, and observe it in unity. Peace is freedom from worry, disturbance, and oppressive thoughts.^[1]

But peace, transformed-love in our spiritual oneness with the Anointed, takes on a different form. We must acknowledge that there is a difference between living in peace under certain conditions and having peace about our circumstances. It’s more than just being free from care and having a sense of well-being; peace, as a form of transformed–love, is anchored in an unchangeable, unmovable, unconquerable God and His promises. It comes from knowing we possess security that cannot be misplaced, cheated out of, borrowed, stolen, hijacked, embezzled, or pawned. Such blessed assurance is found in the Anointed Jesus alone and is only a foretaste of things to come.

Theologian Adam Clarke describes peace as a calm, quiet, and orderly condition which occurs in the justified soul. Every unrepentant sinner feels and continues to feel doubts, fears, alarms, and dreadful warnings until the assurance of forgiveness brings peace and satisfaction of the mind. Peace “is the first sensible fruit of the pardon of sin.”^{[2] [3]}

Gregory the Great (540-604 AD), who served as Pope (September 590 AD to March 604 AD), wrote about how we reprimand those differently that cause division in the Church and those who are peacemakers. Those sowing discord are informed that they cannot grow spiritually by neglecting to become united in harmony with their fellow believers. This way, they will know for sure that no matter what other fruit of the reborn spirit they may claim to have, it will not keep them in peace. For it is written in verse twenty-two, that the fruit of the reborn spirit is love, joy, peace, etc. The person, says Gregory, that shows no interest in maintaining peace, is refusing to bear any spiritual fruit. That’s why Paul says; you are still not following the Spirit’s leading. You are jealous of each other, and you are always arguing with each other.^[4] And in another place, he also says, try to live in peace with everyone. And try to keep your lives free from sin. Anyone whose life is not holy will never see the Lord.^{[5] [6]}

British theologian John Gill says that Love and Joy together design peace. This is peace with God in a person’s conscience, produced by the Spirit. The blood of the Anointed brings pardon and achieves this peace. And His work on the cross offers justification to the forgiven sinner. It results in the blessed Holy Spirit, bringing peace, quietness, and tranquility of mind to a soul that was horrified by the coming Day of Judgment. This peace also extends to neighbors, to the saints, and with all others. These are all part of the work of the Spirit of God and are influenced and directed by Him. So, every believer should seek after the things which make for peace and improvement in the congregation, and be desirous of living peaceably with all humanity.^[7] Such peace is not only possible with God but potentially with others.

Expositor Andrew Maclaren is convinced that peace will be built upon love and joy if our hearts are always looking to God, and we daily maintain our unique relationship with Him. Is there anything that can disrupt the peace that fills the soul without coming from outward circumstances? No matter how close and constant the siege may be, the well of living water will never run dry. True peace does not come from the absence of trouble, but the indwelling presence of God and will be sincere and passing all understanding in the exact measure in which we live in and partake of, the love of God.^[8]

We find this concept of peace coming from the promises and presence of God in the First Covenant. Moses offered a benediction used by Christians to this day: “May the LORD bless you and keep you safe. May the LORD smile on you and be kind to you. May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace.”^[9] After Israel entered the Promised Land, the people feared the Canaanites might turn on them. So, a young Levite priest told the worried people, “Travel in peace, for the LORD will guard you on your journey.”^[10] Again, we see that God’s guidance and presence give believers a sense of security, knowing they are being watched over by a God who loves them and cares for them.

Isaiah ties peace and the Messiah together in this prophecy: “For a child will be born in our midst, a son will live among us. He will be responsible for governing us. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. His reign and the peace it brings will never end.”^[11] Not only does God bring peace of mind through His promises and care, but Isaiah says God will go even further by sending a Son to be born as the ruler of His kingdom, and it will be a kingdom of peace. Not just peace in the sense of no wars, but by having an everlasting covenant with Him, thus removing the fear of abandonment and being left defenseless.

Ezekiel links the Messiah and peace when he receives a word from the LORD to proclaim to the shepherds of Israel, saying, “And I will set over them one shepherd, my servant David. He will feed them and be their shepherd. And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David will be a prince among my people. I, the LORD, have spoken! ‘I am pledging to bring peace to my people.’”^[12] Out of this prophecy, we see the traits of Jesus’ story about the shepherd that left the ninety and nine in search of that one lost sheep, as well as His claim, “I am a good shepherd. A good shepherd sacrifices his life for his sheep.”^[13] What more evidence does one need about the Anointed’s love for them being secure than this?

In the Final Covenant, the peace and security in the presence, ministry, and promises of the Anointed become even more apparent. In John’s Gospel, Jesus gave a farewell address.^[14] No doubt, the disciples felt anxious that the LORD said He would be going away for a while. However, Jesus calms their fears with two specific promises about the peace they will experience. Our LORD told them, “I am leaving you with gifts – peace of mind and peace of heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid.”^[15] Of what might they be troubled or afraid?  Perhaps He wouldn’t come back? That they may be left to fend for themselves in a hostile world? In other words, “Don’t worry,” Jesus says, “your love for Me and My love for you is secure; I won’t let you down; I won’t abandon you.”[16]

Then Jesus again offers a promise of peace, “I have told you all this so that My words will give you peace of mind. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But keep a positive outlook, because I have everything under full control.”^[17] What did He just say? Did He tell them they would undergo persecution, hardships, suffering, and ridicule for their faith in Him? That they shouldn’t worry; they shouldn’t let that destroy their faith; they shouldn’t allow that to discourage them because everything was under His control? Yes! That’s what He told them, and His love for them and their love for Him would help them accept it by faith for them to have peace of mind.

There is an illustration I’ve used in preaching on peace. It’s about a father who tiptoes past his son’s room, thinking he’s asleep, only to hear his son laughing and saying, “You’re not gonna win!” Upon opening the door, he saw his son reading a book and inquired why his son was laughing and making such comments? The boy answered, “Dad, this is a story about some bad guys trying to beat the good guys and think they are winning. But you see, I’ve read the end of the book already, and guess what?  They lose!” Jesus is saying something similar: trials and tribulations may be coming, but don’t worry, I already know the ending, and we win! How can that not make one’s love for the Anointed feel more confident, and transform their passion into peace of heart, mind, and soul?

In his writings, Paul emphasizes the importance of the virtue of peace as we live and toil in an uncertain world during turbulent times. He told the believers in Philippi, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds our understanding. His peace will keep your hearts and minds secure as you live for the Anointed Jesus.”^[18] For the Apostle Paul, knowing that one’s love is secure in the Anointed, brings about a peace that will endure even during the hardest of times.

Along this same line, Paul tells the Roman believers that the peace they feel is because their love in the Anointed remains anchored by faith. Also, it provides a sense of peace when they face ridicule or persecution from other believers over the way they live: “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of enjoying what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”^[19]  When we are at peace with God, because we know His love for us is secure, it affords us the privilege of being at peace with others; by understanding and having compassion for them when they struggle over things, we may not even understand. He tells the Romans toward the end of his letter, “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”^[20]

[1] Rose Publishing: The Fruit of the Spirit (Kindle Locations 65-66)

[2] See Romans 5:1 – Clarke offers this note: “Before, while sinners, we were hostile with God, which was sufficiently proved by our rebellion against his authority, and our transgression of his laws; but now, being reconciled, we have peace with God. Before, while under a sense of the guilt of sin, we had nothing but terror and dismay in our own consciences; now, having our sin forgiven, we have peace in our hearts, feeling that all our guilt is taken away. Peace is generally the first-fruits of our justification.”

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

[4] 1 Corinthians 3:3; See James 3:16

[5] Hebrews 12:14

[6] Gregory the Great: The Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, Second Series, Vol. 12, op. cit., The Book of Pastoral Rule, Part 3, Ch. 22, p. 580

[7] Gill, John: Exposition of the Whole Bible, op. cit., loc. cit.

[8] Maclaren, Alexander: Expositions of Holy Scripture, Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[9] Numbers 6:26

[10] Judges 18:6

[11] Isaiah 9:6-7a

[12] Ezekiel 34:24-25a

[13] John 10:14

[14] Ibid. 14-16

[15] Ibid. 14:27

[16] John 14:18, cf. Hebrews 13:5

[17] Ibid. 16:33

[18] Philippians 4:6-7

[19] Romans 14:13-17

[20] Ibid. 15:13

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER FIVE (Lesson XCIX)

When we read the Final Covenant, we see that Jesus’ miracles and preaching brought great Joy to the people affected. No wonder on the night of Jesus’ birth, the angels said to the shepherds, “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to people everywhere.” ^[1] Those longing and looking for God to send the Messiah had their hearts made glad and filled with Joy because of their love for the LORD Eternal.

Further on, Jesus told His disciples, “You will make my Father look great when you produce a lot of fruit and prove that you are My disciples. I love you the same way the Father loves Me. So, stay in My love. If you obey My commandments, you will stay in My love. I obeyed My Father’s commandments, and in that way, I continue in His love. I’m passing this on to you so that you will be as full of Joy as I am, and be content in your Joy. Therefore, love each other as I have loved you. I’m commanding you to do this.” ^[2]

It is clear that Jesus tied the Joy He brought to the disciples as coming from the love He and the Father share, and the love He and the disciples possessed for each other. It begs the question, if no love existed between the disciples and their Master, would His words and promises bring them any Joy? Of course not, it takes something to excite love that causes it to become Joy.

As we mentioned earlier, Joy must be distinguished from happiness since happiness depends on circumstances that change. It is not possible to be both happy and unhappy at the same time. But Joy depends on God’s presence, which is made constant through the indwelling Holy Spirit. Unlike happiness, the believer may rejoice in afflictions and sufferings with Joy because the God they love is with them at all times.^[3] Peter ties love and Joy together when he said, “You love Him even though you have never seen Him. And despite never having seen Him, you still trust Him, and this brings you such uplifting Joy it’s hard to describe.” ^[4]

The real understanding of transforming love into Joy can be seen more in its application than merely the word itself. James begins his letter with a greeting of Joy; Paul ends his letter to the Corinthians with Joy; the Angel greeted Mary with the word Joy; on resurrection morning, our risen Savior greeted the women with Joy. The Psalmist says to God, “You showed me how to live. Your presence fills me with Joy and makes living a real pleasure.” ^[5] Being in the presence of God or having the presence of God in our being has the effect of exciting our primary emotion of love. When we walk into worship services and begin to sing with our brothers and sisters, it stimulates our love for them, and for God. David said that just the thought of spending eternity with the God he loved got him all excited with Joy.

We can conclude then that the Bible does tie love and Joy together. Such divine Joy, therefore, cannot be increased or decreased simply by a person’s will or circumstances since it does not depend on good fortune, but on an unchangeable God. That’s why we must not think of Joy as some feeling, but an attitude. The love of God in us can become excited if we have the proper attitude toward God and others. It’s not the position in life we find ourselves in, but our disposition toward the life we have and the things happening to us.

With God’s love as the primary element brought into our hearts and minds by the Holy Spirit that controls our thinking and attitude, it also colors and empowers our faith. It helps us maintain a positive attitude when we respond to the world around us. And there is little that causes that love to jump for Joy more than being in God’s presence, knowing that He loves us, cares for us, protects us, and has a beautiful place in heaven waiting for us.

Have you ever noticed how much more enjoyable it is to be around and work with people who are optimistic and positive thinkers? One reason may be that they cope with and handle difficult situations differently than others who are always looking for someone to blame for their problems. Such negative and pessimistic people are continually thinking of themselves and focused on their own best interests. This kind of self-absorption can become so strong that it pulls others into the fray. And when you get involved with people like this, it can negatively affect your state of mind and leave you feeling drained.

But when you meet someone who radiates the Joy of the Lord in their actions, words, and responses, it not only lifts you, but it glorifies God by pointing to His ability to give everyone a reason to rejoice, even in times of trouble. As the Psalmist said, you may end up with tears in your eyes because of the evil you see in the world and how they treat you, but when you hold on to God, Joy will help see you through. You will find that those who celebrate the goodness of God are always looking for ways to give, to encourage, and to lift other people’s spirits. They know that they never walk through a tough situation on their own; God is always with them. So, they do the same to those they meet who are struggling with the burdens that life often lays on one’s shoulders.

We find one of the most expressive scriptures that point out this kind of attitude in the writings of the prophet Habakkuk. The Babylonians had just invaded Jerusalem and were wreaking havoc with God’s people and the coveted Temple. And even though Habakkuk didn’t understand why God allowed it to happen, he knew that God never permitted anything without a purpose and a reason, that worked together for the good of those He called to be His people. So Habakkuk declares: “Even though the fig-tree does not blossom, and there are no grapes on the vine, and nurturing the olive tree leaves it bare, and the fields yield no crops; and the sheep can find no place to breed, and the cattle barn is empty: Still, I will praise the Lord, for I find Joy in God being my Savior.” ^[6]

Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller (1759–1805), who became better known as Friedrich Schiller, was a German poet, philosopher, historian, and dramatist who developed into one of the influential figures in what would become known as the “classical movement” in German literature. Schiller’s expressed his views on liberty, equality, and civil justice poignantly in his poems and plays. They put into action by his philosophical and political writings would have their influence on generations of European writers in the succeeding decades.

Schiller wrote a short poem most people outside of Germany have probably never read, entitled, “An die Freude.” (Ode to Joy). It was only after Ludwig van Beethoven famously set it to music in the choral finale of his Ninth Symphony that the title of Schiller’s poem became beloved around the world. Here is one chorus from Schiller’s poem: “Endure courageously, O you millions! Endure for the better world! From above the starry canopy, a great God will reward you!”

But in 1900, a songwriter named Barney Elliott Warren wrote a song that churches sang for many years. It clearly expresses the joy we have in the Anointed, and it goes like this:

 “I have found the joy no tongue can tell,

how its waves of glory roll;

it is like a great o’ erflowing well,

springing up within my soul.

Cho: It is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

full of glory, full of glory;

it is joy unspeakable and full of glory,

Oh, the half has never yet been told.”

Daryl Muir of Marriage Matters Ministry, and Men of Integrity Retreat, reminds us that Joy is not an end in itself, something to be sought after as a vital component of life. Joy is a response to, or the derivative of, something else. Especially through the work of the Spirit in us.[7]

And Caslyn Rice mentions that sometimes things in life “happen;” we feel overwhelmed, and we lose our focus on what brings us true contentment and satisfaction. Instead of wallowing in self-pity or frustration, we can choose to renew our joy found in the Lord by focusing our eyes and hearts on Him.[8]

[1] Luke 2:10

[2] John 15:8-12

[3] See Acts of the Apostles 5:41; 2 Corinthians 6:10; Colossians 1:24 and 1 Peter 4:13

[4] 1 Peter 1:8

[5] Psalm 16:11

[6] Habakkuk 3:17-19

[7] Muir, Daryl: Revivalist Magazine, March 2019, p. 5

[8] Rice, Caslyn, op. cit.

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER FIVE (Lesson XCVIII)

Puritan theologian Matthew Poole (1624-1679) is one of the few who sees this fruit of the reborn spirit as divine tendencies that the Holy Spirit produces in us, which are as natural as a vine or tree bearing fruit. For him, it all begins with our Love for God and our fellowman. Such love will then produce the soul’s satisfaction with Joy because of our union with God. That same love will also bring Peace of heart and conscience because of that secured union, which will then extend to our neighbor. That also allows for Patience in handling those obstacles and hindrances we encounter and is a serum for reactions of anger and revenge. It produces a more Gentle temperament, which helps us live with our weaknesses and the shortcomings of others. Of course, this will influence our natural disposition to keep from hurting others because all we want to do is Good. And with such a temperament and inclination, we can be Faithful in standing by our promises to God and others. But rather than this making us proud, it makes us Humble because when compared to what God did for us through Jesus, the Anointed it amounts to very little. But it will also help us in Self-control because it’s essential to know when to start and when to quit. Starting too late will make our efforts look uninspired by Love, and not knowing when to stop will make our Love look like pity.^[1]

As the great preacher, Chrysostom says it: Paul places first the root of these good things and then proceeds to recount them in these words, love, joy, peace, etc. So, it is simple to see, that without the root drawing up nutrients and budding, there would be no fruit. As we already mentioned, Paul gives us an exponential example of this phenomenon.^[2] It provides a way for sending a message to all believers looking for the fruit of the reborn spirit in their lives or the behavior of others: First, look for Love. If you don’t find love, stop searching because all you’ll find is imitation fruit.

German Bible scholar Johann Bengel (1687-1752) calls Love the leader that introduces the family of virtues. And Revivalist John Wesley (1703-1791) puts it simply: “Love – The root of all the rest.” ^[3] Others say, Love is the root, and all the rest are fruit. Also, Swiss Protestant theologian Philip Schaff (1819-1893) joins in by saying that Love is the fundamental Christian grace which encompasses all others and holds heaven and earth in its embrace.^[4] And George Whitefield Clark (1831-1895) also notes that Love stands at the top of the list as the foundation for the other nine Christian virtues. He also points out that we rarely find the Greek noun agapē in secular Greek literature. Yet it appears over one hundred times here in the Final Covenant. So, its association with Christianity makes it an extraordinary fruit for any believer.^[5] Marvin R. Vincent (1834-1922), in his Word Studies of the New Testament, says that Love, in this passage, is the fruit of the reborn spirit, “which dominates all the others.” ^[6]

Charles Spurgeon (1834-1892) interprets in the fruit of the reborn spirit, Love as universal love; first, to God; next, to His people; and, then, to all humanity. Do we have that fruit of the reborn spirit, asks Spurgeon? If so, it will give us a friendly disposition; it will dethrone selfishness and set up holy affections within our hearts. From such love, notes Spurgeon, Joy, and Peace blossom and bloom out of Love.^[7] Spurgeon also addresses this in another lecture where he remarks that believers sing about God’s wondrous love and the Lord Jesus and His cross. They also sing about the Holy Spirit’s Love and His patience. He looks at us from within and, therefore, sees the hidden spaces where idols are tucked away. He also observes our actions and the inner sources that fuel them. He notices our efforts and discerns from where the motivation comes. It is like watching a polluted spring that causes a stream, then a creek, and then a river to feed other side streams and backwaters.

Oh, brethren! Calls out Spurgeon, it is terrific that this blessed Holy Spirit should not resent having to dwell within us; we are terrible hosts, we honor Him so little. Our affectionate worship is so seldom that He might have to say, “I will no longer abide with you.” When the LORD gave up His people to the Roman sword, according to Jewish tradition, there was heard in the Temple in Jerusalem a sound as of beating wings, and a voice crying, “Let us leave.” In the same way, we forced God’s divine presence to leave us because of our sins. It is matchless Love, which caused the Holy Spirit to be patient with our bad manners and put up with our annoying behavior. He stays although sin intrudes into His tem­ple! He retains His royal dwelling even though evil assails His Temple! It is, unfortunately, that the narrow path in our heart in which we walk with the Spirit has turned into a thoroughfare for selfish or unbelieving traffic! God help us to adore the Holy Spirit at the beginning of our walk with Him and continue to do so even more reverently at its close!^[8]

Then Dwight L. Moody (1837-1899) agrees with those who say we find all the other eight fruit in the word Love. Therefore, it is Love all the way. Love at the top, love at the bottom, and down through these graces.^[9] Johann Lange offers an illustration by W. H. Murray in which he views another fruit specimen as one type with many varieties, that is the apple. There are red apples, yellow apples, and green apples, but what Murray seems to be pointing to are the various flavors and tastes of apples. Braeburn, Cameo, Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, and many others. So, the apple represents Love and all the other flavors of love the Spirit produces.^[10]

I remember seeing a commercial about imitation apple pie. The announcer said: “It looks like apple pie, it tastes like an apple pie, so it must be an apple pie.” When I found out it was more expensive than authentic apple pie, my first reaction was: “Why go out and buy an imitation when you can have the real thing?” I saw another TV advertisement for a chair covered with genuine imitation leather. The same goes for the fruit of the reborn spirit! People know when you have authentic love, real joy, absolute peace, actual patience, honest kindness, legitimate goodness, positive faithfulness, genuine humbleness, and demonstrable self-control. So, if we can’t fool people, do you think we can fool God?

The remarkable factor is that the first destructive effect of uncontrolled sinful tendencies, listed in verse nineteen, is sexual immorality – fornication. That implies rotten love. Then in verse twenty-two, the fountainhead of all the fruit of the reborn spirit is love – ripe Love. Don Garlington mentions that Christian’s walk with the Spirit commences with the love of God being poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.^[11] If love is seeking the highest good of others as defined by the Gospel of the Anointed, with the Anointed as the great example, then “love is not one virtue among a list of virtues, but the sum and substance of what it means to be a Christian.” ^[12]

It is because of this equation of love and Christianity, says Garlington, that Paul stresses in this very context that faith must work through love and that it is none other than love that fulfills the Law. For this reason, believers satisfy the Gospel of the Anointed by helping to carry each other’s burdens. When Christians display such love, they become the most like Jesus the Anointed. Each of the fruit of the reborn spirit represents Paul’s “character sketch” of the Anointed. Love spells the end of “hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy.” Love is Paul’s antidote to the internal strife he spoke of in verse fifteen. It is because of its social dimensions that love is more significant than even faith and hope.^{[13] [14]}

C. K. Barrett adds some weight to the things that Garlington says about Love. When rightly understood, Love is not an end in itself. The moment it becomes such a dead-end, it deteriorates into disinterested Love – that is, it ceases to be Love at all. Whatever one may do through so-called charities, when not done in Love, it only becomes legalism, not Love. The Law of agape Love cannot become legalism itself but instead acts as a safeguard against legalism. Furthermore, with the Spirit being the author of the agape Love mentioned in this chapter, it becomes the antithesis to the actions of the flesh. Spirit is the theological counterpart to the physical, while Love is the ethical counterpart to sinful tendencies.

As we see, we can define real Love as a “non-self-centered existence.” But no person can simply decide to reverse their egotism on their own. Some have attempted to do so and only became locked in a person-centered form of religion or philosophy. The power of our mind and body cannot accomplish what the power of the Holy Spirit and reborn spirit can do together and keep it functioning.^[15]

Sonja Vernon, former Director of Student Affairs at God’s Bible School, points out that God’s love is not all warm fuzzies and “feel good” theology. It is well-rounded and robust. It tells the truth, even when it is unpopular, but refuses to use that truth as a club to hurt someone. It is love that touches people who won’t respond in return, associates with those who may make fun of it, operates outside the comfort zone, and gets its hands dirty. Love forgives, is willing to be inconvenienced and draws people to the greatest Love of all.[16] As Caslyn Rice, new Director of Student Affairs, asks, when was the last time you went out of your way to love someone who seemed unlovable? Maybe we need to give sacrificially of our time or resources to someone in need, even if they don’t “deserve it.” [17]

[1] Poole, Matthew: On Galatians, op. cit., pp. 658-659

[2] 1 Corinthians 13

[3] Wesley, John: Explanatory Notes & Commentary, op. cit., loc. cit.

[4] Schaff, Philip: On Galatians, op. cit., p. 345

[5] Clark, George Whitefield: On Galatians, op. cit., p. 117

[6] See Galatians 5: 13-14; cf. 1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 2:5, 9-11; 3:11, 14-16; 4: 7-11, 16-21; 5:1-3

[7] Spurgeon, Charles H., Exposition on Galatians, op. cit., loc., cit

[8] Ibid. Sermon on the First Fruits of the Spirit, delivered on Sunday morning, May 25, 1884, Sermon No. 1782

[9] Moody, Dwight L., Secret Power, op. cit., Ch. 1, p. 13

[10] The Biblical Illustrator: op. cit., Vol. 48, Kindle Location (17799-17845).

[11] Romans 5:5

[12] Cousar, Charles B., Galatians Interpretation: A Bible Commentary for Teaching and Preaching, John Knox Press, Louisville, 1982, p. 131

[13] 1 Corinthians 13:13

[14] Garlington, Don: On Galatians, op. cit., p.164

[15] Barrett, C. K., On Freedom, op. cit., p. 74

[16] Vernon, Sonja, Revivalist Magazine, January-February, 2019, p. 5

[17] Ibid. p. 13

NEW TESTAMENT CONTEXTUAL COMMENTARY

by Dr. Robert R. Seyda

PAUL’S LETTER TO THE GALATIAN CHURCHES

CHAPTER FIVE (Lesson XCVII)

In Paul’s letters to the Galatians, Ephesians, and Corinthian congregations we see one of the clearest examples of this process of Love transformed. First, let’s look at the list of fruit he shares in Galatians and Ephesians.

When writing to the Corinthians, Paul does not expand the list; he expands Love by indicating how Love acts in various ways and circumstances to produce the other fruit already listed:

While these are examples of what Love does or doesn’t do, they do not define what motivates Love to manifest itself this way. We need to see how the Spirit transmits Love through man’s new spiritual attitude to understand the transformation that takes place.

Finally, this concept allows each virtue to be different while sustaining unity with the essence of Love.  Furthermore, Love comes from one source – God, and brought into our lives at the new birth by the Holy Spirit. The result is selfless expressions of Love communicated when the Holy Spirit and the believer’s reborn spirit integrate to provide the right atmosphere for ripening and distributing. Without Love, none of it would be possible. No wonder Paul says that Jesus the Anointed loved us so much, He surrendered Himself to die on our behalf.^[1]

Stanley L. Derickson, an ordained minister in the Berean Church, gives us a comparative chart on life with the fruit of the reborn spirit and living without such fruit. It certainly gives insight into how much the fruit of the reborn spirit can transform a life through Love.^[2] I modified the line on “Faith” and changed it to “Faithfulness” to conform with our interpretation of the word. I also chose appropriate antonyms to reflect the opposite attitude.

After this listing of the fruit of the reborn spirit, beginning with Love, Augustine of Hippo shares his thoughts. Since Paul placed fornication at the head of the effects of sinful tendencies, and then love at the top of the spiritual virtues, what student of the Scripture would not be fascinated to compare the rest of the attributes? For if fornication is sexual infatuation unconnected to a lawful marriage and wandering in search of an opportunity to gratify its lust, what about Love lawfully married for the sake of spiritual fruitfulness to the glory and honor of God?

The more steadfast person keeps God’s teachings, that person will be less sustained by sinful tendencies. A person becomes attached to another by Love. It is right, then, for Love to be opposed to fornication, for morality is preserved only by Love.^[3] In other words, in the actions of the sinful nature, fornication is love gone wrong, while in the spiritual nature, fidelity is love gone right.

Early church writer Haimo of Auxerre tells us that in Latin, the word used for “Love” here is “dilectio.” He goes on to explain that dilectio binds two things together, whether God and a human being or two neighbors. It rightly takes its place as first among the virtues because it ties together the other attributes. Consequently, Love brought into our hearts by the Holy Spirit is not just directed back to God, but all those around us. Therefore, if we are to Love God with all our heart and our neighbor as ourselves, how much more should we be prone to Love our fellow believers, those who are one with us as we are one with the Anointed. To this, a later medieval church scholar, Bruno the Carthusian, adds that without this Love for God and our fellow believer, the rest of this fruit will not develop in our lives.

Catholic Theologian Thomas Aquinas sees a parallel between when John observed, “On both sides of the river stood the Tree of Life, bearing twelve fruits in their seasons.”^[4] What Paul says here about the fruit of the reborn spirit being noticeably distinguished is because “this fruit perfects a believer inwardly and outwardly.”[5] We cannot see the reborn spirit’s fruit on the outside unless produced on the inside of a believer’s heart and mind.

Aquinas explains that the urge to do right or wrong things comes from within. Paul told the Corinthians that with God’s power working in us, we use the weapons of righteousness in the right hand for attack and in the left hand for defense.’^[6] I like the way the Complete Jewish Bible renders it: “By God’s power, we commend ourselves through our use of righteous weapons, whether for pressing our cause or defending it.” Concerning good things, says Aquinas, a person is perfected, first of all, in their heart through Love. For just as in natural tendencies, there is first nature’s inclination of cravings to be satisfied. The same is true of our spiritual aspirations toward appetite to do good. And we satisfy that appetite by first showing Love to God and others.^[7]

As Martin Luther expresses it: “It would have been enough to mention only the single fruit of love, for love embraces all the fruit of the reborn spirit. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul attributes to Love all the fruit of the reborn spirit: ‘Love suffers long, and is kind,’ etc. Here Paul lets Love stand by itself among other fruit of the reborn spirit to remind the Christians to love one another, ‘in honor preferring one another,’ to esteem others more than themselves because they have the Anointed and the Holy Spirit within them.”^[8]

[1] Galatians 2:20

[2] Derickson, Stanley L., On Galatians, op. cit., p. 561

[3] Augustine of Hippo: Commentary on Galatians, op. cit., loc. cit.

[4] Revelation 22:2

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

[6] 2 Corinthians 6:7

[7] Aquinas, Thomas: op. cit.

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

Have you ever asked your spouse, your children, or a friend, “Are you being honest with me?” Or did someone who saw the look of doubt on your face tell you, “I’m being honest with you?” If so, then for sure “honesty” is an important factor in what we say to each other.

Here is one definition of honesty I found: Honesty is the highest level of quality in human character. It is a true commitment between behaviors and relationships with other people. Honesty is very important to live a prosperous life. An honest person is tension free. Tension-free people live longer. If we know that we have made our commitments and promises with people honestly then we are not worried about the results. If we’re in doubt then there is tension (worry, stress, and anxiety) and these are the key causes and symptoms of various types of diseases.

Trudy Adams is a published author of teenage novels and a youth worker. She writes regular blogs about a range of issues affecting young people, including self-esteem, stress, anger, and day-to-day issues that can be challenging for anyone! She shares five reasons why honesty is important.

Almost everyone has been hurt at some point because of a secret, a distorted truth, a lie, and/or the discovery of something that should have been talked about openly. Dishonesty hurts because it undermines the relationship, breaks trust, and is the opposite of intimacy. It means that instead of feeling secure in the fact that you know the other person and are known by them in turn, you now have doubts about them and no longer feel totally safe in the relationship. Being honest isn’t always easy, otherwise, we’d all do it all the time. Adams offers the following points:

1) Without honesty there is no foundation for a lasting or enjoyable relationship in any context, whether that be with a family member, friend, or romantic interest. Honesty is a voice for love that builds trust. Without it, even “I love you” becomes a lie in itself and there’s no real security in the relationship.

2) People cannot read your mind. Being honest doesn’t just mean telling the truth about factual information, but also about the way you’re feeling. If you were hurt by something someone did, they may not even realize it unless you are honest with them about how it affected you. If instead, you hide the way you feel, then you disempower the other person from doing something about the problem and refuse the relationship the opportunity to grow. They may also feel hurt if they understand you were upset with them but said nothing, or if they know you’re not being honest with them about the way you feel. All of this festers and damages the relationship, while on the other hand, being honest about your feelings can bring healing, solve a problem, renew hope, and foster good communication.

3) When people don’t know the truth, they will try and guess it. That is, not being honest about something causes people to try and figure out what you’re not saying, or what the truth actually is. This breeds gossip, which can then foster more lies and deception that other people may mistake as truth. It causes many more people to feel hurt and betrayed when the truth is finally revealed, all of which could be avoided if honesty was applied in the first instance.

4) People are usually more hurt by the concealment of the truth than by the truth itself. Some people lie because they’re afraid the truth will get them in trouble or cause another pain, but more often than not, while the truth may be painful, it is still usually less painful when delivered honestly than when it is wrapped in deception. Holding back on it or lying to cover it only causes people to feel betrayed as well as hurt, and to then question why you weren’t just honest with them in the first place.

5) Being honest improves the relationship and saves us from having to live a lie. Lies rarely come on their own: one will usually be needed to cover another until it spirals out of control. This becomes complicated for the one who started it and confusing for the one receiving it. More than that, living a lie is hard work. It means not being yourself or enjoying relationships, and that is not comfortable for anyone. On the other hand, while being honest about difficult situations may be uncomfortable at first, if it can be worked through, the relationship is strengthened, trust is built and love is deepened.

The best relationships are the ones with honesty. It may mean difficult talks and awkward confrontations, but being honest also means better relationships with others and with yourself.

So, what does the Bible say about honesty? One of the Ten Commandments tells us that we should be honest when talking about our neighbor.[1] Perhaps that’s why King Solomon was such a great believer in honesty. He once wrote: Among the things the Lord despises most is a dishonest tongue.[2] He goes on to say Honesty guides good people; dishonesty destroys deceitful people.[3] The reason for that is: God can’t stomach dishonest people, but He loves the company of those who are honest.[4] So, it’s better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and a fool.[5]

The writers in the First Covenant are not the only ones. Those in the Final Covenant were also adamant about being honest. Jesus gives us this rule to follow: Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from the devil who is a liar.[6]

And Peter, one of Jesus’ most trusted disciples, who knew first-hand about not being honest, wrote: If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from saying wrong things and your lips from being dishonest.”[7]

The Apostle Paul was also a champion of being honest. He told the Colossians: Don’t be dishonest with one another, seeing that you have gotten rid of your old self with its practices.[8] And to the Philippians, he wrote: And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honest, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.[9]

It all means that we must be honest with honesty. It is impossible, to be honest when you don’t hold honesty in the highest esteem. Think of it this way: Every promise in the Bible would turn out to be a pack of lies if God was not being honest. That includes our redemption, salvation, being His chosen, His children, looking for the resurrection, and everlasting life. How would that make you feel? So, don’t make others feel the same way about you. – Dr. Robert R Seyda

[1] Exodus 20:16

[2] Proverbs 6:17

[3] Ibid. 11;3

[4] Ibid. 12:22

[5] Ibid. 19:1

[6] Matthew 5:37

[7] 1 Peter 3:10

[8] Colossians 3:9

[9] Philippians 4:8-9

HOLLYWOOD’S PRODIGAL SON RETURNS

Everyone loved him as Little Ricky on “I Love Lucy.” But at home, things weren’t so great for actor Keith Thibodeaux.

In 1956, Keith auditioned for Lucille Ball and the crew at the “I Love Lucy” show. Keith was just a small 4-year-old boy, but he went in and did what he loved – played the drums. Such a small boy with a huge musical talent, quickly caught the eye of musician and actor, Desi Arnaz. After an impromptu jam session, Desi said, “I think we’ve found Little Ricky!”

Keith’s life changed forever. For four years, he played “Little Ricky” and then went on to the Andy Griffith Show, where he played Opie’s friend, Johnny.

After the family moved to Hollywood to follow Keith’s television career, he began to ask his father, “Why did God pick me?” He wondered what the purpose of his acting career might be. His dad offered important advice that stuck with him “God’s got a purpose for you.”

Sadly, Keith’s Dad’s infidelity came to light, and Keith’s world began to crash around him. He didn’t understand how the father he thought he had, who had been so full of meaningful advice, could let him down. He turned his anger to God.

That’s when Keith began attending parties with drugs and alcohol. His spiral downward led him into a study of the occult. He knew there was a supernatural world, and determined not to let God play a part, he began to follow spiritual paths that did not include God. His interaction with demonic forces began to convince him that his life had no value.

Adultery, drugs, demons, and suicide pulled him further and further from Christ. Until one day, this Hollywood golden child let Jesus turn it all around.

While he considered suicide numerous times, Keith couldn’t shake the words his father spoke to him so many years before. That’s when Keith talked to God. He agreed that if God could pull him out of the sewer, he was in that he would serve Him. He went to church with his mother, and God gave him a new path for his life.

With his new commitment to God, Keith enjoyed a new outlook on life. He was a man with a purpose. Keith worked through his addictions, and he was hired as the drummer of the band “David and the Giants.” He started sharing his faith with his bandmates – who ended up finding salvation as well. The group went from being a secular band to a Christian one.

Keith married a Mississippi professional ballet dancer Kathy Denton, and the two founded “Ballet Magnificat,” a Christian ballet company that tours internationally. Working as a husband and wife team, their mission is to use the ballet to share the Gospel message.

Looking back on his life and seeing the path to where he is now, Keith admits that God did indeed have a purpose for him. His fame from the “I Love Lucy” days, and training from being on sets, playing in a successful band, have all contributed to his ability to share the message of God’s love. Keith sees endless opportunities for using the medium of creative art to reach and encourage others.

What motivated Keith to turn back to God was expressed long ago to those in the same condition as Keith. Here’s what the prophets said: “Tear your heart and not your clothes. Return to the Lord your God, for He is full of loving-kindness and loving-pity. He is slow to anger, full of love, and ready to keep His punishment from you.” (Joel 2:13). “The Lord of All says, ‘Return to Me, that I may return to you.’” (Zechariah 1:3). “You must return to your God; maintain love and justice, and wait for your God always.” (Hosea 12:6).

“If you return to God and let Him make right all the wrong in your life, then you will be restored.” (Job 22:23). “Let us examine ourselves and let us repent and turn again to the Lord.” (Lamentations 3:40). “Whenever you are in trouble and turned to the Lord, the God of Israel, and seek Him, you will find Him.” (2 Chronicles 15:4)

And the Apostle James wraps it all up by making this altar call: “Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty, is divided between God and the world.” (James 4:8)

So, we can see, it doesn’t start with God. He is already calling those who strayed away from His love and grace. He wants to redeem and save everyone willing to return. So, it starts with us. God has decided that He loves us. Now we must decide if we love Him more than the situation we are in. – Dr. Robert R Seyda