“…to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen“
to whom be glory
The word “glory” primarily denotes an opinion, estimation or repute. The New Testament always uses this term in the good sense of commanding respect, excellence and magnificence. We honor God because we have a good estimation of His work in Christ (1:4; John 1:14; […]
Archive for December, 1999
“…to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen“
forever and ever.
The phrase “forever and ever” is an idiom for the eternal state, a state without end. The eternal age opposes the present evil age. God’s glory deserves eternal praise.
Amen
“Amen” confirms God’s exclusive magnificence in saving us. Paul says in effect, “I believe it!” Because […]
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel…“
The introduction to the book of Galatians covers the first 10 verses. The occasion [reason for the letter] of the epistle runs from verse 6 through verse 10. This section carries a denunciation […]
“I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel…“
from Him
The Galatians deserted God Himself. When we defect from the gospel of grace, we defect from more than a doctrine, we desert God.
who called you
God called the Galatians in the […]
“…which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ”
which is not another;
The word “another” refers to another of the same kind. If people change the essence of the gospel, it becomes no gospel at all. It is not another gospel of the same kind […]
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed”
But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you
Just in case some might think that Paul’s team is an exception, he includes his gospel […]
“As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed”
As we have said before,
The phrase “said before” refers to Paul’s previous warning about gospel counterfeits huring his team’s visit to Galatia. This attack on false teachers was […]
“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ”
Verse 10 transitions from the introduction into the body of the epistle.
For
With the word “for” Paul justifies the tough words he used in verses eight and […]
“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ“
For if I still
Before Paul came to Christ, he was in the business of pleasing men. He now no longer seeks to be popular among men. […]
“For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ”
I would not be a bondservant of Christ
Paul’s argument against pleasing people is that he is “a bondservant of Christ.” Grace did not diminish his dedication to […]