Paul and the Law

Paul’s view on theology is evident in his explanation of the law and what justification through Christ means throughout his writings in the New Testament. The law that was written was ultimately God’s law and it was a revelation of His will to the people of the Old Testament. To be born a Jew was a great privilege and honor and for those like Paul who was taught a young age it was embraced in the society. The importance of the law and the fulfillment of the law through Christ is made evident in the Damascus road experience. Paul experienced the transformation of a new life in Christ and opened the door for him to impact the world with the gospel. Paul’s view of the law before his conversion was quite militant and focused upon the letter of the law. The letter of the law meaning he was devoted to the code of the law and finding purpose and forgiveness through keeping the law. Pharisees found their acceptance through their traditions and pursuit of keeping the law. His devotion to the law made him zealous persecutor of the early church and his conscience was not cloudy because of his belief in following the law to secure righteousness before God. Paul was passionate about being “right” in the law and missed out on following the true Messiah that the Pharisees were waiting for (and are still waiting for today). The verse in Galatians 2:19 explains this further, “I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God.”

Paul’s view of Judaism after he was converted was seen in a whole new light. Paul’s view of the Law being the end in order to receive righteousness, it turned into becoming the “school master to bring us to Christ” (Gal. 3:24) and ushered in the belief that Jesus completed the law and now it is a mirror to show us our need for redemption through Christ. The word “school master” is important to understand because the law was primarily given for a certain purpose as an attendant to lead us to Jesus, who is the real teacher. Paul makes it clear that the Law was never given for salvation (we could never obey it), but rather it was a finger pointing to the One who is the only teacher, Jesus. Paul continued to minister to both Gentiles and Jews throughout his ministry and spoke of how both were in bondage in sin and were in need of dying to themselves and come alive in Christ.

The completion of the law that Jesus did on the cross points to Christians being dead to their sin and alive to Christ. God has done through Jesus what the law could not do and that is Jesus paid our sin debt on the cross and paved the way for an eternal relationship with God. Paul encourages believers to move from our weak “flesh” and live in the power of the Spirit.

Paul reminds his readers that salvation does not come through ritual, eating the right foods, wearing the right clothes, but only by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9).

Lastly, Paul continued to point not to the outward but to the inward (2 Cor. 3:3). Following a written code or tradition is empty without Christ at the center of it. When a person is changed in their heart by the power of the gospel, they can be made complete through Christ and set free from the bondage of sin. The law now should not to be pushed away but honored now that Christ has fulfilled it. The attitude towards the law should be one that focuses on obeying God’s commands with a spirit of freedom that only comes through a relationship with Christ.

Background Thoughts on Galations

Here's a few thoughts on the occasion and purpose for the writing of Galatians.  Who were the opponents of Paul in Galatia?  What was the nature of the opponents’ doctrine and how did Paul respond to it?

The book of Galatians reveals people to have been composed mainly of converts from heathenism (4:8), but partly also of Jewish converts, who probably, under the influence of Judaizing teachers, sought to incorporate the rites of Judaism with Christianity, and by their active zeal had succeeded in inducing the majority of the churches to adopt their views (1:6; 3:1). This epistle was written for the purpose of counteracting this Judaizing tendency, and of recalling the Galatians to the simplicity of the gospel.

The epistle was probably written very soon after Paul's second visit to Galatia (Acts 18:23). The references of the epistle appear to agree with this conclusion. The visit to Jerusalem, mentioned in Gal. 2:1-10, was identical with that of Acts 15, and it is spoken of as a thing of the past, and consequently the epistle was written subsequently to the council of Jerusalem. The similarity between this epistle and that to the Romans has led to the conclusion that they were both written at the same time, namely, in the winter of A.D. 57-8, during Paul's stay in Corinth (Acts 20:2, 3).

Paul’s answers the great question discussed is, Was the Jewish law binding on Christians? The epistle is designed to prove against the Jews that men are justified by faith without the works of the law of Moses. After an introductory address (Gal. 1:1-10) the apostle discusses the subjects which had occasioned the epistle. Paul continues to communicate the purpose for his writing in that salvation only comes through faith in Christ and not on any meritorious act, morality, ethnic background, etc. Paul continually points to the fact that salvation is a free gift given to man.

Conservative scholars have historically assumed Paul’s opponents were Judaizers and have interpreted the text in that light. Paul's opponents were Jew-ish Christians who sought to "Judaize" the Gentile Christians of Galatia. The Judaizers' identity best satisfies the "mirror-reading" criteria and limitations, Barclay concludes that the troublers were probably Jewish Christians who also questioned the adequacy of both Paul's apostolic credentials and the gospel he preached.

Paul always responded in a bold way but showed his love to the people through his writings. Paul always responded and showed people they were wrong, he did not back down. Paul clears up the importance of the change of the heart and how all of the customs and many laws that the Judaizers were adding to salvation, he helps them know that true salvation only comes through faith in Christ.

Recap Thoughts on 1 & 2 Corinthians

Paul’s message to the Corinthians was that salvation through Christ alone for salvation is the foundation. Paul wrote this letter to correct what he saw as erroneous views in the Corinthian church. Basically, divisions within the church at Corinth seem to be an issue, and Paul makes it a point to mention these conflicts in the beginning. Specifically, pagan roots still hold sway within their community. Paul wants to bring them back to his doctrines, stating that God has given him the opportunity to be a “skilled master builder” to lay the foundation and let others build upon it (1 Cor 3:10). Paul always pointed to having a clear and firm foundation built upon faith in Christ and not upon man or the law. This book is the beginning of Paul chastising and reminding the Corinthian believers that they are to be examples of Christ.

Paul continually reminds them of their immorality and sets an example of teaching accountability in the church. The immoral ways of the world were seeping into the church and many people were adapting to their surroundings instead of being changed by Christ. Paul states that this letter is not meant to make them feel ashamed but to “admonish” them as beloved children. They are expected to become imitators of Jesus and follow the ways in Christ as he, Paul, teaches in all his churches (1 Cor. 4:14-16). Paul always preached Jesus and through his letters to the Corinthians, he focused upon being a follower of Christ in word and deed.

In the second letter to the Corinthians Paul reminds them once again to living for God’s glory and to not seek the world’s pleasures. Paul balances the correction of their unwise actions with his undying love for the people through the power of God. It must have been hard to put up with this church, they were easily swayed by worldly philosophies and ideas. Paul is the spiritual father that helps focus the people upon Christ and Him alone.

Paul had to defend himself with some of his important teachings on being forgiving and clear on following Christ. He states the importance of forgiving others, and God’s new agreement that comes from the Spirit of the living God (2 Cor. 3:3), and the importance of being a person of Christ.

The “harsh words” that Paul spoke in 2 Corinthians were in defense of their lack of being under his authority. Paul is simply responding to the heartache of dealing with their selfishness and points them to focus on sharing the gospel, Jesus crucifixion, death and resurrection. Paul is a great example of sharing the truth but in a way that people can be restored through repentance.