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Christ removed us [Jews] from the curse of the Law1 [of Moses] because he became a curse in our place. For it is written, “Cursed is anyone hung on a tree.”2 [Deuteronomy 21:23].
| 1 | Christ removed us from the curse of the Law: Or, ransomed [TCN]. By “us” he means Jews. |
| 2 | Tree: Or, gibbet [KNX]. The Greek is XYLOU [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3586, a beam from which any one is suspended… a log or timber… tree] or literal “wood” or a piece thereof. It is something of a synonym for STAUROO [stake or pole] that has traditionally been by the Latin “cross” indicating the Catholic influence. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Galatians 3:13 as the theme of the chapter – “Curse and Blessing.” Paul’s warning about those cursed ones who would preach “another Gospel” continues. [1-6] He actually calls the Galatian Christians “senseless.” [Or, foolish, stupid] They have been “bewitched” by those troubling Judaizers. Paul asks if they had received God’s Pneuma through works of the Law of Moses, or “obedient hearing in faith”? Paul points to Genesis to confirm that justification by faith – and not the Law of Moses – was foretold. [7-9]
Those who rely on the works of the Jewish Law are “under a curse.” Nobody can ever be pronounced innocent by keeping the Law of Moses. Paul quotes one of his favorite verses, Habakkuk 2:4, to prove that “the righteous person will live because of faith.” [10-14] Christ, by becoming a curse in place of the Jews, released them from the “curse of the Law of Moses.” The promised Pneuma is only received “by reason of deep conviction.” The Law does not invalidate the Abrahamic promise of blessings. [15-18]
What was the temporary purpose of the Law of Moses? Paul writes that the Law was added to the Abrahamic promise to “identify transgressions.” [19-22] This was only a temporary matter “until the Seed [of the Abrahamic promise] should arrive.” As a result Christians were “no longer under the Law of Moses.” It had been only a temporary “tutor” [a childhood guide] keeping the Jews “under guard” until the Christian faith was revealed. [23-25] Paul affirms as a Jew himself that since “this faith has arrived we Jews are not longer under” the Law of Moses.
All who remain in union with Christ with deep conviction are God’s children. [26-29] All those baptized as Christians have become identified with Christ. The Seed of Abraham – the Church of Christ – is not characterized as Jew or non-Jew, slave or freeman, male or female. For all who belong to Christ are part of the Seed of Abraham. As heirs how we rejoice in God’s promise through Christ!
Abba our Father bless those no longer under the curse of the Law.
[27 June 2002]
