ATSS: Maury Jackson, “The Greatest Hits of the Epistle to the Galatians”
26 March 2025 |
Galatians is a short book with some fascinating content. But reading through it could raise some questions in your mind.
- Paul starts some of his books with praise and appreciation. Why does he start this book with a scolding?
- What’s significant about Paul’s conversion story that he has to add it here?
- Why is circumcision—something so private that you would never show a picture of to your church—so casually talked about in the New Testament? What is its significance?
- Did Paul have the right to lose his temper at Peter? More importantly: what exactly did he actually lose his temper about?
- Paul writes, “We who are Jews, not Gentile sinners…”? Why did Paul, who advocated for Gentile Christians, speak this insult?
- It makes Adventists uncomfortable when Paul talks about not being saved by “works of the law”. And we get really uncomfortable when he says “Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.” Does all that mean what it sounds like?
- What’s the point of bringing up Hagar—an Old Testament character so minor that many may not even remember her.
- And then this: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” What does it mean to be free in Christ? Are we Adventists free?
This—and more—will be our study this week.
Teacher:
Maury Jackson is the Associate Dean of the H.M.S. Richards Divinity School at La Sierra University.
Moderator:
How to join:
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The class is intended to last about 2 hours, though the conversation often continues to 4 PM (Eastern time).
About our class:
- The AT Sabbath Seminar is intended to be a courteous forum.
- Stick to the topic in both comments and chat discussion.
- Make your comments and questions short—don’t dominate.
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We look forward to getting acquainted with you!
YouTube channel:
You can see all of our previous ATSS recordings here.
Coming up:
- Roland Blaich
- Don McAdams
- Steve Case
- Laura Wibberding
- Olive Hemmings
