(verses 8-11) Paul points out there's a decision to make: A choice between living under the elements of the world or as a child of God.
The weak and beggarly elements are the bases of all false religions-- they represent " self-expiation which lies at the foundation of all systems of false religion". {1MCP 276.2}
"Deprived as they are of the light shining from the word of God, their religion consists of a round of ceremonies" which they think will win them the favor of the gods.
By writing turn again to beggarly elements, Paul shows that the Galatians (who were Gentiles) were not turning to a new error when the Judaizers tried to enforce their rituals upon them, but that they were actually going back to an old error; the idea of a "self-expiation" works relationship with God.
Paul is now making his appeal, showing he's not there to condemn, but out of love begging them to come back to their believe of "salvation in Christ."
The apostle desires that they would be of one mind with him respecting the gospel which God had given him, as well as that they may be united with him in love.
He reminds the Galatians of the difficulty under which he laboured when he first came among them, and how thankful they were to hear the gospel and receive him as sent to them by God.
But now they are questioning as to whether he taught them correctly! The false teachers who drew the Galatians from the truth did so with an allusion that they cared about them, but they were not sincere and upright.
Paul wants them to be zealous for the truth and the cause of Christ, not zealous in pleasing these men to gain their favor.
|