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7 You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? 8 Such persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. 9 A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. 10 I am confident about you in the Lord that you will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. 11 But my brothers and sisters, why am I still being persecuted if I am still preaching circumcision? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves!

 

Paul has been strenuously battling against incorrect teaching in his letter to the Galatians, and in yesterday’s reading (5:2-6) reminds them that anyone keeping part of the Law is bound to the whole thing, while we know that we come to God by faith in Christ. In today’s reading, he continues his train of thought with some tough language aimed at his opponents.

 

While there’s a lot to unpack in these verses, notice specifically v.9: “A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough.” (Paul uses this expression in 1 Cor 5:6 as well, and in both cases, he’s calling out the bad effects of tolerating or allowing something one shouldn’t.) Paul’s concerned that if the Galatians allow one incorrect idea (that circumcision is required alongside faith in Christ to be in good standing with God) to stand, where will the errors stop? Each step of compromise (tolerating incorrect teaching or behavior) makes it easier for the next step downward to be taken, drawing one further away from the true gospel and the walk of a disciple of Christ.

 

Even Paul’s harsh language in v.12 is likely trying to get the point across that the message that these people were spreading in Galatia is just as non-Christian as the various pagan cults spread throughout the Roman empire that practiced ritual castration. If they’ll step away from the true gospel like this, they might as well go the whole way and display their lack of true faith completely, as they become just another cult.

 

Lord, guide our thoughts and our ways, grant us your wisdom and fill us with your spirit, that we may keep to the path you have blazed for us, and recognize and correct any mis-steps on our way, so that we may remain faithful to you all of our days. Amen

 

Damon Glassmoyer

jwl1040@gmail.com

 

Prayer Concern: For peace to prevail in our land and in the world, not only between nations, but between individuals, and that we be guided in our opportunities to be peacemakers.