Paul begins his challenge of Peter's hypocrisy by saying, “We who are Jews by birth ... who know”. The primary comparison is between Jews and Gentiles as a matter of nature, that is birth, and not between a matter of “knowing”. If the focus was on knowing, then this would lead us close to gnosticism. Jews are not “sinners,” which is the natural state of Gentiles who have no natural relationship with God nor knowledge of Him. Paul in Romans spends more time reflecting on the advantages of the Jewish people. Interestingly it is these very advantages that make hypocrisy a great danger.

Led by Aaron Eime.

Notes for this study can be found at https://www.christchurchjerusalem.org/sermons/bible-studies/letter-to-the-galatians/ ‎

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