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You asked

how do other new testament writers address the unity of diverse groups, and where do they differ?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The Apostle Paul writes to the churches in Galatia, likely around the mid-1st century CE. He is addressing a significant theological dispute concerning whether Gentile (non-Jewish) believers need to follow Jewish law, like circumcision, to be considered part of God's people. This verse is part of his argument that salvation and identity in Christ come through faith, not adherence to the law or social distinctions.

What does being 'one in Christ Jesus' challenge in our understanding of identity and belonging today?

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Read alongside it

  • 1 Corinthians 12:12-13

    Paul uses the metaphor of the body to describe unity in diversity within the Christian community, emphasizing different gifts but one Spirit.

  • Ephesians 2:14-16

    Paul describes Christ breaking down the 'dividing wall' between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity.

  • Colossians 3:11

    This verse echoes Galatians 3:28, stating that in the new self, 'there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.'

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