thinking bible.

You asked

how does this idea of unity compare to or contrast with old testament laws concerning foreigners or specific roles?

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.

Paul wrote this letter to the churches in Galatia, likely around the mid-1st century CE. He was addressing a theological dispute about whether non-Jewish followers of Jesus needed to follow Jewish law to be considered part of God's people. This verse is part of his argument that identity in Christ transcends ethnic, social, and gender distinctions.

What old or new boundaries in our world might this passage challenge us to rethink or bridge today?

Keep thinking

Read alongside it

  • Deuteronomy 10:19

    This Old Testament law commands Israel to love the foreigner among them, providing a foundation for inclusivity.

  • Ephesians 2:14-16

    Paul further explores how Christ breaks down the 'dividing wall' between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity.

  • Colossians 3:11

    This passage echoes Galatians, stating that in Christ, there is no distinction of ethnicity, status, or origin.

Ask your own follow-up