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what were the most significant social divisions in 1st century galatia that paul was addressing directly?

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 no male and female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

The Apostle Paul is writing to Christian communities in the Roman province of Galatia (modern-day Turkey) around the mid-1st century CE. He is passionately addressing a theological crisis, arguing that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not by following the Jewish law, and challenging those who insist that Gentile converts must be circumcised and observe Jewish customs.

What old divisions might we be holding onto today, even while claiming a new unity?

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Read alongside it

  • Colossians 3:11

    Echoes the theme of unity, stating 'there is no Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, freeman; but Christ is all, and in all.'

  • 1 Corinthians 12:13

    Emphasizes that all believers, regardless of background, are baptized into one body and share the same Spirit.

  • Ephesians 2:14-16

    Describes Jesus breaking down the 'dividing wall of hostility' between Jew and Gentile, creating one new humanity.

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