7 October 2022

so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘All the Gentiles shall be blessed in you.’ For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed.

From Galatians 3:7-14, NRSV

In yesterday’s reading we heard words of exasperation – even anger – from Paul against those Christians who had not fully committed to faith in Christ but who still held onto the belief that observance of the Jewish Law was necessary. At the beginning of today’s reading, Paul’s words are more gentle. He reminds the Galatians of Abraham – their “father in faith” whose belief in God’s promise led him to take extraordinary steps in faith that brought about the continuation and fulfilment of God’s promise for successive generations. The issue of circumcision that had so divided the community at Galatia was not something that Abraham himself experienced until many years after he had set out from his own homeland and undergone many trials. For Abraham, fidelity to God came first and foremost and his heirs are being encouraged to see that this should be their priority also.

• • Why do you think Paul reminded the Galatians about Abraham?
  • How can we make sure that faith in Christ takes priority in our lives?

Call to mind those people whose example of faith has inspired and sustained your own – and give thanks for them.