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corpus-paul - RE:(Roy, Mark, Liz,...) Gal 2:16

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  • From: "Jon Peter" <jnp AT home.com>
  • To: "Corpus Paulinum" <corpus-paul AT franklin.oit.unc.edu>
  • Subject: RE:(Roy, Mark, Liz,...) Gal 2:16
  • Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 12:15:08 -0700


Mark wrote:

>Of course Jewish people should observe the Law, that is not the problem but
>an advantage (note that by the logic of 1 Cor. 7:17-20 to remain in a
>circumcised state and Gal. 5:3 that one in a circumcised state is obliged
>to observe the Law, that Paul holds this view).

For Paul, a radical distinction exists between Jews who become Christ's, and
those who reject him and so remain under legal bondage. Through baptism into
Christ, a Jew "dies" to the law and, being "dead" becomes free thereafter
from its obligations. (Gal 4.28-31, etc.)

Hence your statement above is partly correct and partly wrong (if I
understand it). Yes, unbaptized Jews must observe the law. But that's
hardly an advantage! Paul rather urges baptism as the remedy for the legal
curse.

Your citation of 1Cor 7.17-20 ("remain circumcised") may be interpreted
several ways, but emphatically it cannot be exegeted to mean 'baptized Jews,
keep obeying laws,' for that contradicts everything Paul teaches.

Regards,

Jon





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