Jewish or Gentile Believers?
Is there really a distinction?
Yes, with respect to ‘the Law’ (example, of Moses, keeping it as we have seen in Acts 15 & in Acts 21, this ‘distinction’ or ‘advantage’ briefly explained later below):
“Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God.” (Romans 3:1 – 2)
How about this verse?
“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.” – apostle Paul (Galatians 3:28)
What is the exact ‘topic’ (“context” or “role”) under which the “no” distinction between “Jew or Gentile” or “Male or Female” etc. applies in the verse above?
It is ‘with respect to’ (but not necessarily limited to):
(i) Being Sons of God
“For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:26)
(ii) Baptised into /Clothed with Christ
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” (Galatians 3:27)
(iii) Belonging to Christ, Abraham’s heir
“And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, heirs according to promise.” (Galatians 3:29)
P/S:
It is a “common fallacy” to quote the verses above and “apply it” on “topics” that “are not spoken of nor meant in Scripture” (Since Scripture doesn’t apply the verse above to ‘those topics’, we ought to be careful not to either).
For example, the “same apostle Paul” (whom God used to write the verses above), also clearly mentions the “distinction” (of “roles”, “order”, “responsibility”) with respect to the following ‘topics’ meaning these are “not” cancelled off by a “Wrong” application of the verse above in an “unrelated context/topic”.
Please consider these “distinctions” which are clearly “maintained in New Testament Scripture” (not an exhaustive list intended but an instructional one): as follows:
(a) Jewish Believers vs Gentile Believers (“not” the same in this aspect of ‘which custom/law of Moses’ to keep?)
Verse 24 below speaks for the “Jewish believer’s” observances while verse 25 mentions a “Gentile Believer’s” observance where a clear “distinction” is made:
“take them and purify yourself along with them, and pay their expenses so that they may shave their heads; and all will know that there is nothing to the things which they have been told about you, but that you yourself also walk orderly, keeping the Law.
“But concerning the Gentiles who have believed, we wrote, having decided that they should abstain from meat sacrificed to idols and from blood and from what is strangled and from fornication.” (Acts 21:24 – 25)
(b) Male vs Female Role (Some” roles” are “not” permitted for females even under the New Testament) as follows:
“But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.” (1 Timothy 2:12)
“Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law.” (1 Corinthians 14:34)
Conclusion:
One cannot falsely quote the verse (in Galatians 3:28) above to ‘try cancel out’ the other verses mentioned which clearly mark the “distinction” according to the ‘topic’ referred to.
The verses are given in such manner challenging our “uncomfortableness” in the flesh (for some) to “test obedience”.
Remember, ‘any sacrifice’ done in the ‘name of God’ against these verses cannot mean much because “obedience is Greater than sacrifice”
“Samuel said, “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices As in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, And to heed than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)
And the ‘proof’ of ‘our love’ toward the Blessed Saviour is marked by “obedience” to “His Word” too:
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” – Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:15)
“Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” – Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:23)
“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3)
Lastly, let us ‘please God’ and not men whilst keeping to the “same judgment/doctrine” as the verses above imply and the ones below exhort accordingly (the ‘unity meant’ too):
“For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)
“Now I exhort you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be made complete in the same mind and in the same judgment.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
