In Galatians 4:21-31, Paul gave an interpretation of the story from the Old Testament about Abraham and the two sons he had, one to Hagar the slave woman, and the other to Sarah his wife. The false teachers in Galatia were perhaps using this story to try to force non-Jewish believers to become Jews. However, Paul showed how the story itself supports his main thesis that both Jews and non-Jews may receive God’s promised blessing through faith, not through law-keeping.
Because of a general persecution in Jerusalem, the believers were scattered and took the gospel to Judea and Samaria, where many believed in Christ.
Our little work of accepting each other in the church is part of the big work God is doing in the world.
Paul addressed a serious conflict in the church and how to live differently: in unity, joy, gentleness, peace, and goodness.
