Definition: This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this important Bible passage together. It’s a really significant question about how we can receive God's blessings and grace. Here’s what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is asking if you are truly experiencing the good things of Christianity – like forgiveness, peace, and a new life – through simply following rules (the law) or just hearing about it (faith)? Let's unpack it piece by piece: “This only would I learn of you…” - This is a gentle invitation for people to share their experiences with God. It’s like saying, "Can you tell me how you know if you're experiencing something special?" “…by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?” – This is the core of the question. There are two ways we can receive God's blessings: By the Law: This means following rules and laws exactly as they’ve been written down. It’s about obeying a set of guidelines. Think of it like a strict recipe – if you follow it perfectly, you should get the result. By Faith: This means believing in God and trusting that He will work for us. It's about having a deep, heartfelt trust in Him, even without following every rule. So, what’s the point of this? The apostle Paul is saying that you are responsible for experiencing the good things of Christianity. He’s not suggesting we need to follow rules perfectly all the time. Instead, he's asking: Does your belief in God and trusting Him move you towards a deeper relationship with him, leading to blessings in your life? In essence, it’s about a two-way street. You don't need to follow rules to receive God’s grace. But, if you truly believe and have faith, that belief can open doors and lead you to a more fulfilling life. It’s a reminder of the importance of: Trusting in God: Believing He wants what's best for you. Living a life that reflects your faith: Acting out how you believe he wants you to. Experiencing His blessings: Ultimately, receiving the good things of life – like peace, forgiveness, and love – is a result of trusting in God. Do you have any specific questions about this verse that I can help you with? For example, are you curious about: Why it’s important to trust in God? How faith relates to receiving blessings?

Definition: Now a mediator is not [a mediator] of one, but God is one.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important verse from the Bible: “Galatians 3:20 Now a mediator is not [a mediator] of one, but God is one.” Here's what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse is saying that we don’t need someone to mediate – or help us – between God and us. Let's unpack that: “A mediator is not [a mediator]…” Think of a mediator like a referee in a game. They make sure everyone plays fairly and doesn't get into trouble. This verse means there’s no need for human intervention to bridge the gap between us and God. “…of one” This is a really key phrase. It means we are all part of God – we are all connected to Him! “But God is one.” This is the core message. God is one, not just in concept, but in being. He's the ultimate source and creator of everything. So, what does this mean practically? It means we don’t need to strive for perfection or to earn God’s favor through our own efforts. We are already part of God's family! Why is this important? This verse helps us understand: God's Love: It emphasizes that God’s love and grace are available to everyone , regardless of their flaws or mistakes. Forgiveness: It highlights that forgiveness comes from God, not from our own efforts. Trust in God: It encourages us to trust that God is ultimately good and just and that He will forgive us even when we stumble. In short, the verse reminds us that God’s love is universal and available to all of us. --- Do you want me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Explain the historical context (where it's found)? Give an analogy to help illustrate the concept?

Definition: [Is] the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Galatians 3:21. It’s a really important and often confusing verse, so we'll go through it step-by-step. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: "Is the law then against the promises of God?" – This is asking if the law, which is rules and regulations set by God, is actually harming or disrupting the good things God has promised us. “God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.” – This is the core of the argument. It’s essentially saying: “If God had given us a law to guarantee righteousness (living a good and moral life), then that law should have led us to follow God's will perfectly. But it seems like this law didn't do that; instead, it actually hindered our ability to live a truly righteous life." Let’s unpack the idea a little: The Bible is teaching about grace – God’s freely given forgiveness and love for us, without needing us to earn it through good works. Galatians 3:21 is saying that the law, in its strict application, can actually block our ability to understand and truly experience God's love and goodness. Think of it this way: The law tells you what to do – be honest, don’t steal, treat others with respect. But it doesn’t tell you how to be good. It focuses on rules, not on the spirit of loving our neighbor as ourselves. The Context is Key: This verse comes about during a time when Paul was facing persecution for his teaching. He's highlighting a potential problem: If we relied solely on the law, it might make us less likely to love God and others – because we’d be focused on following rules instead of understanding God’s will. In short, Galatians 3:21 is a warning against focusing too much on rules and regulations, and reminding us that true righteousness comes from a relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further with an analogy? Discuss the historical context of this passage? Answer any specific questions you might have about it?

Definition: But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Galatians 3:22. It’s a really important and often confusing part of the Bible! Here's an explanation in plain language: Basically, it means: “The Bible has shown us that everyone is flawed and makes mistakes – we all have fallen short of God’s perfect standard. But through faith in Jesus Christ, those who believe in Him get a chance to be forgiven and receive something good.” Let's unpack that a little bit: “The scripture hath concluded all under sin…” This is the tricky part. “Scripture” means the Bible – it’s the Old and New Testaments. "Hath" is a Latin word meaning "has," and it’s used here to mean “has concluded.” So, this phrase suggests that the Bible shows us that we are all guilty of sin – that we've messed up. It’s not saying everyone is inherently bad; it’s pointing out that humans fall short of God's goodness. “…that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them who believe.” This is the core message: Faith means believing in something, even though you don’t deserve it. “Promise” refers to Jesus's gift – his life, death, and resurrection. "The believers" are those who truly believe in him. So, this verse says that God wants to give people a chance to have a relationship with Him through faith. Think of it like this: Imagine you’ve accidentally broken a rule. You might feel bad about it. But if someone offers you a gift (like a small treat) because you believe they are good, and you believe in them, then that gift is offered to you . It's a chance for forgiveness and something positive. Key takeaway: Galatians 3:22 emphasizes that God’s forgiveness and the blessings of salvation (like eternal life) come through faith – believing in Jesus Christ, not through good works. It’s about receiving a gift from God, not earning it. Important Note: This verse is often misunderstood. It doesn't mean you automatically become perfect. It means that we are all prone to sin, but through Jesus, we have the opportunity to be reconciled and receive a new life with God. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse in more detail? Give you some examples of how faith is demonstrated?

Definition: But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Galatians 3:23. It’s a really interesting and slightly surprising one! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that before we truly understand or believe in God, we were living under the rules of His law. Let's unpack that a little further: “But before faith came…” This refers to the beginning of our relationship with God. We weren’t already close – we didn’t have a personal connection. “…we were kept under the law…” This means we were living according to a set of rules and regulations established by Moses (and later, the Jewish authorities) – the Law. Think of it like a very strict set of guidelines for how to behave and what to do. It was designed to show us our sinfulness and point us towards righteousness. “…shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.” This is the key part. “Faith” means believing in something, even when you don't fully understand it. The law was supposed to reveal God’s truth – that’s what we were meant to do! But… there was a gap. We weren't ready for that revelation yet. So, the verse is saying: We lived in a state of being under the guidance and control of the Law before we could truly know and believe in God. It wasn’t until faith came – when we started to genuinely love and trust God - that we were freed to receive His truth and become fully part of His family. Think of it like this: Imagine you're learning a new skill. You need to practice before you can truly master it. We were practicing the Law before we could understand or accept God’s love and purpose. Why is this important? The verse highlights that our relationship with God isn't just about following rules, but about opening ourselves up to His grace and understanding . It’s a reminder that true faith comes through a transformational experience – a shift in our perspective and hearts. --- Do you want me to: Explain it further? Give an example of how this applies to modern life?

Definition: Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Galatians 3:24. It's a really important and often confusing part of the Bible! Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, this verse says that the law – which is a set of rules and laws – wasn't just about following rules to get rewards. Instead, it was designed to lead you to Jesus. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “Wherefore the law…” - This means "because" or "for the reason." “…was our schoolmaster…” – Think of a schoolmaster as someone who helps you learn and understand something. The law was like that for us. It taught us what to do and how to live, but it wasn’t enough on its own. “…to bring us unto Christ…” - This is the key! “Christ” refers to Jesus – God in human form. The law was meant to lead you to Jesus by showing you who he is and what he wants you to do. It wasn't about earning your way to salvation; it was about receiving the gift of salvation. “…that we might be justified…” - “Justified” means "declared right with God." It’s like being officially recognized as good enough to live a righteous life before God. So, what does this mean for us today? The verse is saying that we don't need to follow the law anymore in order to be accepted by God. The law was a tool to help us understand and practice our faith. We are already justified – God has already declared us right with him through Jesus Christ. In short, the law wasn’t about earning your way to heaven; it was a stepping stone to being saved by Jesus! Does that make sense? Do you have any questions about this verse or want me to explain anything in more detail? For example, are you curious about: Why the law is no longer needed? What does "justified" mean in a broader context?

Definition: But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Galatians 3:25. It’s a really important and often confusing one! Here’s the explanation in simple terms: The Core Idea: This verse essentially means that when we truly believe in Jesus Christ, we are freed from being controlled by laws or rules. It's about liberation from limitations imposed on us by our own thinking or behavior. Let's unpack it piece by piece: "Galatians 3:25" : This is the specific verse we’re talking about – it’s a passage in the book of Galatians, which was a letter written to a group of believers who were experiencing difficulties with certain practices and beliefs. “But after that faith is come…” : This part acknowledges that we've already started believing. We’ve made a choice to trust in Jesus. It’s like saying, "We're on the path… but we've already begun." “…we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” This is where it gets interesting! "Schoolmaster" is a metaphor for our own judgment, rules, and limitations. Think of it like being under the control of a teacher or system that dictates how you should behave. What does this mean practically? We are free to choose: With faith, we're no longer bound by what we think is right or wrong. We’re empowered to make decisions based on God’s will, not on our own flawed understanding of the world. We don’t need rules from us: We aren’t needing to follow a strict set of laws to be accepted or valued by God or others. It's about trust and acceptance: It’s a powerful message that focuses on trusting in Jesus as our Savior, rather than constantly striving to meet the expectations of society or ourselves. In short, this verse encourages us to surrender control – to let go of our own limitations and embrace God’s grace. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of Galatians 3:25? Give a real-world example of how this verse applies? Discuss the historical context of this passage?

Definition: For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this really important verse from Galatians 3:26: “For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.” Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means we are all created with a special kind of relationship to God. Let's unpack that a little: “You” refers to everyone: This isn’t about you specifically – it applies to every single person on Earth. “Children of God” : This is a big one! “God” is a powerful and loving being, and God often speaks of us as His children. It means we are part of God's family. “By faith in Christ Jesus” : This is the key part. It means we’re not merely deserving of God’s love or blessings because of our good deeds or what we do . Instead, we receive this special relationship to God through Jesus Christ – specifically, through accepting Jesus as our Savior. So, it's about a relationship with God based on trust and belief in Him. It’s not about earning your way to heaven; it’s about having a direct connection to the divine. Think of it like this: Just because you were born isn't enough to make you part of a family. You need to choose to be part of that family – to believe in God and trust in Jesus. In short, Galatians 3:26 says we are all children of God through faith in Jesus Christ. It’s a powerful message about our inherent worthiness before God and the importance of trusting in Him. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some context around this passage? Or perhaps answer any questions you have about it?

Definition: For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Galatians 3:27: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Here's the simple explanation: “As many of you…” : This means "for each of you" or "for us all." It’s a general statement about everyone in the church community. “…have been baptized into Christ” : This is the key part! “Baptism” in this context isn't just a ritual washing. It represents a new life with Jesus Christ. Think of it like a new beginning – you’ve become part of a group that shares a common understanding and relationship with God through Jesus. “Have put on Christ” : This is a metaphor. Christ (Jesus) isn't just a person; he's the center of our relationship with God. He's the solution to our problems, the hope for our future, and the way we should live our lives. So, putting it all together: The verse means that if you’ve been involved in the process of being baptized into Jesus Christ – whether through faith, repentance, or a similar experience – then you are now part of his community and carrying on his teachings. You're living as someone who is connected to him! In short, it’s about being marked by Christ. Why is this important? This verse emphasizes that we don’t need to earn our way into God’s favor through good works or achievements. Instead, it says that when we're truly in Christ, we are already “bathed” with his grace and become part of a community where we can live out the lessons he teaches us. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Discuss what this verse might mean in a specific context (like how it relates to living a good life)?

Definition: There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this really important verse from the Bible – Galatians 3:28. It’s a powerful statement about how we relate to God and each other. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says: “You are all united in Christ Jesus.” Let's unpack that a little bit: “Galatians 3” : This refers to a section of the New Testament (the books part of the Bible after Matthew and Mark) that deals with a specific issue – the problem of believing. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free…” : This highlights that we are not divided by our background, ethnicity, or social class. We’re not separate groups. “…there is neither male nor female…” : This means we're all equal in God's eyes. There's no special status or privilege based on gender or origin. “for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” : This is the core of the verse. It means that everyone who believes in Jesus Christ is part of a single, unified group – we’re all united because we share the same belief and relationship with God through him. What does this mean practically? It's a message of unity and acceptance. It encourages us to stop thinking about differences and instead focus on our common bond in faith with Jesus. It suggests that everyone is part of the same "family" of believers. Why is it important? This verse emphasizes that God loves everyone equally. It's a reminder that we are all called to love one another, just as He loves us. It’s about recognizing our shared humanity and connection with Christ. In short, Galatians 3:28 says that we are united in Jesus Christ. --- Do you want me to explain this verse further? Would you like me to: Give you a few examples of how this principle applies to everyday life? Explain its significance within the context of Paul’s letter?