Day 345: One in Christ (2024)

2024/12/10

The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

Fr. Mike Schmitz

使徒行传24章讲述了保罗在腓力克斯面前为自己的信仰辩护。腓力克斯虽然被保罗的教诲所触动，但却未采取行动，这说明除非我们按信仰行事，否则不会有改变。腓力克斯的例子警示我们，即使被圣灵感动，如果不付诸行动，也不会发生改变。加拉太书阐述了犹太律法在教会时代的角色，以及犹太律法与基督信仰的关系。保罗强调，通过洗礼，我们都在基督里合而为一，无论背景如何，都是父的应许的继承人。一些人宣扬必须行割礼才能体验基督信仰的圆满，这是错误的。真正的信仰是通过耶稣基督的宣告而来的，并非通过遵守犹太律法。彼得（矶法）的例子说明，即使是使徒也会犯错。彼得在与外邦人相处时，起初不遵守犹太习俗，但在一些犹太基督徒到来后，他开始退缩，不再与外邦人同桌吃饭。保罗公开指正了彼得的错误，强调在基督里，无论犹太人或外邦人、奴隶或自由人、男人或女人，都是平等的，都在基督里合而为一。加拉太书2:20节“我已经与基督同钉十字架，活着的不再是我，而是基督在我里面活着；并且我如今在肉身活着，是因信神的儿子而活，他是爱我，为我舍己的。”强调了基督在信徒生命中的中心地位。律法在基督到来之前起着守护和引导的作用，但基督到来后，信徒不再受律法的约束，而是靠着信心被称义。洗礼使每个人都成为父神应许的继承人。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why did Felix remain unmoved despite being initially compelled by Paul's teaching?

Felix was alarmed by Paul's arguments about justice, self-control, and future judgment but did not act on his convictions, showing that mere conviction without action leads to no real change.

What is the significance of baptism in St. Paul's teaching to the Galatians?

Through baptism, all believers become one in Christ and heirs to the promises of the Father, regardless of their background, emphasizing equality in faith.

How does St. Paul address the conflict between Jewish law and faith in Christ in his letter to the Galatians?

Paul clarifies that the law served as a custodian until Christ, but now faith in Jesus justifies believers, making the law no longer necessary for salvation.

What does St. Paul mean when he says, 'I have been crucified with Christ'?

Paul expresses that his old self has died with Christ, and now Christ lives in him, guiding his life through faith in the Son of God who sacrificed himself for him.

How does St. Paul emphasize equality in Christ in his letter to the Galatians?

Paul states that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, highlighting that all are equally heirs to God's promises through faith.

What was the purpose of the law according to St. Paul?

The law was a custodian or guardian that guided believers until the coming of Christ, after which faith in Jesus became the means of justification and salvation.

Why did St. Paul oppose Peter publicly in Antioch?

Paul opposed Peter because Peter acted insincerely by withdrawing from eating with Gentiles when Jewish Christians arrived, compromising the gospel message of equality in faith.

How does St. Paul describe the relationship between faith and the Holy Spirit in the Galatians?

Paul explains that believers receive the Holy Spirit through faith in Jesus, not through works of the law, emphasizing that the Spirit empowers and unites all believers.

Chapters

Fr. Mike uses the story of Felix and Paul to illustrate how conviction without action leads to no change. Felix, despite being moved by Paul's teaching, remained unmoved, highlighting the importance of acting upon one's beliefs.

Felix's initial conviction by Paul's preaching
Felix's inaction despite conviction
The importance of acting upon one's beliefs for genuine change

Shownotes Transcript

In Acts 24, Fr. Mike notes how Felix remained unmoved by Paul's teaching despite being compelled by it initially, showing us that unless we act on what we believe, there is no change. As we begin reading St.Paul's letter to the Galatians today, Fr. Mike highlights Paul's explanation of the role of Jewish law in the Age of the Church, clarifying that through baptism, we are all one in Christ and heirs to the promises of the Father regardless of our backgrounds.

For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/bibleinayear.

Please note: The Bible contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.

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