Exegesis Over Eisegesis: Spiritual Unity | Galatians 3:28

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. — Galatians 3:28

CALL OUT: I want to give a shout-out to Chris DeBoer in Peachtree, GA, who is a new monthly partner. I am thankful for you, Chris, and all who support us monthly and faithfully.

So many people have taken this text entirely out of context. They use it to leverage ideological positions that this Scripture does not endorse. Let me be clear: This text in no way advocates for social equality and inclusion. It does not promote the fair treatment, opportunity, and acceptance of all individuals regardless of their background, identity, or circumstances. However, please do not hear me say this text endorses racism, slavery, economic oppression, and gender fluidity. It does not endorse either side of this argument because these issues are not what this text is about.

Here is why: This text does not speak about social equality. It is speaking about spiritual equality.

Sometimes, when we read Scripture, we are going to be tempted to read into a text from our own cultural perspective. This is called eisegesis. Eisegesis is an interesting word. It is a compound Greek word that forms one word and meaning. "Eis" means "into."  "Egesis" means "interpretation." Thus, eisegesis is when we interpret a text by reading into it our own presumptions and biases. This is something we should always avoid when reading Scripture. It is easy and tempting to do, especially when you have strong beliefs and convictions about specific social issues. There are people in our time who have some pretty strong opinions on social issues. They are triggered when they hear social references to race, ethnicity, economic disparity, slavery, and gender. Thus, it is very hard for them to put these ideas aside when reading the Scripture. When they encounter a text like this one that seems to defend or dismiss their position, they will pounce all over it.

On the other hand, a skilled student of the Scripture exegetes the text. Exegesis is another compound word. "Ex" means "out from." Thus, exegesis is when we draw out the meaning of a text from the text. It's understanding what the text is saying based on its own words, context, and historical background instead of adding your own ideas. You're trying to uncover the original meaning intended by the author.

So, if we exegete this text correctly, we will draw out the author's intent instead of importing, imputing, and inserting our intent. So let's do that. But let's reread the text:

"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."

First, Paul lists three subordinate groupings that are transcended in Christ. They are ethnicity (Jew/Greek), economic status (slave/free), and gender (male/female). Paul never suggests that these categories cease to exist or are no longer a present reality. Our ethnicity, status, and gender are a part of our human existence. But there is something that supersedes them. This leads to Paul making one positive assertion. We (i.e., believers) experience a oneness (i.e., spiritual unity) found only in Christ. Our unity is not found in this world. It is made possible and encountered only in union with Christ. This means our spiritual unity takes precedence over social identity in Christ.

If we now carefully place this exegesis into the greater context of the chapter, it will provide even more precise meaning. Paul says our spiritual oneness in Christ is a status received by faith, celebrated in baptism, superseding but not absolving our ethnicity, economic status, and gender. Spirit-filled believers enjoy the blessing of living in a new spiritual family that comes with serious spiritual blessings. The blessing is found in the next verse, which we will read together tomorrow.

This is a sound exegesis of this text. As you can see, it does not promote social equality and inclusion. It celebrates a spiritual reality in the church, made possible by Christ. This transcendent reality affects how we perceive each other in Christ without absolving our individuality or condoning human sin.

Here's the application of this sound exegesis:

Take another look at a believer in Christ. See them from a spiritual perspective and not only a social perspective. If you tend only to see their natural qualities, look beyond that today. Work in your heart to perceive them differently. See them as your brother and as your sister in Christ. Then treat them like a divine member of the spiritual family because, in Christ, you finally gain a diverse family with one thing in common—one Good Great Father.

#SpiritualEquality #InChristAlone #BeyondSocialDivides #BiblicalInterpretation #UnityInDiversity

ASK THIS:

1. How can you actively cultivate a mindset that sees fellow believers not just through the lens of societal labels but as fellow members of the spiritual family in Christ?
2. Reflect on a time when you may have unintentionally allowed societal biases to influence your perception of someone in the church. How can a deeper understanding of Galatians 3:28 shape your interactions and relationships within the body of Christ?

DO THIS: Treat your spiritual family as your family.

PRAY THIS: Father, help me to see others through the lens of Your love, recognizing the unity we share as members of Your spiritual family. Guide me to treat every believer with dignity and respect, as brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.

PLAY THIS: Good Good Father.