Galatians 4:17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yes, they would exclude you, that you might affect them. I. ITS PROMINENT CHARACTERISTIC. Clever imitation of religious zeal. 1. In its apparent motives What other end could they have in making the sacrifices their work involved. 2. In the deep interest it seems to take in its objects. 3. In the undoubted earnestness with which its work is done. II. ITS METHOD OF OPERATION. 1. To create a schism between pastor and people. Paul's apostleship was denied; his character traduced; his motives impugned. 2. To create a schism between one Church and another. The Judaizers sought to divorce the Galatians from the fellowship of Gentile Churches which were based on liberty. 2. To create a schism between the believer and his Lord. How often is this effected, not precisely in this way, but by the passions engendered by religious strife. III. ITS OBJECT. 1. To gain personal ascendancy. 2. To secure the deference and zeal of the Galatians. Parallel Verses KJV: They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.WEB: They zealously seek you in no good way. No, they desire to alienate you, that you may seek them. |
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