Grietje Commelin 
After God had rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (see the book of Exodus), they camped in the desert for about forty years before they finally entered their new territory. During this time, God taught the Israelites a lot about Himself and gave them many religious and social-economic prescriptions. Among other things, God gave … Lees meer
“We also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified” (Galatians 2:16). A core question in Paul’s days, and still, is how people can be justified. Can we earn our own … Lees meer
“But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned”. (Galatians 2:11) Today’s text tells us how Paul opposed Cephas (better known as Peter, the apostle), because “he stood condemned”. In this case, Cephas knew very well that non-Jewish believers didn’t need to keep the Jewish laws, and that … Lees meer
“… and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised” (Galatians 2:9) Paul was a missionary, and has become well-known through … Lees meer
“But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles…” (Galatians 1:15-16). Paul has become well-known as one of the greatest evangelists ever. But that was not his … Lees meer
“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:11-12). Paul has claimed that only the gospel preached by him, … Lees meer
“…there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ” (Galatians 1:7) Having greeted his readers, Paul comes to the point. He has been told that the Galatians have turned to “a different gospel”. But, Paul exclaims, there is no other gospel! Everything contrary to the gospel preached by Paul and … Lees meer
“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ … to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (Galatians 1:3,5) In the introduction to his letter, Paul mentions his life goal: promoting God’s glory. In the end, that is what counts. Not just for Paul, but for all creation. … Lees meer
At first sight, the question why Noah cursed his son Ham doesn’t seem very relevant for Christians nowadays. It appears to be just an historical detail from the story about Noah and his sons, as described in the Bible book of Genesis. But this story has been used to justify massive injustice towards certain human … Lees meer