Q1. Second Class Christians

[Cocoa]

Q1. (Galatians 4:26-29) Do you think Jewish Christians regarded Gentile Christians as second-class citizens?

Yes. The Jewish “Christians”  would not eat with the Christians of Gentile background, not seeing them as saved but seeing them as having a deficit in the “works” department.

What is the basis of our unity in Christ? Faith in the risen Lord. As we are baptized into Christ, we are ALL Abraham’s seed, and “heirs according to the promise”.

In what way does this unity pull down barriers? It stops us looking for other’s works to identify them worthy to associate with.

Do any groups continue to be regarded as second-class citizens in our congregations? I would say the mentally ill who have not walked in their full, rightful healing yet. Also those with families – children, husbands/wives, who are not yet saved.

What should we do about this? Have dinner and associate with one another. Do not assess peoples by their earthly works and attainments.

[csreeves]

Q1. (Galatians 4:26-29) Do you think Jewish Christians regarded Gentile Christians as second-class citizens? What is the basis of our unity in Christ? In what way does this unity pull down barriers? Do any groups continue to be regarded as second-class citizens in our congregations? What should we do about this?

yes I feel as Gentiles in that time, Jews didn't accept Gentiles as God's children so they thought better of themselves. Christ's unity is that we love each other which creates us all equal. yes there are many that act as if we aren't as good as in this world and they will argue if they are right so all we can do is pray for them, not allowing them to make us feel second class nor act out, and love them until Christ creates a clean heart in them.

[Eudora]

(Galatians 4:26-29)

Galatians 3:26-29 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 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. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

What is the basis of our unity in Christ?

It is the emersion of the Holy Spirit that brings us in union with Christ that transforms us from our fleshly desire and nature into a spirit filled life that yearns to please God and not ourselves.

In what way does this unity pull down barriers?

Daily, as we absorb the word deep with-in ourselves, we become more and more like Yahushua who lived a sinless life. We are still human and live in the flesh and we will never be perfected until we are fully spirit. However we can mirror Him by staying true, steadfast and faithful to Him who has always been faithful, steadfast and true.

Conclusion: Magic was common during Paul’s teaching days. This is why he asked who had bewitched them. They used optical illusions to perform what the folks thought were miracles but they were only witnesses of satan’s power. The Spirit of God in us is not an optical illusion but the sheer power that God uses to aid us along in our growth to help us live for God. Unfortunately there have been folks who have always wanted more than what God provides as if there is more than His Son to give. God’s grace is sufficient.

All believers in every age share in the blessings of Abraham and the grace of God, no different than they did in the time of Abraham and Moses, with the exception being that they had the promise by faith in the Seed that was coming and we have the promise manifested of the Seed before we were born. We have the Spirit by faith in the Seed who brings the promise.

The Torah (Teaching) reveals the nature and will of God showing all people how to live, pointing out the sin to avoid and to repent of should we fall. The covenant with Abraham teaches us that faith in the SEED is the only way to be saved. The Law of Christ shows us how to be grateful, loving, compassionate and caring to others. Fortunately and not un-fortunately, the more we draw nearer to God, the more our sin is revealed and the more our sin is revealed, the more humble we become and want to learn servant hood through the Law of Christ.

Thank God He provided a way of escape from our sinful nature that is at enmity with Him. Our way of escape is faith in Christ Jesus, our Lord Yahushua who died and became the substitute for sin, giving His life so that we did not have to give ours in death. Through Him, we have the promise of eternal life. It has always been this way. The law was and is still our guide that in a since tutors us like a schoolmaster would. The law shows us our need for reconciliation with a Holy God. In it, we still find His nature, His will for humanity, His moral laws and His guidelines for living in a communal environment. Our faith is not in that law, but in Christ Jesus who saved us from the law of sin and death and given promise for eternal life.

Do any groups continue to be regarded as second-class citizens in our congregations?

Probably

What should we do about this?

Repent, turn towards God and seek forgiveness and then ask Him to show you the law of Christ!

[jahjanrod321@live.com]

Q1. (Galatians 4:26-29) Do you think Jewish Christians regarded Gentile Christians as second-class citizens?

Yes, historically and or scriptually the Jews are God's Chosen People and so Christian Jews regard Gentiles as Second Class Christians.

What is the basis of our unity in Christ?

Baptism: Through baptism, we bury the old life of sin and is risen into a new life in Christ Jesus.

In what way does this unity pull down barriers?

Collectively and indivisually we are all heirs and joint heirs of the promises of God.

Do any groups continue to be regarded as second-class citizens in our congregations?

No, we are one in God.

What should we do about this?

Remain one in God and preach the gospel to lost souls.

[Dew drenched]

Q1. (Galatians 4:26-29) Do you think Jewish Christians regarded Gentile Christians as second-class citizens?

Jewish Christians and Gentile Christians were both equal, both groups were Christian and equal as sons of God and fellow heirs as sons. The Judaizers such as from Jerusalem were set on spreading a Judiaistic form of Christianity which made second class citizens of any outside the Jewish race that were not circumcised. Yet Paul refers to these promoters as false brethren, presenting another Gospel which is not another, but completely different, they were troublers perverting the gospel of Christ. Their influence was pulling people (both Jewish and gentile believers) away from the truth of the gospel, bewitching them that they should not believe the truth and thus making uncircumcised gentiles second class people and unfit for the promised blessings of God which only they could enjoy as circumcised Jews. In otherwords, they were saying to the Gentiles that Christ was not enough for them, they were lacking something in the area of blessing and acceptance in God's eyes, and in there eyes too.

What is the basis of our unity in Christ?

The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is the equalizer. It is there that all races meet as sinners, being judged with the same judgment, and being pardoned together by the Just one who was nailed there. Coming there to the cross in faith we all receive the same salvation and are justified together receiving his righteousness by faith in exchange for our sin. It is there at the cross where put off the old man and we put on Christ, his righteousness becomes our righteousness, we are one in Him. "And if you be Christ's, then ye are Abrahams seed, and heirs according to promise."

Paul said earlier in this chapter 3 “know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children (sons) of Abraham.” (v7) Therefore all are equal in all respects as sons. Again in v.26 he says, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” We all receive Christ Jesus through faith in him and God accepts us in him and through him. God has so much respect and honor for his son and the work he accomplished on the cross that he is able to receive anyone that comes to him through Christ. The Basis of our unity is we are all one in him through his cross. (Eph.2:11-17)

In what way does this unity pull down barriers?

There are no second class believers in Christ, Jew – Greek, bond –free, male –female, and etc. all who through faith come to Christ are equal sons/heirs of God.

Do any groups continue to be regarded as second-class citizens in our congregations?

There is evidence of partiality and inequalities in the church. These may be based on employment, success in business, position in the church as leaders etc. for examples

What should we do about this?

Spend time at the foot of the cross. Meditate there on its power, love and grace which is found there. We need to get a clear view of the cross and see how we are all equal there as sinners in need of the salvation which is found there.

Repentance is a good starting point. 'Be clothed with humility,” “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” “Let each esteem other better than themselves” “if you would be great in God’s Kingdom, let him be the servant of all”.

[wifee]

a)Only those Jews who didn’t grasp the true message of Jesus that through Him we are reconciled to the Father whether circumcised or not.Some Jews may have treated them as outcasts.

B)In Christ there are no distinctions we are all equal in God’s sight.We are all sinners, redeemed by Jesus blood and all baptised into the One body of Christ.

C)In Christ our true unity shines through, especially when we celebrate our togetherness.A Xmas card in local magazine from all the churches in a District, eliminates denominational pride,better witness to unbelievers.

D)Our congregations should welcome all people, as Jesus did. If people put others down,out of there insecurities.Emphasise the more our unity in Christ E)Each person is treasured by God, and we should love each one, examine our hearts for any prejudices,allowing Jesus to work in all our lives,to convict,heal & release each of our gifts enabling all the church body to flourish.

[RD35]

Yes Jewish Christians regarded Gentile Christians as second class citizens because they were not circumcised.

 

The basis of our unity is baptism is Jesus Christ, accepting Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

 

In Christ we are at the same level.  What Paul does say is that we all have the same status before He is saying we are all equal in Christ! Praise God! This radical verse erases the supposed superiority of men over women, of one race over another, of one class over another. We are one, since we are all joined to Christ by baptism. Our new identity is in him, not in our personal distinctions

 

Depends on each congregation, there may be or may not.  Classification on financial status, family status or different races and cultures may still be prevailing.

 

We should live in love with everybody in our congregation and respect each other knowing Christ is living in everyone of us and we are all of equal status in the eyes of God. 

 

[Thanking Joan]

Yes the Jewish Christians thought Gentiles were second class Christians and they considered themselves superior as Law keepers and kept them away.

Our basis of unity in Christ is through our baptism in Christ.

This unity pulls down barriers by showing us we are all one in Christ.

Yes there may be certain groups in the church who may be regarded as second class Christians on the basis of their race,culture , financial status,education etc.

We must be enlightened with the example of Christ who came to serve and not to be served and lead by example of Christ by treating all as one as God looks upon as one .

[Craig]

Q1. (Galatians 4:26-29) Do you think Jewish Christians regarded Gentile Christians as second-class citizens? What is the basis of our unity in Christ? In what way does this unity pull down barriers? Do any groups continue to be regarded as second-class citizens in our congregations? What should we do about this?

 

Yes.  Throughout the New Testament this issue is constantly being addressed.  Christian Jews felt that even thought they were made righteous and justified before God in Christ they were closer to God because they adhered to the Law.  Thus, making them better than Gentile Christians.

 

The basis of our unity in Christ is that all those claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour are made the sons of God.  In this way barriers fall because we are Christian human-beings before we are anything else.  We are children of God that is the Christian identifies him/her self.

 

Yes.  Today, economic status, race, gender, non-essential doctrinal views, and denominational association often place Christians in inferior status to other Christians.  It is like Paul never said "we are one in Christ."  Despite Biblical teaching people continue to operate in whatever way they choose to.

 

We should treat all men and women with dignity, with respect -- love your neighbor as yourself.   Most importantly love the brethren.

 

 

 

 

[GoRaysXD]

Q1. (Galatians 4:26-29) Do you think Jewish Christians regarded Gentile Christians as second-class citizens? What is the basis of our unity in Christ? In what way does this unity pull down barriers? Do any groups continue to be regarded as second-class citizens in our congregations? What should we do about this?

 

 

Yes.  Throughout the New Testament this issue is constantly being addressed.  Christian Jews felt that even thought they were made righteous and justified before God in Christ they were closer to God because they adhered to the Law.  Thus, making them better than Gentile Christians.

 

The basis of our unity in Christ is that all those claim Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour are made the sons of God.  In this way barriers fall because we are Christian human-beings before we are anything else.  We are children of God that is the Christian identifies him/her self.

 

Yes.  Today, economic status, race, gender, non-essential doctrinal views, and denominational association often place Christians in inferior status to other Christians.  It is like Paul never said "we are one in Christ."  Despite Biblical teaching people continue to operate in whatever way they choose to.

 

We should treat all men and women with dignity, with respect -- love your neighbor as yourself.   Most importantly love the brethren.

 

 

[JoanG]

In the time of Jesus, I really feel that the Jewish nation looked down on all those that were not circumcised. they felt that those people were not equal to them because they were not the chosen ones. But through Christ, we are all the same. We all are equal in the eyes of God. This means that we have the right to pray and worship and thank God just as those next to us. We need to realize this on a regular basis. I believe that we need to look at each other with the love and understanding that Jesus showed us by example.

[lighthouse2014]

Q1. (Galatians 4:26-29) Do you think Jewish Christians regarded Gentile Christians as second-class citizens? What is the basis of our unity in Christ? In what way does this unity pull down barriers? Do any groups continue to be regarded as second-class citizens in our congregations? What should we do about this?

The Jews considered Gentiles as second class citizens because the Jews where chosen by God to have been given the Mosaic law by Moses, thus they were forbidden to inter-marry Gentiles. Plus they had the custom of circumcise handed down from Abraham, Gentiles were considered uncircumcised second class.

The bases of our unity in Christ is that after coming to faith in Jesus, we are baptized into his death and resurrection. We now enjoy a new life in Christ.

This baptism into Christ death and resurrection places us and the Jews on the same existence with Christ. The old law is done away with and a new covenant is established through Christ blood. There is no distinction barrier between Jews and Gentiles, slave or free, male or female, we are all one in him.

Unfortunately there are still groups in our everyday congregations that are still considered second class citizens which is usually identified by race or their status in culture.

Because of this second class type identification we should be humbled and remember why Christ died for all, rich or poor, Jews or Gentiles. He abolished all barriers, we should pray that the Holy Spirit fill us with Christ love and recognize all people as one in Christ.     

[Lionwolf]

Q1. (Galatians 4:26-29) Do you think Jewish Christians regarded Gentile Christians as second-class citizens? What is the basis of our unity in Christ? In what way does this unity pull down barriers? Do any groups continue to be regarded as second-class citizens in our congregations? What should we do about this?

It seems the Jewish Christians regarded the Gentile Christians as either not Jewish enough or not Christian enough or both. The Jewish Christians probably thought they were still Jewish and perhaps had trouble divesting themselves of the law. Faith alone must have been hard for many to understand. That being said our unity in Christ is very simple...Faith. Faith in Christ is our unity as Christians. As Paul said in Gal 3:20 ther neither Jew or Greek, bond or free, male or female for we are all one in Christ. Some congregations are divided and cliquish for various reasons. We have probably experienced this. We should all take a lesson from Paul and address this immediately based on our desire to help all remember we are all equal in Christ. 

 

 

 

[Annie343]

GENTILE CHRISTIANS SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS:Yes they were considered second-class by the Jewish Christians because they didn't have the foundation of the Law to guide them; They were seen as being at a disadvantage ant he difference of treating each other (Jewish had a spiritual privilege and position - they were uncomfortable from long held prejudices), however, they should be regarded alike with no special consideration (abolishing prejudices) with human distinctions losing its significance

BASIS OF UNITY IN CHRIST: Identification because all baptized by one spirit into one body; associated with being united to Christ as being joined together in His death (buried) and His resurrection; we are clothed with Christ (life hidden with Him); we have Christ's robe of righteousness; being justified by faith (inherited promise); new relationship revealed - common principle in how we relate to God; we share as co-heirs (all who bear the Christian name); faith focused on Jesus Christ - clothed with Him (:put on" Christ) and when God sees us, He see His Son and accepts us - God takes our faith and places us in Christ with the same characteristics, attitude and intentions; Abraham's seed - spiritual children

UNITY PULLS DOWN BARRIERS:We recognize in Jesus common life (seek others); sets aside superifical distinctions; all labels become secondary - change of heart and actions and valued each other; equal standing before God; all being a child of God; all on the same level in regard to salvation; we are all one - no group is superior to another; all equal in Christ with a new identity; Jesus is our peace and abolishing in His flesh the law - one new man reconciled with each other to God through the cross; acknowledged need for a divine solution - confident in hope; understanding of God claimed; trusting Him with Christ's sacrifice and faithfulness to stand in our place

SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS IN CONGREGATIONS: no different with the understanding that we have been united with Christ through salvation

DO IF SO: go to the cross to put on Christ before people in our conduct

[Jonathan Edwards]

The Gentile Christains were deemed Second class. Christ is the unifying element in the church; those baptized in Christ now enjoy  home- coming!  Christ is our city of refuge, Jew and Gentile.  Like Abraham, we are all accepted and justified by simply believing. So we need to shake all self righteousnes, and look to Christ alone.   The Jews were focused very much to the ceremonial law as their hope of life.

Baptism is the basis of our unity.  We have our  constant covering.  We have the full adornment of Christain character.   We have been predestinatinated to the very image of Christ, we have the beauty of holiness due to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.    All the forementioned creates within the believer the fruits of the Holy Spirit.  All distinctions between classes and sex, and ethnicities are in Christ lost site of.  It is Christ, not the Spirit , who makes us one in Christ (Ephesians 2:14; Roman's 12:5).

Here we have many ethnic churches here in NYC.   Going back to the 1960's, the growth of ethnic churches have been very common.   These churches rent spaces in more traditional American churches, and than retain their particular ethnicities when they build their own churches.  Eastern Orthodox churches for centuries have been noted for ethnic parishes.   Much depends on country of origin that the original parishioners came from.   This vision of St Paul of the church wouldn't support plethora of ethnic churches.  An Egyptian church near my home is very ethnic.   Arabic is their mother tongue.   As an American from European descent,  I am not exactly part of the parish!   Their friends and culture are based in Egypt.

[Krissi]

Do you think Jewish Christians regarded Gentile Christians as second-class citizens? As far as I know, the class structure in ancient Roman provinces had a primary division between patrician and plebian, and though I'm not certain, it doesn't appear that any of the early Christians were of the upper or patrician class. Most early Christians came from the same plebe class. Some plebes and equestrians owned slaves, and among these slaves, there were layers of importance -- some of the early Christians came obviously from the slave class, others did not. Paul was a Roman citizen, but not a patrician or equestrian. As a Jew, his class status would have been lower than that of the non-Jewish higher status groups. 

As a rule, the gentile class was considered by the broader society to be higher than that of the Jews.

So, did Jews regard gentiles as "second class? -- No, unless you meant by "second class" something like of a "lesser status" before God. They did think of gentiles as of a lesser status before God than themselves -- after all, the Jews thought of themselves as "chosen," -- but deep in the back of their minds, they must have known that gentiles were not of a lesser status in the broader society.

What is the basis of our unity in Christ? The basis of our unity is the basis of family unity -- we all are under the same "head" and have the same lineage in Christ.

In what way does this unity pull down barriers? Unity in the first century church did not pull down barriers. Gentiles and Jews worshipped together, eventually, but Paul's problem in the book of Galatians was the strong social and class barriers early Christians presumed would continue. These early Christians seemed to have had a sense that in Christ they were all equal, but in their daily lives and public behaviour , they continued to maintain the class and status structure of their society. 

It's not like the old class distinctions suddenly disappeared. The fact of the matter is that even spiritually, we're not all equal. There are spiritual babes -- new Christians -- and those who are wise with experience and years. More importantly, in terms of class, there is a long-standing division between laity and clergy.

The old Roman class divisions were transferred to the church's hierarchy during medieval times. These class divisions still exist in the various titles within the church's hierarchy. Peter is considered the first pope by Roman Catholics, for example, and some think archbishops and bishops descend, in some spiritual, non-genetic way, from the apostles. The distinction between clergy and laity is the strongest evidence for a residual class division. Certainly layer upon layer of hierarchy in many church denomination copies the social class distinctions of the past ... and present. 

So, to sum, the idea of unity may have flattened the hierarchy, but did not get rid of it. 

Do any groups continue to be regarded as second-class citizens in our congregations? Yes. In my opinion, the distinction between laity and clergy perpetuates the first- and second-class citizen structure of the early church. The biggest perceived differences within a church, today, are not within the laity or between people of different occupations, race, income, etc., but between the pastor/shepherd and the congregation/sheep. I'm not saying this distinction should not exist, but only that it does exist and certainly perpetuates the idea that some sheep bleat louder than others.

What should we do about this? I'm not sure anything can or should be done about the natural human tendency to regard some people as leaders or "betters" and others as sheep.  There are denominations that have a more flattened hierarchy -- perhaps these should be preferred.