Dying 'through the law to the law' (Gal. 2.19)
Abstract
In the Letter to the Galatians the law has been
superseded by Christ's cross and faith in Christ is
contrasted to the law. The juxtaposition of the law and
the cross occurs in 2.19, where Paul speaks of them in
terms of dying and living. The purpose of the present
study is to do four things.
First, Paul's letters have been examined for their
uses in context of 'cross, crucifixion' and 'law', so that
the basis for theological reflection might be the texts
themselves. We conclude that although Paul's references
to 'law' oscillate in stridency and meaning, and his
references to 'cross, crucifixion' are few, the law and
cross represent the before and after of Paul's life.
Second, our exegesis of Gal 2.19 leads to three
observations. 'Dying to-living to' refers to death and
life within specific relationships, that to law and that
with God. 'Being crucified with' refers to Paul's own
inclusion and participation in the death of Christ, so
that when Christ died Paul also died. 'Through the law'
indicates the death-bringing character of the law itself.
Behind Paul's statements about dying and living are the
death and resurrection of Christ, which serve as the frame
of reference for Paul.
Third, Gal 2.19 has been compared to the argument of
Galatians 2-3,4.1-7, and Paul's summary statement in
6.14-15. Our test question is what Paul means by dying
'through law' and whether law should be understood as the
cause of death.
s Finally, it is the conclusion of this study that Paul
views
the law as death-bringer, causing the death of
Christ and the death of Paul in relation to law. This
heightens the singularly life-giving character of faith in
Christ.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
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