I Marvel That Ye Are So Soon Removed.
Paul encourages the Galatians to reflect on their actions and to take a stronger hold on the Word of God.
Martin Luther addresses the Galatians with gentleness, expressing his surprise at how quickly they have strayed from the true Gospel. He condemns those who led them astray while gently reproving the Galatians for allowing themselves to be swayed. Luther implies that if they had a firmer grasp on the Word, they would not have been so easily influenced. He draws parallels between the Galatians and the Germans, noting a lack of constancy in both groups when it comes to faith and zeal for the Gospel.
Text
Again the Apostle puts in a gentle word. He does not berate the Galatians, "I marvel that ye are so unsteady, unfaithful." He says, "I marvel that ye are so soon removed." He does not address them as evildoers. He speaks to them as people who have suffered great loss. He condemns those who removed them rather than the Galatians. At the same time he gently reproves them for permitting themselves to be removed. The criticism is implied that they should have been a little more settled in their beliefs.
If they had taken better hold of the Word they could not have been removed so easily.
Jerome thinks that Paul is playing upon the name Galatians, deriving it from the Hebrew word Galath, which means fallen or carried away, as though Paul wanted to say, "You are true Galatians, i.e., fallen away in name and in fact." Some believe that the Germans are descended from the Galatians. There may be something to that. For the Germans are not unlike the Galatians in their lack of constancy. At first we Germans are very enthusiastic, but presently our emotions cool and we become slack. When the light of the Gospel first came to 25us many were zealous, heard sermons greedily, and held the ministry of God's Word in high esteem.
But now that religion has been reformed, many who formerly were such earnest disciples have discarded the Word of God, have become sow-bellies like the foolish and inconsistent Galatians.
Sermon Outline
- The Apostle's Gentle Word
- Paul's tone is one of surprise and concern
- He addresses the Galatians as people who have suffered loss
Key Quotes
“I marvel that ye are so soon removed.” — Martin Luther
“If they had taken better hold of the Word they could not have been removed so easily.” — Martin Luther
“For the Germans are not unlike the Galatians in their lack of constancy.” — Martin Luther
Application Points
- Take a stronger hold on the Word of God to resist being removed from your faith.
- Reflect on your actions and consider how you can improve your constancy in your faith.
- Avoid being like the Galatians, who quickly abandoned their faith and returned to their old ways.