The Unity of Male and Female in Jesus Christ: An Exegetical Study of Galatians 3.28c in Light of Paul's Theology of Promise

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This detailed exegetical study of Gal 3.28c in the light of 3.14-29 and 4.21-31 shows not only how integral this verse is to chapters 3 and 4 of the letter, but also that it is the key to understanding Paul's theological argument of promise in Galatians. Paul's use of the story of Abraham in 3.14-29 and of Sarah in 4.21-31 in light of God's promise to the patriarch and the matriarch in Genesis 17 have implications displays the joint role of Abraham and Sarah in bringing about the promise, and underscores the unity of the believers in Christ. In light of this, Uzukwu examines important aspects of the history of the interpretation of Gal 3.28c. Uzukwu sheds light on the link between Gal 3:28 and the three expressions of gratitude found in Greek writings. Links are also revealed to the three blessings of gratitude that appear at the beginning of the Jewish cycle of morning prayers, Gen 1.27c (in the Septuagint), and the alleged pre-Pauline baptismal formula. She goes further to demonstrate how 3.28c is related to the unity of Galatians 3-4, focusing on the theme of the promise as the text discusses the effect of the Christ event in bringing about the fulfillment of that promise. Cover Title Copyright Dedication Contents Abbreviations Foreword Preface Introduction: Galatians 3.28C—The Promissory Text Chapter 1. A Review of Important Aspects of The History of Interpretation of Galatians 3.28C Introduction 1.1. Galatians 3.28 and the Three Expressions of Gratitude Found in Greek Writings 1.2. Galatians 3.28 and its Alleged Relationship to the Three Blessings of Gratitude Found in Rabbinic Writings 1.3. Galatians 3.28 and its Alleged Relationship to Genesis 1.27c LXX 1.4. Galatians 3.28 and the Presupposed Pre-Pauline Baptismal Formula Conclusion Chapter 2. Understanding Galatians 3.28C Within the Structure of the Letter to the Galatians Introduction 2.1. Scholarly Approaches to Understanding Galatians 3.28c in the Structure of the Letter to the Galatians 2.2. Delimitation of Galatians 3.28 in Context of the Theme of Promise 2.2.1. The Unity of Galatians 3–4 2.2.2. The Wider Context of Galatians 3.28 in 3.14-29 and 4.21-31 2.2.3. Galatians 3.26-29 as the Immediate Literary Context of 3.28 2.2.4. Understanding the Baptismal Message of Galatians 3.27 in the Context of Galatians Conclusion Chapter 3. Abraham and the Promise: Galatians 3.14-29 Introduction 3.1. Brief Discussion on the Narrative Element in Galatians 3.2. Definition of Terms 3.3. The Theology of Promise in Galatians 3.14-29: A Brief Overview 3.4. The Identity and Role of Abraham in Galatians 3.14-29: A Brief Overview 3.5. Paul’s Christological Rereading of the Role and Identity of Abraham in Relation to the Promise in Galatians 3.14, 16, 18, and 29 3.5.1. Abraham in Galatians 3.14 3.5.2. Abraham in Galatians 3.16 3.5.3. Abraham in Galatians 3.18 3.5.4. Abraham in Galatians 3.29 Conclusion Chapter 4. Understanding the Role of Sarah in Relation to the Promise: Galatians 4.21-31 Introduction 4.1. Understanding the Meaning of άλληγορεω in Galatians 4.24a 4.2. Understanding the Use of διαθήκη in Galatians 4.24b 4.3. The Theology of Promise in 4.21-31 4.3.1. The Law and Promise in 4.21-23 4.3.2. The Use of έλευθερα in Relation to Sarah in 4.21-23 4.4. Hagar and the Law in Galatians 4.24b-25 4.4.1. Scholarly Debate about Hagar and the Law in Galatians 4.24b-25 4.4.2. Understanding the Figure of Hagar in 4.24c-25 in Light of the Role of the Law as a παιδαγωγός 4.5. Sarah and the Promise in Galatians 4.26-27 4.5.1. Ιερουσαλήμ in Galatians 4.26 4.5.2. η 5έ ανω Ίεροθσαλήμ έλευθερα έστίν, ή'τις έστίν μήτηρ ημών, Galatians 4.26 4.5.3. The Barren Woman of Galatians 4.27 4.6. The Participation of the Gentiles in the Promise, Galatians 4.28-31 4.6.1. Paul’s View about Gentiles’ Participation in the Promise in 4.28 and 31 Conclusion Chapter 5. An Exegetical Study of Galatians 3.28, and in Particular 3.28c, in the Context of the Theme of Promise Introduction 5.1. The Meaning and Use of Iουδαίος and Έλλην 5.2. The Meaning and Use of 5ουλος/ έλεύθερος 5.2.1. The Definition of δουλος 5.2.2. The Use of the Concept of Slavery in Paul’s Writings 5.2.3. Scholarly Presuppositions about the Notion of Slavery in Galatians 5.2.4. The Literal Use of Slave Language in Galatians 5.2.5. The Meaning of and Use of λεύθερία 5.2.6. The Notion of Freedom in Galatians 3.28b and in 4.21-31 5.3. The Use of the Concept of αρσεν/ θηλυ in Galatians 3.28c 5.3.1. υιός 5.3.2. τέκνον 5.3.3. σπέρμα 5.3.4. στείρα, ώ5ίνω, and τίκτω 5.4. The Meaning and Use of ενι in the Expression ούκ ενι αρσεν καί θήλυ in Galatians 3.28c 5.5. The Importance of the Use of καί in Galatians 3.28c Conclusion Chapter 6. The Unity of Male and Female in Christ Introduction 6.1. πάντες γαρ ύμεΐς 6.2. εις έστε έν Χριστώ Ίησοΰ 6.2.1. The Understanding of είς as ‘One’ with Emphasis on Christ the Androgynous Being 6.2.2. The Understanding of είς as ‘Single’ or ‘Only One’, with Emphasis on Unity 6.3. The Meaning of Galatians 3.28d: An Attempt at Resolving the Tension 6.4. Understanding Galatians 3.28c in the Context of 3.29 Conclusion Conclusion and Summary: Galatians 3.28C—The Promissory Text Postscript Bibliography Index of References Index of Authors