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"I speak in the manner of men…"

Text: Galatians 3:15a

TRADITIONAL UNDERSTANDING

Paul understood how difficult it must be for some to comprehend how the covenant blessing promised to Abraham could be extended to Gentiles. Traditionally, Jewish understanding featured the following:-

1. God gave a great covenant to Abraham.

2. In this covenant He would pour out His blessings upon the descendants of Abraham.

3. Gentiles were not included in the covenant blessing.

AIDING UNDERSTANDING

Paul wanted to aid understanding of the full extent of God’s promise of blessing in the Abrahamic covenant. He sought to present strong theological arguments to present an important truth- that Gentiles were included in the Abrahamic covenant-blessing. In the following text Paul sought to present this argument in a different manner.

Brethren, I speak in the manner of men:
Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed,
no one annuls or adds to it.

Galatians 3:15

1. “Brethren, I speak in the manner of men”

a) The topic is the idea of a covenant.

b) If there is a covenant between men.

i) This is sometimes called a parity covenant (between man and man).

ii) This is distinguished from a suzerainty covenant (between God and man).

2. “Though it is a only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed”

a) A covenant is agreed upon.

b) The contents of the covenant are ratified and confirmed after it is properly understood.

i) A simple ceremony may be included to seal the covenant.

ii) The confirmation of the covenant makes it fully binding on both parties.

3. “No one annuls or adds to it”

a) The covenant once confirmed cannot be changed.

b) It cannot be annulled.

c) Nothing could be added to it either.

4. Implication

If a human covenant could be so binding, how much more would be a Divine covenant given by God!