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both with literal slavery and with the process adopted in setting a slave free. To these
there are allusions in Gal. 5: 1 which must not be missed.
The following is a translation of an inscription found at Delphi, dating B.C.200-199:
"Date. Apollo the Pythian bought from Sosibius of Amphissa, for freedom, a female
slave, whose name in Nicaea, by race a Roman, with a price of three minae of silver and
a half-mina. Former seller according to the law: Eumnastus of Amphissa. The price he
hath received. The purchase however, Nicaea hath committed unto Apollo, for freedom."
The very words `bought with a price' and `for freedom' show how closely Paul
followed the wording of these records.
In numerous records the emancipated slave is expressly allowed henceforth to `do the
things that he will', to which Paul makes an allusion in Gal. 5: 17; and it is expressly
forbidden under heavy penalties that such an enfranchised slave should ever `be made a
slave' again. These and other allusions with photographs and original wording of
inscriptions can be seen in Deissmann's Light from the Ancient East.
To us today the clarion call of Paul resounds. It is as imperative as ever it was that
those whom Christ has set free should `stand' to that freedom, and refuse any attempt,
however plausible, to put upon their necks the yoke of bondage from which by grace they
have been so gloriously set free.
With this call the Apostle concludes his `allegory' and Gal. 5: 2-9 completes the
closing member of the section which commences at chapter 4: 21, with the words `Tell
me' (legete) and closes appropriately with the words `I Paul say' (lego).
No.74. (32) GALATIANS.
Gal. 4: 21 - 5: 10 --- The call to Freedom.
Fallen from grace (5: 2 - 9).
pp. 70 - 74
This section opens with a rhetorical question "Tell me?" (Gal. 4: 21) and closes with
Paul `telling' in very strong terms the results that must come from the Galatians
deflection.
Paul `tells' these wavering believers, three very serious facts:
(1)
That if they should be circumcised, Christ will profit them nothing.
(2)
That every one so circumcised is under an obligation to perform the whole law.
(3)
That whoever attempts self justification by means of the law, is (a) separated from
Christ, and (b) fallen from grace.