Galatians 3:28
Verse
Context
Sons through Faith in Christ
27For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.29And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
Sermons





Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
There is neither Jew nor Greek - Ἑλλην, Greek, is put here for εθνικος, heathen. Under the Gospel all distinctions are done away, as either helping or hindering; all are equally welcome to Christ, and all have an equal need of him; all persons of all sects, and conditions, and sexes, who believe in him, become one family through him; they are one body, of which he is the head. Neither male nor female - With great reason the apostle introduces this. Between the privileges of men and women there was a great disparity among the Jews. A man might shave his head, and rend his clothes in the time of mourning; a woman was not permitted to do so. A man might impose the vow of nasirate upon his son; a woman could not do this on her daughter. A man might be shorn on account of the nasirate of his father; a woman could not. A man might betroth his daughter; a woman had no such power. A man might sell his daughter; a woman could not. In many cases they were treated more like children than adults; and to this day are not permitted to assemble with the men in the synagogues, but are put up in galleries, where they can scarcely see, nor can they be seen. Under the blessed spirit of Christianity, they have equal rights, equal privileges, and equal blessings; and, let me add, they are equally useful.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
There is in this sonship by faith in Christ, no class privileged above another, as the Jews under the law had been above the Gentiles (Rom 10:12; Co1 12:13; Col 3:11). bond nor free--Christ alike belongs to both by faith; whence he puts "bond" before "free." Compare Note, see on Co1 7:21-22; Eph 6:8. neither male nor female--rather, as Greek, "there is not male and female." There is no distinction into male and female. Difference of sex makes no difference in Christian privileges. But under the law the male sex had great privileges. Males alone had in their body circumcision, the sign of the covenant (contrast baptism applied to male and female alike); they alone were capable of being kings and priests, whereas all of either sex are now "kings and priests unto God" (Rev 1:6); they had prior right to inheritances. In the resurrection the relation of the sexes shall cease (Luk 20:35). one--Greek, "one man"; masculine, not neuter, namely "one new man" in Christ (Eph 2:15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
There is neither Jew nor Greek,.... Not but that there were such in being; and in the churches of Christ, for the primitive churches consisted of both; but the meaning is, that there is no difference between them, the middle wall of partition being broken down, and that, in the business of justification and salvation, it signified nothing whether a man was a Jew or a Greek; he was never the better for being a circumcised Jew, nor never the worse for being an uncircumcised Gentile; both by nature are equally sinners, and stand in need of the justifying righteousness of Christ, and the regenerating grace of the Spirit. The Gospel was equally preached to both, and was made useful to some of the one and of the other; and who, believing in Christ, had a right to the same ordinances and privileges of the Gospel, and shared in the same blessings of grace. There is neither bond nor free. There were such persons in the world then, and in the churches too; nor does the Gospel dissolve the civil and natural relations and obligations men are in and under to one another, it confirms and secures them; but the sense is, that God, in calling, justifying, and saving men, is no respecter of persons, as being high and low, rich and poor, bond or free, servants or masters: he calls, justifies, and saves men of every station and condition of life; and bond slaves and servants called by grace are Christ's free men, and have an equal right as those that are free to all the immunities of the Gospel: in some Heathen nations bond slaves and servants were not admitted, only freemen, to be present at the sacred service, and worship of their deities (r); but the Gospel makes no such distinction of men in its doctrine, worship, and ordinances, which lie open to all ranks and orders of men: there is neither male nor female; among the Heathens (s) also females were not admitted to some of their sacred rites and ceremonies; and among the Jews the males only were concerned in many things both of a civil and religious nature; no female might be heir to an inheritance with a male (t); females had no share in the civil government, nor in the priesthood; males were to appear three times a year before the Lord, and, according to their oral law, women and servants were exempted (u); the mark of circumcision, the sign of the covenant made with Abraham and his natural seed, was only upon the males; but now under the Gospel dispensation there is no distinction made between male and female as to divine things; as they are alike called by the grace of God, they have the same right to Gospel ordinances, baptism and the Lord's supper, and to every spiritual privilege. The apostle's design is to show the common right of believers, of every nation, condition, and sex, and to encourage the Gentiles, and demolish the pride, vanity, and boasting of the Jews, their men especially, who valued themselves upon these "three" very things which the apostle here makes no account of; as that they were Israelites and not Gentiles, freemen and not servants, men and not women; and in their public prayers they give thanks to God in this form, "blessed be the Lord our God, the King of the world, that he hath made me an Israelite; blessed be the Lord, &c. who hath not made me a Gentile; blessed be the Lord, &c. who hath not made me a "servant"; blessed be the Lord, &c. who hath not made me a "woman";'' instead of which last the woman say, "blessed be the Lord, &c. who hath made me as he pleased (w):'' for ye are all one in Christ Jesus; being alike chosen in him, united to him, redeemed by his blood, justified by his righteousness, regenerated by his Spirit, the children of God by faith in him, and heirs of the same grace and glory, they make, both Jews and Gentiles, bond and free, male and female, as it were but one new man in him; one body, of which he is the head, one spiritual seed of Abraham and of Christ. (r) Alex. ab Alex. Genial. Dierum, l. 2. c. 14. Aurel. Victor. de orig. Gent. Rom. c. 8. Aristophanis Thesmophor, & Bourdin in ib. p. 782. (s) Alex. ab Alex. ib. Aurel. Victor, c. 6. (t) Maimon. Nechalot, c. 1. sect. 1, 2. (u) Misn. Chagiga, c. 1. sect. 1. (w) Sedor Tephillot, fol. 2. 2. Ed. Basil. fol. 4. 1. Ed. Amst. T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 13. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.
Galatians 3:28
Sons through Faith in Christ
27For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.28There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.29And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Be Rich: I Know a Secret
By Warren Wiersbe19K37:29GospelACT 26:16GAL 3:28EPH 3:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of the mystery in the teachings of the apostle Paul. The mystery refers to the fact that when a person is saved, whether they are a Jew or a Gentile, they become part of the body of Christ. This concept is beautifully expressed in Galatians, where it is stated that believers are all one in Jesus Christ. The speaker also highlights the significance of knowing both the gospel and the mystery, as the gospel leads to salvation while the mystery brings a deeper understanding and experience of heaven. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that the gospel is the most important message in the world, as it offers forgiveness and salvation through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
(How to Get Out of a Religious Rut): It's Imperative to Get Out of the Rut Now!
By A.W. Tozer5.2K32:15Religious RutGEN 12:7DEU 1:6DEU 1:21MAT 6:33ROM 10:151CO 11:11GAL 3:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being wholehearted Christians and not settling for a half-hearted faith. He urges the congregation to take their faith seriously and commit fully to God. The preacher believes that if everyone in the church truly embraces this mindset, it will have a powerful impact on the community and lead to spiritual revival. He warns against procrastinating and waiting for help that may never come, urging people to accept God's help and guidance in their lives now.
Saints Alive
By Warren Wiersbe3.5K36:33ChristiansMAT 6:33LUK 23:39JHN 8:11ACT 9:1GAL 3:28EPH 1:1EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three basic wars that every human being faces: the war within oneself, the war with others, and the war with God. The speaker references James, who explains that these wars stem from our desires that war within us. However, Jesus Christ offers peace amidst these wars. The speaker also emphasizes the concept of grace, highlighting examples from the Bible such as Jesus forgiving the woman caught in adultery and promising paradise to the thief on the cross. The sermon concludes by emphasizing that grace is God's favor to the undeserving and cannot be bought with wealth.
The Logic of Law
By Warren Wiersbe3.5K38:57Law Of GodMAT 5:21MAT 5:27MAT 5:33GAL 3:19GAL 3:28In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that as believers in Jesus Christ, we are all united through the Holy Spirit. He highlights the difference between living by threats and living by promises, explaining that while children understand punishment and reward, as we grow older, we can reason and make promises. The preacher also discusses the limitations of the law, stating that while it can reveal our sins and confine us, it cannot remove or change us. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of the law in convicting us of sin and leading us to the Savior, and criticizes a superficial form of evangelism that neglects the preaching of God's law and holiness.
The Local Church 1 - Part 2
By William MacDonald3.3K09:25JHN 3:3ACT 2:1ROM 12:51CO 12:12GAL 3:28EPH 1:22EPH 2:14COL 1:26REV 20:6This sermon delves into the distinction between Israel and the church, emphasizing that they are not a continuum but rather distinct entities in God's plan. It highlights how Israel is not a mystery and has an earthly focus, while the church is a mystery, entered by spiritual birth, and has a heavenly focus. The unity of the universal church, comprising believers from all backgrounds, is also underscored as a powerful testament to the gospel's transformative nature.
Genesis and the Origin of Races
By Ken Ham2.9K1:03:07RacesGEN 1:27MAT 28:19ACT 10:34ROM 10:12GAL 3:28EPH 2:14COL 3:11In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of recognizing that all humans are descendants of one man and one woman, going back to Noah and Adam. He challenges the secular world's division of the human population into racial groups and emphasizes that genetically, humans differ from each other by only 0.2%. The speaker highlights the need to build our thinking on the Word of God and confront prejudice and wrong attitudes. He also briefly explains the concept of genetics and how it relates to the diversity of species. The sermon encourages the audience to embrace the absolute authority of the Bible and reject the idea of evolution.
Colossians - New Life in Christ
By Mariano Di Gangi1.5K27:15New LifeGAL 3:28COL 3:1COL 3:8In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of our actions and words in influencing the body of Christ and the world. He highlights that sin not only dishonors God and defiles our own character, but it also disrupts and destroys fellowship. The preacher refers to Thomas Boston's "Fourfold State of Human Nature," which states that we are created in God's image, but sin causes us to lose that image. However, through God's grace, we can be remade in His image and ultimately restored to glory. The sermon concludes with a call to pray for a radical transformation of life, seeking knowledge of God and experiencing fellowship with Him.
(Through the Bible) Genesis 29-31
By Chuck Smith1.5K53:14ExpositionalGEN 28:19GEN 30:35GEN 31:10MRK 8:36ROM 3:23GAL 3:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the equality and value of all individuals in the eyes of God. He highlights the universal need for a Savior and the unity found in Jesus Christ, where distinctions such as race, social status, and gender hold no significance. The speaker then shifts to the story of Jacob and his encounter with Laban and his daughters. Jacob meets Rachel, Laban's daughter, at a well where they wait for others to gather and move a large rock to access the water. Laban welcomes Jacob into his home and offers him the opportunity to set his own wages for his service.
The Primitive Era
By Peter Masters1.3K45:52GAL 1:6GAL 3:28GAL 4:1GAL 4:9GAL 4:28This sermon delves into the Primitive Era, focusing on the letter to the Galatians addressing the Judaizers who sought to add works to faith for salvation. The Apostle Paul emphasizes the transition from being under the elemental laws to being heirs of God through Christ, highlighting the danger of returning to legalism and the importance of holding fast to the true gospel. The sermon urges believers to guard against false teachings that distort the purity of salvation by faith alone.
Church History - the Christian Empire Part 1 (312-1500)
By David Guzik1.2K45:33MAT 6:33GAL 3:28GAL 4:91TI 3:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the early persecution of Christians and the potential threat it posed to the growth and influence of Christianity. However, two significant events in the early 4th century changed the course of Christianity. The first event, which is often overlooked, was an edict by Galerius that aimed to bring Christians back to the ancient Roman gods. The second event was the rise of Constantine, who initially sought to settle theological disputes within the church but eventually became the most notable Christian figure and influenced the church to become more like a corporation.
Why Christ Became a Servant of the Jews
By John Piper1.1K31:09Welcoming OthersUnity in ChristMRK 10:45JHN 3:36ROM 14:1ROM 15:72CO 1:20GAL 3:28EPH 2:19PHP 2:3HEB 13:21PE 4:9John Piper emphasizes that Christ became a servant to the Jews to fulfill God's promises and to demonstrate His truthfulness, urging the church to welcome one another across differences, including ethnicity. He highlights the importance of community and hospitality, encouraging believers to open their hearts and homes to each other for the glory of God. Piper connects the welcoming nature of the church to the example set by Christ, who served both Jews and Gentiles, ultimately leading to the glorification of God for His mercy. The sermon calls for unity and acceptance within the church, transcending cultural and personal barriers.
The Mind of Christ
By Stephen Kaung9961:13:29MAT 6:33JHN 17:21ROM 12:16GAL 3:28EPH 4:3PHP 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of unity among God's people. He emphasizes that unity should be based on four things: exaltation in Christ, consolation of love, fellowship in the spirit, and tender-heartedness and compassion. However, the speaker points out that despite having these qualities, the church in Philippi was still divided. He suggests that the human mind is in captivity and the enemy builds strongholds in our minds to stand against God. The speaker concludes by highlighting the importance of having the same mind and thinking the same thing in order to experience true unity and fill the joy of the Lord.
The Role & Ministry of Women in the Church
By Stephen Kaung9801:38:44GEN 1:27GEN 2:18MAT 6:33GAL 3:28In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the principle of Jesus Christ's submission to the will of his Father. Jesus willingly took on the role of the body, honoring his head, which is God. The relationship between the head and the body is crucial, as the head plans and decides while the body receives and performs those plans. The speaker also discusses the importance of balancing the focus on family and the church, highlighting the need to not neglect one for the other.
The Curse on Canaan
By Chuck Smith96625:04Biblical GenealogySin NatureCanaanGEN 9:24GEN 10:1GEN 11:1ISA 19:25MAT 1:1LUK 3:23ROM 1:16GAL 3:28EPH 2:14REV 7:9Chuck Smith discusses 'The Curse on Canaan' as he explores the sinful nature of humanity, which persists even after the flood. He emphasizes that Noah's curse on Canaan was misinterpreted historically to justify slavery, which is a perversion of scripture. Smith clarifies that the descendants of Canaan were not destined for servitude but contributed significantly to civilization, particularly through the Phoenicians. He also highlights the genealogical significance of Noah's sons, particularly Shem, from whom Abraham and ultimately Jesus would descend. The sermon concludes with a reflection on the importance of understanding biblical history and its implications for faith today.
sermonindex.net Simulcast 2012: The Body of Christ and Persecution
By Sandeep Poonen88908:50ROM 12:41CO 12:27GAL 3:28EPH 5:23HEB 10:24This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the true nature of the church as the body and bride of Christ, highlighting the need to shift focus from personal experiences to the collective identity in Christ. It addresses the global perspective of the church, urging believers to see beyond national boundaries and embrace unity. Additionally, it stresses the significance of active participation in the local church, moving away from individualistic pursuits of holiness towards genuine fellowship and community.
Church History - the Early Church Part 3 (100-312)
By David Guzik80345:33MAT 6:33GAL 3:28GAL 4:9In this sermon, the speaker discusses the early persecution of Christians and the potential threat it posed to the growth and influence of Christianity. However, two significant events in the early 4th century changed the course of Christianity. The first event, which is often overlooked, was an edict by Galerius that aimed to bring Christians back to the ancient Roman gods. The second event was the rise of Constantine, who initially sought to help settle theological disputes within the church but eventually became the most notable Christian figure and influenced the church to become more like a corporation.
Corinthians - the Baptism With the Spirit
By J. Glyn Owen7651:00:33Spirit BaptismMAT 6:33ACT 2:38ROM 6:31CO 12:12GAL 3:28EPH 4:4COL 2:12In this sermon, the speaker uses the analogy of the human body to illustrate the principle of unity and interconnectedness within the church. He emphasizes that the church is made up of diverse members who function together and belong to one another. The speaker also highlights the importance of being spiritually minded in order to understand and utilize God's gifts to the church. He explains that Jesus, as Lord, has been given the Holy Spirit to gather and equip the church, ultimately bringing them to a triumphant and glorious end.
Book of Acts Series - Part 44 | Reactions to the Gospel
By Jim Cymbala66738:56Book Of ActsEXO 3:11KI 19:4MAT 20:28LUK 22:39ACT 1:8GAL 3:28HEB 4:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of staying with the story when preaching and understanding the lessons behind the events described in the Bible. The speaker focuses on the message of Paul, the apostle, which is the good news about Jesus. The message highlights that God, the creator of the universe, loved the world and gave his Son, Jesus Christ, because humanity had turned away from God and rebelled against his rules. The speaker encourages the audience to surrender to God and live for Jesus, trusting that God's plans are for their good.
Unreached Peoples: The Kho People of Pakistan
By Paul Hattaway59100:00PSA 34:17PRO 31:8MAT 5:10GAL 3:28JAS 1:27This sermon sheds light on the challenging circumstances faced by the Khor people in Chitral Valley, where Islam dominates and Christianity is not tolerated, with severe consequences for those who choose to follow Christ. The oppression of women, restricted to their homes and subject to arranged marriages at a young age, highlights the deep-rooted societal norms that limit their freedom and autonomy.
Nor-02 Mysteriumisraelog Kirken (The Mystery of Israel and the Church)
By Art Katz58504:11IsraelDivine MysteryIsrael and the ChurchISA 49:6ZEC 12:10MAT 5:14JHN 4:22ROM 9:1ROM 10:1ROM 11:25GAL 3:28EPH 2:11REV 7:4Art Katz emphasizes the critical relationship between Israel and the Church, presenting it as a divine mystery that must not be ignored. He explains that both Israel and the Church share a reciprocal destiny, where neither can fully realize God's intentions independently of the other. Katz warns that neglecting this connection limits the Church's understanding of its purpose in the last days. He references Paul's teachings in Romans 9, 10, and 11, highlighting the importance of recognizing Israel's role in God's plan. The message calls for the Church to be aware of the significant events that are unfolding regarding Israel.
Unreached Peoples: The Sikhs of India
By Paul Hattaway57400:00MAT 9:37JHN 14:6ACT 10:34ROM 10:121CO 12:13GAL 3:28EPH 4:41TI 2:5REV 7:9This sermon explores the unique culture and beliefs of the Sikh community, focusing on their identity, symbols, and values. It delves into the question of how Sikhs can come to know Jesus while maintaining their cultural heritage. The sermon emphasizes the importance of actions over symbols and rituals, drawing parallels between Sikhism and the teachings of the Bible. It highlights the need to share the message of Jesus with love and acceptance, trusting in the unity of all believers from diverse backgrounds before God.
Christ Breaks Down Every Ethnic Barrier
By Tim Conway5741:07:50ROM 5:1GAL 3:28EPH 2:14COL 3:11This sermon focuses on Ephesians 2, emphasizing the unity and peace brought by Christ between Jews and Gentiles, highlighting the eradication of divisions and hostilities through His sacrifice. It delves into the creation of one new man in Christ, uniting believers from all backgrounds into a new humanity. The message underscores the transformative power of Christ's love in breaking down barriers and fostering unity among God's people.
Gentile Dogs Have Hope Too
By Tim Conway51056:33MRK 7:25JHN 17:17ACT 10:34ROM 1:16ROM 9:25ROM 10:14GAL 3:28EPH 1:13This sermon delves into Ephesians 1, emphasizing the significance of hearing the Word of Truth, the Gospel of salvation, and believing in Christ for salvation. It explores the distinction between Jews and Gentiles, highlighting how both groups have obtained an inheritance through Christ. The message stresses the inclusive nature of salvation, urging unity among believers of all races and backgrounds. The importance of sharing the good news of Christ's work for sinners is emphasized as the means by which individuals become Christians.
Catholicity - Four Marks of the Church Series
By Michael Flowers44126:16CatholicityISA 61:10MAT 6:33ROM 12:5GAL 3:28EPH 5:21HEB 4:16REV 21:2In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the supernatural nature of our faith and the role of grace in our lives. He highlights the concept of eternal life and how it resides within us, making us worthy of veneration. The sermon also discusses the universal presence of God and how it works within us to bring light and transformation. The gospel is presented as the solution to the universal problem of sin, offering healing and restoration to all who believe.
Not Without You - Part 1: The Commitment to Unity
By Carter Conlon19628:46UnityMAT 6:33JHN 17:21ROM 12:101CO 11:12GAL 3:28EPH 4:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of unity within the body of Christ. They highlight that the church cannot afford to be divided and must be an example of unity to the world. The speaker compares the superficial unity seen in the world to the true biblical unity that comes from walking together in God's grace. They reference Acts 2, where the early believers were in one accord and one place, unified with God and with one another. The speaker also reminds the audience that each member of the body of Christ has a unique role and purpose, and that God has placed them exactly where they are for His glory. The sermon concludes with a plea for the church to fight against division and to strive for unity, so that no one is left behind and all can stand together before the throne of God.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
There is neither Jew nor Greek - Ἑλλην, Greek, is put here for εθνικος, heathen. Under the Gospel all distinctions are done away, as either helping or hindering; all are equally welcome to Christ, and all have an equal need of him; all persons of all sects, and conditions, and sexes, who believe in him, become one family through him; they are one body, of which he is the head. Neither male nor female - With great reason the apostle introduces this. Between the privileges of men and women there was a great disparity among the Jews. A man might shave his head, and rend his clothes in the time of mourning; a woman was not permitted to do so. A man might impose the vow of nasirate upon his son; a woman could not do this on her daughter. A man might be shorn on account of the nasirate of his father; a woman could not. A man might betroth his daughter; a woman had no such power. A man might sell his daughter; a woman could not. In many cases they were treated more like children than adults; and to this day are not permitted to assemble with the men in the synagogues, but are put up in galleries, where they can scarcely see, nor can they be seen. Under the blessed spirit of Christianity, they have equal rights, equal privileges, and equal blessings; and, let me add, they are equally useful.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
There is in this sonship by faith in Christ, no class privileged above another, as the Jews under the law had been above the Gentiles (Rom 10:12; Co1 12:13; Col 3:11). bond nor free--Christ alike belongs to both by faith; whence he puts "bond" before "free." Compare Note, see on Co1 7:21-22; Eph 6:8. neither male nor female--rather, as Greek, "there is not male and female." There is no distinction into male and female. Difference of sex makes no difference in Christian privileges. But under the law the male sex had great privileges. Males alone had in their body circumcision, the sign of the covenant (contrast baptism applied to male and female alike); they alone were capable of being kings and priests, whereas all of either sex are now "kings and priests unto God" (Rev 1:6); they had prior right to inheritances. In the resurrection the relation of the sexes shall cease (Luk 20:35). one--Greek, "one man"; masculine, not neuter, namely "one new man" in Christ (Eph 2:15).
John Gill Bible Commentary
There is neither Jew nor Greek,.... Not but that there were such in being; and in the churches of Christ, for the primitive churches consisted of both; but the meaning is, that there is no difference between them, the middle wall of partition being broken down, and that, in the business of justification and salvation, it signified nothing whether a man was a Jew or a Greek; he was never the better for being a circumcised Jew, nor never the worse for being an uncircumcised Gentile; both by nature are equally sinners, and stand in need of the justifying righteousness of Christ, and the regenerating grace of the Spirit. The Gospel was equally preached to both, and was made useful to some of the one and of the other; and who, believing in Christ, had a right to the same ordinances and privileges of the Gospel, and shared in the same blessings of grace. There is neither bond nor free. There were such persons in the world then, and in the churches too; nor does the Gospel dissolve the civil and natural relations and obligations men are in and under to one another, it confirms and secures them; but the sense is, that God, in calling, justifying, and saving men, is no respecter of persons, as being high and low, rich and poor, bond or free, servants or masters: he calls, justifies, and saves men of every station and condition of life; and bond slaves and servants called by grace are Christ's free men, and have an equal right as those that are free to all the immunities of the Gospel: in some Heathen nations bond slaves and servants were not admitted, only freemen, to be present at the sacred service, and worship of their deities (r); but the Gospel makes no such distinction of men in its doctrine, worship, and ordinances, which lie open to all ranks and orders of men: there is neither male nor female; among the Heathens (s) also females were not admitted to some of their sacred rites and ceremonies; and among the Jews the males only were concerned in many things both of a civil and religious nature; no female might be heir to an inheritance with a male (t); females had no share in the civil government, nor in the priesthood; males were to appear three times a year before the Lord, and, according to their oral law, women and servants were exempted (u); the mark of circumcision, the sign of the covenant made with Abraham and his natural seed, was only upon the males; but now under the Gospel dispensation there is no distinction made between male and female as to divine things; as they are alike called by the grace of God, they have the same right to Gospel ordinances, baptism and the Lord's supper, and to every spiritual privilege. The apostle's design is to show the common right of believers, of every nation, condition, and sex, and to encourage the Gentiles, and demolish the pride, vanity, and boasting of the Jews, their men especially, who valued themselves upon these "three" very things which the apostle here makes no account of; as that they were Israelites and not Gentiles, freemen and not servants, men and not women; and in their public prayers they give thanks to God in this form, "blessed be the Lord our God, the King of the world, that he hath made me an Israelite; blessed be the Lord, &c. who hath not made me a Gentile; blessed be the Lord, &c. who hath not made me a "servant"; blessed be the Lord, &c. who hath not made me a "woman";'' instead of which last the woman say, "blessed be the Lord, &c. who hath made me as he pleased (w):'' for ye are all one in Christ Jesus; being alike chosen in him, united to him, redeemed by his blood, justified by his righteousness, regenerated by his Spirit, the children of God by faith in him, and heirs of the same grace and glory, they make, both Jews and Gentiles, bond and free, male and female, as it were but one new man in him; one body, of which he is the head, one spiritual seed of Abraham and of Christ. (r) Alex. ab Alex. Genial. Dierum, l. 2. c. 14. Aurel. Victor. de orig. Gent. Rom. c. 8. Aristophanis Thesmophor, & Bourdin in ib. p. 782. (s) Alex. ab Alex. ib. Aurel. Victor, c. 6. (t) Maimon. Nechalot, c. 1. sect. 1, 2. (u) Misn. Chagiga, c. 1. sect. 1. (w) Sedor Tephillot, fol. 2. 2. Ed. Basil. fol. 4. 1. Ed. Amst. T. Hieros. Beracot, fol. 13. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
3:28 There is no longer: Everyone comes to Christ and receives God’s promises in exactly the same way (cp. 1 Cor 12:12-13; Eph 2:14; Col 3:11). • male and female: Cp. Gen 1:27. • you are all one: The community of believers is one body, the body of Christ (see Rom 12:4-5; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 2:15-16, 19-22). • in Christ Jesus: See Col 2:6–3:11.