Openly Portrayed as Crucified: Some Observations on Gal 3:1–14

Abstract

A central characteristic of Gal 3:1-14 is that the passage contains extensive quotations and allusions to words from the Scriptures, such as Gen 15:6; 12:3; 18:18; Deut 27:26; Hab 2:4; Lev 18:5; Deut 21:23. This chapter presents observations made on some of these references to the Scriptures in Gal 3:1-14. In the opening verses, Gal 3:1ff., the theme of crucifixion and the theme of faith stand out, and focus mainly on the development of the theme of crucifixion. One important part of Paul's response is that he preached Christ Jesus as crucified, that is, one who, from the perspective of the law, was executed as a criminal and law-breaker. Since Paul in Gal 3:1 emphasizes that Christ Jesus had been openly portrayed as crucified before the eyes of the Galatians, this crucifixion of Christ Jesus was part of Paul's gospel which the Galatians heard. Keywords: Christ Jesus; crucifixion; Deut 21:23; Gal 3:1-14; Galatians