Explore the interpretation of Galatians 3:28 in the context of Christianity and homosexuality. This article offers an insightful, biblically objective analysis, underscoring the verse’s emphasis on spiritual unity in Christ and addressing common misconceptions related to biblical ethics and Apostle Paul’s teachings.

Introduction

Galatians 3:28 in the Updated American Standard Version (UASV) states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This verse, often cited in modern debates about homosexuality and Christianity, requires a careful examination. As an objective Bible scholar, it is essential to scrutinize the use of this scripture to determine if it truly supports the acceptance of homosexuality within a Christian framework.

Brief Insights

1. Context Matters:

   • To understand any verse, we must consider its context. The book of Galatians addresses the tension between faith in Christ and adherence to the Mosaic law.
   • False teachers were distorting the gospel, claiming that following the Mosaic law was necessary for salvation.
   • Paul’s purpose was to emphasize that faith in Christ alone justifies believers, not adherence to the law.

2. What Paul Intended:

   • Paul’s intent was not to erase all distinctions but to emphasize that salvation is available to all, regardless of ethnicity, social status, or gender.
   • He wasn’t specifically addressing issues related to homosexuality in this verse.
   • The verse doesn’t negate other biblical teachings about marriage, family roles, or sexual ethics.

3. Misuse and Misinterpretation:

   • Some argue that Galatians 3:28 supports the acceptance of homosexuality by claiming that gender distinctions no longer matter.
   • However, this interpretation overlooks the broader context and Paul’s primary message about salvation through faith in Christ.

Contextual Understanding of Galatians 3:28

Historical and Cultural Background

The Apostle Paul penned Galatians to address the Judaizers’ influence on the Gentile believers in Galatia. Judaizers insisted that Gentile converts must obey Jewish law, particularly circumcision, to be true followers of Christ. Paul’s argument in Galatians is fundamentally theological, focusing on the universality of the gospel and its power to transcend cultural and social divisions.

Theological Implications

The phrase in Galatians 3:28 about there being “neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female” is not a commentary on societal structures or personal identities. Instead, it emphasizes the equal standing of all believers in Christ regarding salvation. This spiritual equality does not abolish physical, cultural, or gender distinctions but underscores that salvation is accessible to all, irrespective of these factors.

Misinterpretation and Misapplication in the Homosexuality Debate

Misconstruing Paul’s Intent

Applying Galatians 3:28 to the homosexuality debate involves a significant misinterpretation. The verse’s context does not pertain to lifestyle choices or sexual ethics. Instead, it addresses the unity of believers in Christ. Paul, in his other writings such as Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10,* provides specific teachings on sexual ethics, clearly articulating a stance that is traditionally interpreted as opposing homosexual behavior.

Exegesis of Romans 1:26-27

Verse 26: “Degrading Passions” and “Natural Relations”

• “Degrading Passions”: The term “passions” (πάθη, pathē) here suggests strong, uncontrolled desires. “Degrading” implies that these desires are dishonorable or disgraceful from a moral perspective according to Paul’s teaching.
• “Natural Relations”: The phrase “natural relations” (φυσικὴν χρῆσιν, physikēn chrēsin) refers to sexual relations that are considered “natural” within the context of Paul’s Jewish-Christian worldview. This is commonly interpreted as heterosexual relations, in line with the creation account in Genesis.

Verse 27: “Men… Males with Males”

• The verse explicitly mentions men engaging in sexual relations with other men. The phrase “males with males” (ἄρσενες ἐν ἄρσεσιν, arsenes en arsesin) is a clear reference to homosexual acts.
• “Committing the Shameless Deed”: The act is described as “shameless” (ἀσχημοσύνην, aschēmosynēn), indicating a moral judgment from the perspective of Paul’s teaching.
• “Receiving in Themselves the Due Penalty”: This part of the verse suggests a form of divine retribution or natural consequences for these actions, which are viewed as contrary to God’s design.

Theological Implications

In objective biblical theology, this passage is often cited to assert that homosexual acts are against the natural order as established by God. The reference to “natural” is understood in the context of the creation narrative, where sexual relations are framed within the male-female paradigm.

Romans 1:26-27, from an objective biblical perspective, is seen as an explicit condemnation of homosexual acts. Paul’s use of terms like “natural relations” and “degrading passions” is interpreted as a reference to a divinely ordained order of creation. The passage is understood as not just a mere cultural observation but as part of Paul’s broader theological argument about sin, rebellion against God, and the need for redemption through Christ.

Exegesis of 1 Corinthians 6:9-10

* The two Greek terms refer to passive men partners and active men partners in consensual homosexual acts. “nor men of passive homosexual acts [μαλακοὶ], nor men of active homosexual acts [ἀρσενοκοῖται]” [UASV footnote]

In 1 Corinthians 6:9, the Apostle Paul addresses various behaviors that he categorizes as unrighteous, warning that those who practice such behaviors “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” The focus of this explanation will be on the terms “nor men of passive homosexual acts” and “nor men of active homosexual acts,” as translated in the query.

Understanding the Greek Terms

1. “Men of Passive Homosexual Acts” (μαλακοὶ, malakoi):

   • Historically, the Greek word “μαλακοὶ” (malakoi) literally means “soft” or “effeminate.” In the context of 1 Corinthians 6:9, objective scholars interpret this term as referring to men who engage in passive roles in homosexual acts.
   • This interpretation is grounded in the cultural understanding of the time, where the passive partner in a homosexual relationship was often seen as adopting a role contrary to the traditional male behavior expected in Greco-Roman society.

2. “Men of Active Homosexual Acts” (ἀρσενοκοῖται, arsenokoitai):

   • The term “ἀρσενοκοῖται” (arsenokoitai) is less clear in its meaning, as it appears infrequently in ancient texts. It is a compound word derived from “ἄρσην” (arsen, male) and “κοίτη” (koite, bed), which in a literal sense means “male-bedders.”
   • In an objective Christian exegesis, this term is typically understood to refer to men who engage in active roles in homosexual acts. The interpretation is based on the historical context and the understanding of sexual ethics in early Christian communities.

Theological and Moral Implications

In biblically objective Christian theology, these terms in 1 Corinthians 6:9 are understood as part of a broader moral teaching against certain types of behaviors, including homosexual acts, both passive and active. The emphasis is on the behavior rather than the orientation.

• Holistic Biblical Understanding: The interpretation of these terms is consistent with the broader biblical narrative, where sexual relations are understood to be rightly expressed within the confines of heterosexual marriage. Passages like Genesis 2:24 and Matthew 19:5 are often cited to support this view.
• Moral Teachings of Paul: Paul’s writings are seen as providing ethical instructions to early Christian communities. His mention of these behaviors in the list of unrighteous actions reflects the moral standards expected within these communities.

From an objective biblical perspective, 1 Corinthians 6:9, particularly the terms “μαλακοὶ” and “ἀρσενοκοῖται,” is seen as a clear denunciation of homosexual acts, both passive and active. This interpretation aligns with the historical context and the traditional understanding of biblical sexual ethics. The passage is considered part of Paul’s broader teaching on righteousness and holiness, emphasizing behaviors that are deemed incompatible with the Christian way of life and the inheritance of God’s kingdom.

Theological and Ethical Boundaries

The equalizing message of Galatians 3:28 is about spiritual status before God, not about endorsing all behavioral choices. This misapplication of the text overlooks the broader context of Paul’s teachings and the overall biblical message concerning human behavior and Christian ethics.

The Objective Perspective on Scriptural Interpretation

Hermeneutical Consistency

A key principle in objective biblical interpretation is hermeneutical consistency—interpreting scripture with an awareness of its historical context, authorial intent, and the entirety of the Bible. This approach respects the literal meaning of texts and avoids imposing contemporary issues onto ancient texts.

The Role of Greek Language in Understanding Scripture

In Galatians 3:28, the Greek terms used for “Jew” (Ἰουδαῖος, Ioudaios), “Greek” (Ἕλλην, Hellēn), “slave” (δοῦλος, doulos), “free” (ἐλεύθερος, eleutheros), “male” (ἄρσην, arsen), and “female” (θῆλυς, thēlys) are crucial for accurate interpretation. These terms are indicative of social statuses and identities in the ancient world, reinforcing the idea that Paul’s focus is on unity in Christ, not social reform or endorsement of specific lifestyles.

Conclusion

Galatians 3:28, when understood in its original context and intent, does not provide support for the acceptance of homosexuality within Christianity. This scripture addresses the equal standing of all believers in Christ in terms of salvation, not an endorsement of all behaviors or lifestyles. The biblically objective interpretation, grounded in a literal and contextually aware reading of the Bible, maintains that this verse should not be used to argue for the acceptance of homosexuality in Christian doctrine.

This analysis demonstrates the importance of contextually and theologically informed interpretation of scripture. Galatians 3:28, a powerful testament to the inclusivity of the gospel, should not be extrapolated beyond its intended message to address contemporary debates in a manner inconsistent with its original meaning.

• RECOMMENDED ARTICLE: What Does the Bible Teach About Homosexuality?
• RECOMMENDED BOOK: HOMOSEXUALITY—The BIBLE and the CHRISTIAN
• RECOMMENDED BOOK: THE 1946 PROJECT: The Supposed Mistranslation of “Homosexual” In 1 Corinthians 6:9

About the Author

SCROLL THROUGH THE DIFFERENT CATEGORIES BELOW

BIBLE TRANSLATION AND TEXTUAL CRITICISM

BIBLE TRANSLATION AND TEXTUAL CRITICISM

BIBLICAL STUDIES / BIBLE BACKGROUND / HISTORY OF THE BIBLE/ INTERPRETATION

EARLY CHRISTIANITY

HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY

CHRISTIAN APOLOGETIC EVANGELISM

TECHNOLOGY AND THE CHRISTIAN

CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY

CHRISTIAN DEVOTIONALS

CHRISTIAN FICTION