The Pentecostal Commentary: Galatians

By Billy Prewitt

• The distinctive Pentecostal pneumatology is sustained
• Key doctrines are identified and expounded
• Important cross references within Scripture are noted
• Historical connections in Church history are mentioned
• Erroneous teachings are scrutinized
• Comments are based on the King James Version
• The KJV text is printed in the body of the commentary

With a modern style of readability, this commentary series is appropriate for anyone seeking to grow and understand the truths of Scripture and is especially helpful to pastors as well as college and seminary students.

Author’s Foreward
As a Pentecostal student attending a Pentecostal Bible college, I went to the college bookstore to purchase my textbooks without knowing that the commentaries on my book list were written by non-Pentecostals. Even though my classes required commentaries from various publishers, none of the publishers were Pentecostal. I often wondered why a Pentecostal Bible school would use non-Pentecostal commentaries for class. What I did not know at the time was that there really was no such thing as a Pentecostal commentary written for and by Pentecostals. Since then, there have been a few Pentecostals who have written on individual books, but there are significant portions of even the New Testament that have had little or no Pentecostal voice. As a result, serious Pentecostal students have no other choice but to learn at the feet of non-Pentecostals.

I am not opposed to non-Pentecostal commentaries. Indeed, I have gained considerable insights from reading such, but there are two points of theology that I must consciously filter out every time I read them. The most important concern to a Pentecostal is that the pneumatology (the study of the Holy Spirit) presented by non-Pentecostals is very different than that of a Pentecostal. The second point is the emphasis on Calvinistic doctrines especially eternal security with which most Pentecostals do not agree. In addition, there are other theological differences and substantially different hermeneutical principals that can dramatically alter the interpretation of texts in non-Pentecostal ways.

In my studies, I have always desired to have a commentary that was thoroughly Pentecostal, but I never imagined that I would write one. From one Pentecostal to another, I hope you will find this series to be a breath of fresh Spirit anointed air.

Series Preface
While it is hoped that Bible students from other theological traditions will study and benefit from its contents, it is first and foremost Pentecostal. As such, this commentary does not include surveys of other viewpoints unless such inclusion is necessary for clarity of argument. In addition, with all due respect to our Charismatic brethren, it may be said that this series is not meant to be inclusive of Charismatic interpretations related to pneumatology.

The Pentecostal Commentary series intentionally excludes views of Scripture that do not hold to its inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility, and also excludes modern liberal arguments of authorship, date, purpose, and so on. Traditional viewpoints on these subjects will be discussed without confusing the issue. In addition, 19th century criticism methods and concerns over source documents will not often be discussed. In other words, this series assumes that the Biblical text is as God wants it to be and that it was written by the person and at the time traditionally ascribed.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Billy Prewitt
• Release date: Jan 16, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005830854

Billy Prewitt

Billy M. Prewitt holds a PhD in Biblical Studies, a Master of Education in Educational Leadership, a Master of Arts in Theology, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sacred Music. His most recent accomplishments include authoring three Pentecostal Commentaries: Matthew, Galatians, and Acts 1-12. Additionally, along with his professional teaching experience in both the private and public sectors, he has served in the Church as a youth pastor, associate pastor, and currently serves as the pastor of Family Fellowship Church in Lake City, Florida.

Book preview

The

Pentecostal

Commentary

A Trinitarian Exposition of the New Testament

Volume 9

Galatians

Billy Prewitt

The Pentecostal Commentary

A Trinitarian Exposition of the New Testament

Galatians: Volume 9

© 2021 by Billy and Rebekah Prewitt

All rights reserved. The use of short quotations or occasional page copying for personal or group study is permitted and encouraged. Other permissions will likely be granted upon request.

Other Books by the Prewitts

The Pentecostal Commentary: Matthew by Billy Prewitt

The Pentecostal Commentary: Acts 1-12 by Billy Prewitt

Evidence for Speaking in Tongues: Fanning the Flames of Revival – (Billy Prewitt) With similar material to The Baptism in the Holy Spirit (see below), this resource is more of a manual for preachers. It includes helpful information concerning ministering the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, hindrances to reception, and practical tips for leading in a congregation to Spiritual empowerment. It also answers many of the questions that people ask related to speaking in tongues.

Biblical Counseling Without Psychology – (Rebekah Prewitt) The ministry of counseling is a ministry assigned to the Church. Even though the Lord hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, the Church has been intimidated, swindled, and riddled with the influence of secular psychology and compromised counselors. As a result, she is almost powerless to deal properly with the problems of man. In this practical and one of a kind book which does not draw upon clinical and counseling psychology and psychiatry, the reader will be reintroduced to the pure spiritual means Christ has given to His Church to do the work of counseling.

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit: A Pentecostal Perspective – (Billy Prewitt) This resource provides an academic defense of the Pentecostal doctrine of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in other tongues. This is done through researched based arguments from both Pentecostal and non-Pentecostal resources allowing the opinions of scholars to argue their points side by side.

The Biblical Role of the Wife – (Rebekah Prewitt) In this book, Rebekah shares her personal experiences in learning her role. She says, Many times we as wives are so ambitious to scale to the height of the universe and accomplish mighty feats that we fail to realize our greatest achievements will come in simple obedience to our Lord’s words. In marriage, this starts with an understanding of our role.

The Proper Role of the Wife: An Academic Study – (Rebekah Prewitt) For centuries there has been controversy over the role of the wife. So much so, that it is difficult to know who to believe. The Proper Role of the Wife is a research based study of the wife's role with a Scriptural answer. It dives into the heated arguments of the past and present from well known philosophers, women's liberals, conservatives, and Biblical scholars. The data compiled will equip the Christian counselor with the proper perspective and enlighten readers as they explore the discrepancy and divergence from the Biblical patterns of Scripture to the solutions presented.

What if Calvin Was Wrong? – (Billy Prewitt) Most Pentecostals are not Calvinists, but the extent to which Calvinistic teaching has pervaded American society requires that serious Christians have a good grasp on the subject. This volume is mostly about the modern expression of the doctrine of Eternal Security exposing its shortcomings in light of Scripture.

Abraham – (Billy Prewitt) Most people in our modern era repel the idea that the covenant of Abraham could control the world in which we live. As a result, confusion reigns even in the professing church over Israel and the Palestinians, the Temple Mount, the validity of Israel’s nationalistic claims, and political frustrations worldwide over these issues. Readers will find out exactly how the covenant of Abraham found in Genesis has brought us to where we are as it relates to the Middle East and also where we are going in the future.

Women Pastors – (Rebekah Prewitt) This book is written to women pastors and women who are thinking of becoming pastors. In this book, you will get a glimpse into the lives of famous women preachers like Anne Hutchinson, Phoebe Palmer, Antoinette Brown Blackwell, Catherine Booth, Maria B. Woodworth-Etter, and Aimee Semple McPherson. These women thought they were hearing the right voice, but like so many women preachers both past and present, contending with them was to fight a losing battle. They dogmatically refused to hear. If you, however, are a woman who has ears to hear, then this book will be a blessing to you.

The Inspiration of Scripture – (Billy Prewitt) The bedrock of our faith lies in our understanding of the doctrine of the Inspiration of Scripture. This short book provides an introductory guide for the subject including remarks on inspiration, infallibility, and inerrancy. In addition, there are practical tools for instilling this vital belief in other believers and helps for speaking with those who do not believe.

I’m Thinking of Leaving My Husband – (Rebekah Prewitt) Are you thinking of leaving your husband? Did he commit adultery? Does he have an addiction? Learn what to do next.

Why Children Cry – (Billy Prewitt) Are you frustrated over the behavior of your children? Maybe, parents in your church are facing difficulties in this area. Why Children Cry explains various reason that children behave in peculiar ways. In this book, you will learn how to cast out devils, tear down strongholds, perform a spiritual siege, and much more.

How to Talk to Your Child About Divorce – (Rebekah Prewitt) Are you divorced with children? Are they struggling through this difficult time? Learn how to help them in this practical book.

Dealing With Suicide – (Rebekah Prewitt) Do you have questions about suicide? Perhaps you what to help someone who is having suicidal thoughts or someone who has lost a loved one through suicide.

Brandon the Brain: The Time Viewer – (Billy Prewitt) Written for children on about a 4th grade reading level, this fictional account uses the subject of dinosaurs to introduce young Earth Biblical Creation. Readers will learn that the Earth is only about 6,000 years old rather than the supposed billions of years children are taught in school. This knowledge is then applied directly to personal faith in Christ as the reasonable response.

Overcoming Ungodly Fear – (Rebekah Prewitt) Do you know someone struggling with fear? Do they freeze up or flee an uncomfortable situation? This little book can help.

Dedication

To Rebekah, my love

Author’s Foreward

As a Pentecostal student attending a Pentecostal Bible college, I went to the college bookstore to purchase my textbooks without knowing that the commentaries on my book list were written by non-Pentecostals. Even though my classes required commentaries from various publishers, none of the publishers were Pentecostal. I often wondered why a Pentecostal Bible school would use non-Pentecostal commentaries for class. What I did not know at the time was that there really was no such thing as a Pentecostal commentary written for and by Pentecostals. As a result, serious Pentecostal students had no other choice but to learn at the feet of non-Pentecostals.

I am not opposed to non-Pentecostal commentaries. Indeed, I have gained considerable insights from reading such, but there are two points of theology that I must consciously filter out every time I read them. The most important concern to a Pentecostal is that the pneumatology (the study of the Holy Spirit) presented by non-Pentecostals is very different than that of a Pentecostal. The second point is the emphasis on Calvinistic doctrines especially eternal security with which most Pentecostals do not agree. In addition, there are other theological differences and substantially different hermeneutical principals that can dramatically alter the interpretation of texts in non-Pentecostal ways.

In my studies, I have always desired to have a commentary that was thoroughly Pentecostal, but I never imagined that I would write one. From one Pentecostal to another, I hope you will find this series to be a breath of fresh Spirit anointed air.

In Christ,

Billy Prewitt

Series Preface

The Pentecostal Commentary series is designed with the serious Trinitarian Pentecostal student in mind. While it is hoped that Bible students from other theological traditions will study and benefit from its contents, it is first and foremost Pentecostal. As such, this commentary does not include surveys of other viewpoints unless such inclusion is necessary for clarity of argument. In addition, with all due respect to our Charismatic brethren, it may be said that this series is not meant to be inclusive of Charismatic interpretations related to pneumatology.

The Pentecostal Commentary series intentionally excludes views of Scripture that do not hold to its inspiration, inerrancy, and infallibility, and also excludes modern liberal arguments of authorship, date, purpose, and so on. Traditional viewpoints on these subjects will be discussed without confusing the issue. In addition, 19th century criticism methods and concerns over source documents will not often be discussed. In other words, this series assumes that the Biblical text is as God wants it to be and that it was written by the person and at the time traditionally ascribed.

The Pentecostal Commentary includes the entire text of the King James Version and does not seek to alter its meaning in any way. References to Greek or Hebrew are for clarification rather than re-interpretation. Likewise, disputed texts in the King James Version that have been excluded from modern translations will be included in this commentary and understood as inspired Scripture.

Contents

Introduction

Galatians 1

Greeting (1:1-5)

No Other Gospel (1:6-9)

Paul’s Calling and Preparation (1:10-24)

Galatians 2

Paul Visits Jerusalem Again (2:1-10)

Peter’s Visit to Antioch (2:11-21)

Galatians 3

Who Hath Bewitched You? (3:1-5)

The Faith of Abraham (3:6-9)

The Curse of the Law (3:10-14)

The Covenant Confirmed (3:15-18)

The Purpose of the Law (3:19-29)

Galatians 4

The Adoption of Sons (4:1-7)

Paul’s Greatest Fear (4:8-11)

I Stand in Doubt of You (4:12-20)

Do Ye Not Hear the Law? (4:21-31)

Galatians 5

Fallen From Grace (5:1-6)

Ye Did Run Well (5:7-12)

Conflict in the Church (5:13-15)

Walking in the Spirit (5:16-18)

The Works of the Flesh (5:19-21)

The Fruit of the Spirit (5:22-26)

Galatians 6

Restoration and Bearing Burdens (6:1-5)

Sowing and Reaping (6:6-10)

Conclusion (6:11-18)

Notes

About the Author

Introduction

Author

The author of the book of Galatians was the Apostle Paul. Paul, also known as Saul, was born in Tarsus of Cilicia which is located on the Mediterranean coast of modern Turkey. As a Jew, he studied in Jerusalem under the tutelage of the revered Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). Before becoming a believer, Paul was hostile to the Christian Church. He was witness to the martyrdom of Stephen after which he attempted to exterminate Christians in both Judaea and even as far as Damascus. On the road to Damascus, however, Christ appeared to him. From that experience onward, Paul was a changed man whom God used primarily for the advancement of the Gospel among the Gentiles of what we call Asia Minor and Southern Europe.

Unlike many of the other books in Scripture, there has never been any great controversy over Paul’s authorship of Galatians nor its genuineness.¹ Galatians 1:1 expressly recognizes Paul as its author with many references to his life in the text.

Audience

Although there has been debate about the audience, it should be generally understood that Galatians was written to the churches that were founded under Paul’s ministry during his first missionary journey which is recorded in Acts 13-14. It is the only epistle that Paul wrote that is addressed to more than one assembly (Galatians 1:2). Some commentators insist that it was Paul’s second missionary journey that opened the doors for ministry in Galatia. This is based on Acts 16:6. Galatia is not specifically mentioned in Acts 13-14, even so, the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia indicates that the English word Galatia can refer to either a very specific area or a Roman region depending on the context. A strong argument is made that Paul’s epistle to the Galatians did not even include Galatia proper at all but rather the Roman region.² If this is so, then it was on the first missionary journey that Paul established churches there. To add weight to this argument, the Galatian Christians must have been familiar with Barnabas because he is mentioned three times in Galatians without any introduction (Galatians 2:1, 9, and 13). Barnabas was not with Paul on the second missionary journey.

Paul visited Galatia three times in the book of Acts, once on each of his three missionary journeys. In Acts 13-14 he established churches through his usual manner of preaching in the synagogues when possible and then turning to the Gentiles. On his second journey, he visited the churches specifically delivering the verdict of the Jerusalem council of Acts 15 (see Acts 16:4). On the third journey, Paul once again visited the area strengthening the disciples (Acts 18:23). It would appear that Paul did not plant any churches in that region during his last two journeys.

These congregations were likely composed mostly of Gentiles, however, there were probably some Jewish believers among them. Certainly the troublers which became such a major part of the epistle were Jewish. It seems reasonable to conclude that there was a large enough Jewish constituency for these troublers to have such a strong voice.

Date

Providing a date for Galatians seems to be one of the most difficult matters in the whole study. Certainly, there are many and quite varied attempts to do so on the part of competent scholars. Paul visited the region at least twice. Of that, there can be no question. There is argument as to whether Paul was in Galatia on his first missionary journey. Most think that he was not; however, see the argument on this subject in the Audience section above.

It must readily be admitted that we must make some assumptions in order to have any way to approach this matter, so the following assumptions will be made:

1) Paul’s first missionary journey in Acts 13-14 was in Galatia, thus Paul visited the area on three separate occasions.

2) The Jerusalem