Bogoslovska smotra, Vol. 74 No. 3, 2004.
Original scientific paper
»... So that Ye Cannot Do the Things that Ye Would« (Gal 5,17)
Mario Cifrak
; Katolički bogoslovni fakultet Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Zagreb, Hrvatska
Abstract
The originality of this article is reflected in the solving the syntactic problem in Gal 5,17. The hypotactic probem is twofold: 1) the final clause: in order to not do that (ίνα μη ταΰτα ποιήτε) and 2) the hypotetical relativ clause: what you want (α εάν θέλητε). This final clause depends on the eventual hypotetical clause for the future. Since we find ourselves in the parenetical part of the letter to the Galatians (5,13- 6,10), we can be sure that Paul is exhorting the Galatians to not do that what they want. This wanting of theirs refers in reality to their desire to renew their servitute to the elements of world, that is, their desire to be under the Law, as can be found in the doctrinal part of the letter (4,9.21). Paul explains again that this means they would be returning to their former situation before they encountered God, or rather he them (cf. Gal 4,9). This situation explains Paul inviting to the life by the Spirit, but not by the indulging to the desire of body, because the Spirit and the body are in opposition (cf. Gal 5,16-17). Therefore the returning to the Law means the indulging of the desires of body. Consequently it is good to choose a life by the Spirit, because his opposition to the body enables one to not do that what the body wants. For he who is born of the spirit can not to return to the Law, because he is a child of the promise by the Law (cf. Gal 4,21.28-29).
Keywords
Spirit; body; want; elements of world; Law, promise
Hrčak ID:
25592
URI
Publication date:
11.1.2005.
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