Augustine's commentary on Galatians

I just love this expression of it. In John 8, the Jews brag that Abraham is their father. Augustine says that in that they claim a sort of natural righteousness. Yes that is exactly what they did. They bragged about the merits that they got from circumstances.

But we cannot claim righteousness from our parents. (also see Matthew 3:8-9 and Luke 3:8)

Matthew 3:8-9 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. (NIV)

Luke 3:8 "Therefore bear fruits in keeping with repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham (NASB)

Paul is arguing in Galatians that the law is not equal to faith in Jesus. Jesus saves, the law cannot save at all, only show us our sin. "For if a law had been given that could confer life, then righteousness would indeed by by the law." (Galatians 3:21)

Quoting Augustine: For more than anything else, it is humility that calls us back from the place where pride cast us down. And this same humility is appropriate fro receiving the grace of Christ, who is the supreme example of humility.

I am reminded of John 8:31+ again where those who believed something about Jesus are shown to be prideful. When Jesus attempts to show them the futility of their pride they respond in violent anger rather than in proper humility.

The disciples show humility when they respond with Peter as their spokesman, "to whom would we go Lord, you have the words of life."

This commentary is just getting good. I am going slowly and am just over half way finished. It's not long. I am satisfied.