The Unity of Male and Female in Jesus Christ: An Exegetical Study of Galatians 3.28c in Light of Paul's Theology of Promise

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This detailed exegetical study of Gal 3.28c in the light of 3.14-29 and 4.21-31 shows not only how integral this verse is to chapters 3 and 4 of the letter, but also that it is the key to understanding Pauls theological argument of promise in Galatians. Pauls use of the story of Abraham in 3.14-29 and of Sarah in 4.21-31 in light of Gods promise to the patriarch and the matriarch in Genesis 17 have implications displays the joint role of Abraham and Sarah in bringing about the promise, and underscores the unity of the believers in Christ. In light of this, Uzukwu examines important aspects of the history of the interpretation of Gal 3.28c. Uzukwu sheds light on the link between Gal 3:28 and the three expressions of gratitude found in Greek writings. Links are also revealed to the three blessings of gratitude that appear at the beginning of the Jewish cycle of morning prayers, Gen 1.27c (in the Septuagint), and the alleged pre-Pauline baptismal formula. She goes further to demonstrate how 3.28c is related to the unity of Galatians 3-4, focusing on the theme of the promise as the text discusses the effect of the Christ event in bringing about the fulfillment of that promise.

Reviews

[This book's] theme of promise proves a helpful hermeneutic lens for Galatians, and Uzukwu's exegesis is insightful. * The Expository Times *
Uzukwu offers an excellent critique of prevailing assumptions and conclusions on 3:28, and debunks them with concrete evidence and cogent analysis The author succeeds in making a strong case for female presence in the church as well as clarifying the nature of oneness being promoted in 3:28. The Unity of Male and Female in Jesus Christ puts to rest, contests, or reopens discussion on previously help positions in scholarship on Galatians in a way that merits our attention in subsequent studies. I highly recommend this important study to students and scholars alike. * The Catholic Biblical Quarterly *

Author Bio

Rev. Sr. Gesila Nneka Uzukwu, (PhD, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium) is a member of the Daughters of Mary Mother of Mercy and a free researcher at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven. Sr. Uzukwu is also a lecturer at the Major Seminary of the Missionary Society of St. Paul in Abuja, Nigeria.