How did Paul compare Israel's system of worship with pagan worship?
Paul used the same analogy and word for Israel’s system of worship as for pagan worship, showing that Israel was steeped in ritual and services, and the pagans were doing much the same. Pagan worship involved idolatry, mythology, and superstition, which is fear of evil powers.
Les teaches that in Galatians 4 Paul is addressing converts who came out of paganism. The whole world around Paul was steeped in paganism, mythology, and idol worship. When Paul was in Athens, he saw idols and an altar to the unknown God, and he called the people too superstitious, meaning they feared the powers of evil. Superstition, Les explains, is never man seeking God; it is man’s fear and opposing the powers of evil. Paul then uses the same analogy and same word that Israel was steeped in with their system of worship, because the pagans were doing much the same: ritual and services. These people had recently been steeped in idolatry and paganism, but had now come out of darkness into the light of Paul’s gospel.
More Questions
How are Israel's worship system and pagan worship similar according to Paul?
Paul uses the same analogy and word for Israel's system of worship and pagan ritual services because the pagans were doing much the same.