What was the state of Israel and the Temple when Paul wrote Galatians?
When Paul wrote Galatians around 58 A.D., the Temple in Jerusalem was still operating, and Israel was still under the Law. The people were still practicing it, with sacrifices being offered by the thousands. Jerusalem then existing was in bondage with her children.
Les explains that when Paul wrote Galatians, about 58 A.D., the Temple was still operating in Jerusalem. Israel was still under the Law, still practicing it, and sacrifices were being offered by the thousands. The present Jerusalem, corresponding to Hagar and Mount Sinai, was in bondage with her children. By contrast, the Jerusalem above is heavenly and free, the mother of us all, referring to Sarah, the free woman whose child came by promise. That free woman stands in contrast to the Law given to Moses at Sinai.
Was the temple still standing and were sacrifices still being offered when Paul wrote Galatians?
Yes. When Paul wrote Galatians, around A.D. 58, the Temple was still operating in Jerusalem. Israel remained under the Law and was still practicing it, with sacrifices being offered by the thousands. This historical setting supports the contrast between the present earthly Jerusalem in bondage and the free heavenly Jerusalem.
What was happening in Jerusalem and at the Temple when Paul wrote Galatians?
When Paul wrote Galatians, around A.D. 58, the Temple in Jerusalem was still operating. Israel remained under the Law and was still practicing it, with sacrifices being offered by the thousands. The earthly Jerusalem was in bondage with her children, while the Jerusalem above is free.