Walking with the Master

Break Down the Barriers

Jeremy Northrop

 
The Bible speaks extensively of certain people with whom Christians cannot associate themselves or be in fellowship (Ephesians 5:11; Romans 16:17; 2Thessalonians 3:14). The Bible also shows the path of reconciliation or the way that barriers which divide can be broken down. The way in which biblical fellowship can be exercised is in Christ. Paul said, “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:27-28). The key to reconciliation is Christ. This is seen in the first statement — “For as many of you were baptized in Christ have put on Christ.” Then Paul mentions specifically three of the barriers which are broken down in Christ.

First, the national or racial barrier is broken down. In Christ, “There is neither Jew nor Greek.” In Christ, there is no racial division but rather spiritual unity. In Acts 10:9-16, this is illustrated very well when the Lord appears to Peter in a vision and explains that there are no longer limitations on animals which man can eat. He also explains how Gentiles can receive the gospel (Acts 10:17-23). This is also seen in John 4 when Jesus goes through Samaria (something not commonly done then — John 4:4) and conversed with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well.  There were some who were advocating the idea that Christians of Jewish decent were better than Christians of Gentile decent. Paul was dealing with the foolishness of such a doctrine in the book of Galatians. This, of course, builds up to his statement already considered in Galatians 3:27-28. Christ has torn down any racial barriers by dying on the cross for all.

Next, Galatians 3:27-28 tears down a status barrier. While today, it may be hard for some to imagine the idea of slavery, such was very commonplace in New Testament times. Interestingly, the Bible was not primarily intended to abolish slavery. In fact, the Bible points out good reasons for slavery such as punishment for crimes (Exodus 21). Some have reasonably argued that while the Bible never set out to abolish slavery, the abolition of slavery came as a natural result of Christianity. Paul encourages both slaves and masters who are Christians to treat each other equitably (Ephesians 6:5-9). Paul encouraged Philemon, a runaway slave, to return to his master showing fruits of repentance after he had been converted (Philemon 8-16). While in life, many may have different roles, in Christ all are one. In Christ, the barrier of status is broken down.

Finally, in Christ, gender or sex is broken down — “...there is neither male nor female….” Perhaps of all the barriers mentioned in Galatians 3:27-28, this is currently the most controversial. Many tend to think since God made male and female one in Christ Jesus, there is no difference of roles between them. Passages like 1Corinthians 14:34-35 and 2Timothy 2:8-15 tell of the differences in roles which God intends for men and women. The church has different members each with different roles which together will accomplish the mission of the church (Romans 12:4-5). Accomplishing the purpose of the church, the members are all one in Christ. Men have a role in the church and women have a role in the church. When everyone does their part, the work of the church is being accomplished and the individual members are one in Christ.

The Bible also speaks of different women who were involved in the work of the church in the New Testament. Chloe was mentioned in 1Corinthians 1. In Romans 16:1, Phoebe was commended by Paul. Aquilla’s wife, Pricilla worked with him in teaching Apollos the way of the Lord more accurately (Acts 18:26). There is a work for women and the gender/sex barrier has been broken down in Christ.

Through Christ, so many other barriers can be broken down in addition to the ones mentioned in Galatians 3:27-28. Christ also abolishes cultural, language, geographical, and age barriers. In fact, in Christ there are no barriers or prejudice of any kind. Christ brings unity, not division. The unity is found in obeying His will, not man’s will. The unity is found in being baptized into Him, not someone else. The unity is found in living for God, not anyone else. The unity Christians seek is that all be one with God which will bring about unity with one another. This action will Break Down the Barriers.

-j