Journal: Detroit Baptist Seminary Journal
Volume: DBSJ 23:1 (NA 2018)
Article: The “Israel Of God” In Galatians 6:16
Author: Jonathan R. Pratt

DBSJ 23 (2018) p. 59

The “Israel Of God” In Galatians 6:16

Jonathan Pratt1

Systematicians viewing the title of this essay might anticipate a face-off between dispensational and covenant theologians as arguments from each side are presented. However, the meaning of “Israel of God” in Galatians 6:16 requires an exegetical rather than dogmatic approach.2 This is not to say that theology and exegesis stand at opposite poles on the hermeneutical playing field, for all acknowledge that it is impossible to engage in one without the other. Yet, by looking at syntactical, historical, and discursive elements related to “Israel of God” and the Galatian context in which this phrase is found, I hope to present an exegetical answer to the question, “What group of people is Paul referring to when he uses “Israel of God?” Indeed, I cannot escape my own theological presuppositions while approaching this question, but I hope that my exegetical findings will provide helpful material for establishing an accurate theological interpretation.3

Two suggested answers exist to the question I have raised: (1) “Israel of God” includes both Gentiles and Jews, i.e., the church4;

DBSJ 23 (2018) p. 60

(2) “Israel of God” includes only ethnic Jews.5 I will first look at the strongest arguments used to support “Israel of God” as including the church before turning to those which contend that “Israel of God” refers to ethnic Jews alone. I will follow this up with a summary and conclusion in which I will support the view I find most compelling.

“Israel Of God” Includes Gentiles And Jews

Three main lines of argument form the foundation for the Israel-is-the-church position. Two are contextual in nature and the third relates to the use of new creation ideas found in the OT. In each section I will provide a description of the argument itself followed by the critiques that opponents of the view have given.

DBSJ 23 (2018) p. 61

The Context Of Galatians As A Whole

Without a doubt advocates of the Israel-is-the-church view consider Paul’s argument in Galatians as the strongest reason to support their position.6 N. T. Wright summarizes, “Paul’s whole argument is that the one God has one family, not two, and that this one ‘seed’ consists of all those who believe in Jesus the Messiah, ...