But when the fullness of time had come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as children.” Galatians 4:4-5
Galatians 4:4-5
Paul tells the Galatians that Jesus had been born in the fullness of time, that all preparations had been made, and all conditions were just as they needed to be. And as we look back at that time, that period in history, he seems to have a point. To put it another way, it was a propitious moment! Not only were the stars aligned as Matthew puts it, but the geopolitical world was ready too. This was the time of the great Pax Romana, and all of Europe, northern Africa, and Eastern Asia was experiencing the peace that comes with strong autocratic rule. Good roads stretched from one end of the Empire to the other, shipping and commerce were booming, and travel had become relatively safe. In the cities nearly everyone understood Greek and people were eager to explore new and exotic religions. In other words, there was no better time, before or since, for the rapid spread of the gospel. The world was ready for the Jesus story! We know what that is like–many can share stories of how the gospel entered their hearts, how the Spirit seemed to know the exact moment of vulnerability, and when they heard, they were ready to receive and believe. It was their fullness of time.
Thought for the Day: What was the fullness of time for me?
0 Comments