The New Man

People throughout the history of the Roman Empire were plagued by barbarians—tenacious people from the north. Julius Caesar had been victorious in battle against these barbarian tribes, yet these fierce, ruthless warriors remained a constant threat.

Coming from central Asia, Scythians also were remembered with fear and anxiety, after causing havoc when they invaded Roman territory. Historian John Keegan noted that Scythians engaged in “a repetitive cycle of raiding, despoliation, slave taking, killing, and sometimes, conquest” that afflicted civilization for 2,000 years.

The world in which Paul wrote was plagued with conflicts. Rome faced constant threats from people such as the Parthians and there were serious rivalries within the Empire itself.

The early church was often also divided by disputes between Greeks and Jews, the circumcised and the uncircumcised. But Paul said that “Jesus ended every division.” All who believed in Him were unified, and all were equally forgiven. Everyone was “in the process of being renewed,” and God could save and use anyone. He was remolding and reshaping man into His image and likeness.

In fact, God was creating a “new man.” It didn’t matter if a person was a barbarian or Scythian, a Jew or a Greek. The work of Jesus in a person’s life was so powerful that it broke down all barriers.

Today, remember that God is doing a powerful work in your life. In Christ, you are a new creature. He is renewing you, remolding you, and reshaping your life to make you into a new person. Place your hope and trust in Him, and allow Him to complete His work.