A Study of Abba in Galatians 4:6-7: A Theology of Inclusivity of African Christians in the Paterfamilias of God

Abstract

The word Abba was monosemous in nature, meaning “father”. This basic and monosemous meaning was employed during the translation and interpretation of the Old Testament Hebrew av in the Targumim. The word continued to mean “father” down through the period known as the second Temple Judaism. This meaning and use spilled into the New Testament Time. And this should have spoken volumes concerning the inclusivity of Africans who are lookdown upon by their white counterparts – this, indeed,is a problem. Hence this work was bent on addressing this anomaly, and to encourage the African Christians generally. In doing this, the actual understanding of Paul regardingthe word Abba would be revealed. To achieve all these, the work employed historicalcritical method, and the findings were that though Paul knew of the monosemous use of
the word Abba he lexicalised it in order to convey and drive down his message to the Galatians. The Message was on the inclusivity of the Gentiles in the paterfamilias of God. The evidence was the giving of the Spirit through whom the expression “Abba, Father”was enabled. The truths were applied to African Christian who also is included in the Family of God.