Galatians 1–3
Common Theme
Paul defends that justification comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone and not by observing the Law. The gospel originates from God’s revelation, not human tradition or authority.
Questions
- Why is it dangerous to add anything to the gospel of grace through faith?
- What does Abraham’s example reveal about how God has always justified people?
God Shot
God is the initiator of salvation, revealing His truth by grace rather than human effort. He is consistent and faithful, declaring righteousness through faith as part of His eternal purpose.
Deeper✝
Galatians 1
In Galatians 1:1–9, Paul asserts his authority as an apostle, emphasizing his personal calling by Jesus Christ and the importance of adhering to the gospel he preaches. His greeting combines Greek and Jewish elements, invoking grace and peace from God and Jesus, while highlighting Christ’s sacrifice to rescue believers from "the present evil age." Paul expresses concern over the Galatians’ rapid shift to a "different gospel," which he deems a distortion and not a legitimate variation of Christian belief. This letter notably lacks a typical thanksgiving, possibly reflecting Paul’s harsh experiences with the Galatians. He warns against any alterations to the gospel, invoking a curse on anyone who distorts it, including himself. The application stresses that apostolic messages are authoritative, and Christians must reject pluralistic views that contradict Paul’s teachings, as they lead to divine wrath rather than acceptance.
Galatians 1:10–12 emphasizes the independence of Paul’s gospel, countering claims that it originated from Jerusalem and early Jewish apostles. The early Christian crisis revolved around Israel’s status in the new movement, contrasting Jewish distinctives with the diverse, often non-Jewish diaspora. Paul asserts that his gospel, received through revelation from Jesus Christ, is not dependent on Jerusalem’s leaders. He highlights three key aspects: salvation through Jesus alone, acceptance by faith apart from the law, and inclusivity for both Jews and Gentiles. This perspective threatened Judaism and created social tension. Paul criticizes those relying on sacred traditions, asserting his message is a direct revelation. The application encourages self-examination regarding the pursuit of human approval versus faithfulness to God’s truth, warning against succumbing to social pressures that compromise one’s commitment to the gospel.
In Galatians 1:13–24, Paul shares a brief autobiography to defend the origins and authority of his gospel. He emphasizes his independence from human teaching, stating that his call came directly from God without consulting others. Paul highlights his past in Judaism, which did not prepare him for apostleship. He also notes that his limited interaction with Peter occurred three years after his calling, reinforcing that his gospel was not derived from human sources or the churches in Judea. The application stresses the importance of recognizing and adhering to one’s divine calling.
Galatians 2
Galatians 2:1–10 discusses Paul’s presentation of his gospel message in Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas and possibly Titus, a test case for circumcision. The Jerusalem leaders did not require Titus to be circumcised, indicating they did not see it as essential for salvation. Paul argues that his gospel is both independent of and confirmed by Jerusalem. He labels the Jewish agitators as “false believers” and emphasizes the unity between himself and the Jerusalem pillars regarding his message. The application highlights the importance of recognizing diverse expressions of faith within the church and encourages Christians to explore different congregations.
In Galatians 2:11-14, Paul confronts Peter for his hypocritical behavior, which he argues distorts the gospel. Initially, Peter freely ate with Gentiles, but upon the arrival of Jewish nationalists, he withdrew from them, creating division. Paul accuses Peter of failing to live in accordance with the gospel’s truth by forcing Gentiles to adopt Jewish customs, particularly circumcision, to avoid persecution. This behavior undermined the essence of the gospel. Paul emphasizes the need for consistency in Christian living, which should align with God’s Spirit rather than strict adherence to the law. Believers are encouraged to embrace the freedom of living in faith amidst new challenges.
In Galatians 2:15–21, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the significance of faith in Jesus Christ over adherence to the law for justification. He argues that being a Jew by birth is a privilege due to God’s covenant, but true acceptance with God comes through faith, not the works of the law. Justification is described as a legal metaphor where God forgives human guilt through Christ, who bore the curse of the law. Paul distinguishes between two types of works: those that conform to the law of Moses and those that separate Jews from Gentiles, such as circumcision and dietary restrictions. He asserts that reliance on the law for acceptance with God undermines Christ’s work and purpose.
Paul clarifies that while he opposes the idea of works as a means of justification, he does not reject good works as a moral lifestyle for Christians. He defines faith as a continuous trust and obedience to Christ, contrasting it with the works of the law, which are mutually exclusive paths to salvation. The implications of this conversion experience include a life in the Spirit, the forfeiture of returning to the law, and finding spiritual life through being crucified with Christ. Paul argues that leaving the law does not set aside God’s grace; rather, it embraces the grace found in Christ. He warns against reducing faith to mere belief, emphasizing that true faith involves surrender and obedience to Jesus as Savior.
Galatians 3
In Galatians 3:1–5, Paul questions the Galatian believers for abandoning the grace of Christ for the law of Moses, labeling them as "foolish." He emphasizes their conversion experience, asking how they received the Spirit—through the law or faith. Paul further questions their reliance on the flesh, the validity of their persecution, and the source of God’s power in their lives. He highlights that while experience is important, it should be supported by Scripture and logic in theological arguments, rather than standing alone.
In Galatians 3:6–14, Paul emphasizes that acceptance by God is based solely on faith, as exemplified by Abraham, who was deemed acceptable before circumcision. This indicates that circumcision is not necessary for acceptance. Paul argues that both Jews and Gentiles can be true descendants of Abraham through faith. He asserts that the law cannot justify individuals, as it functions to curse rather than save, leaving those who rely on it condemned. Paul clarifies that the law operates under a system of doing, not faith. He explains that Christ took on the curse of the law through his crucifixion, providing redemption for both Jewish Christians and Gentiles, allowing them to share in Abraham’s blessings. The passage conveys that faith, not adherence to the law, is the means of inclusion in God’s people. It challenges the church to embrace all believers, regardless of background, and to break down social barriers, reflecting God’s love for all.
In Galatians 3:15–18, Paul argues that human and divine covenants operate similarly, emphasizing that the Abrahamic covenant applies to Christians. He interprets "seed" as Christ, linking the covenant to believers. Paul notes that the law of Moses, given 430 years after Abraham’s covenant, cannot alter God’s promises. He concludes that blessings are inherited through faith, not law. The commentary encourages accurate biblical interpretation, cautioning against egocentric readings that misinterpret scripture.
Paul addresses the historical purpose and function of the law. He explains that the law was given to reveal sin and was meant to govern God’s people only until the arrival of the Messiah. Paul argues that an arrangement with mediators is inferior to a direct relationship with God. He asserts that the law does not oppose God’s promises to Abraham, emphasizing that it was never intended to bring life or justification. Instead, the law served to reveal sin and acted as a temporary guide until Christ came. Paul describes the law as a "pedagogue," confining those under it until the era of Christ. He concludes that justification is solely by faith, as the law’s purpose was limited. For Christians, the law of Moses is suspended, and moral guidance should come from faith and life in the Spirit, rather than the law itself. Christians are encouraged to follow the teachings of Jesus and the Spirit, focusing on love for God and others. Paul emphasizes that believers are children of God and heirs through faith.
✝Deeper summary excerpt from NIV Application Commentary, One-Volume Edition.
