The Cleveland Commentary on Galatians

The Cleveland Bible Commentary

Galatians (NIV)

By Syd Cleveland

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Gal 1:1

SENT = The Greek "apostolos" (Strongs #G652) means "one who is commissioned, someone sent on a mission, an ambassador." This word is also applied to Christ, who was sent by the Father (see Hebrews 3:1).

Gal 1:2

TO THE CHURCHES IN GALATIA = These churches were established by Paul and Barnabas in the Roman province of Galatia during their first missionary journey. The churches were located in the cities of Derbe, Iconium, Lystra and Pisidian Antioch (see Acts chapters 13 and 14).

Gal 1:6

A DIFFERENT GOSPEL = Not only is this "different gospel" no gospel at all, it is contrary to the Gospel and merits the severest condemnation (Galatians 1:7-9).

Gal 1:12

I DID NOT = As an Apostle, Paul had been taught by the Living Christ. His theology did not come from men, but directly from the Lord (Galatians 3:16-17). In addition, as Paul wrote, He was guided by the Holy Spirit (see 2 Timothy 3:16 and compare with 2 Peter 3:15-16). Paul's statement here is a direct contradiction of the Seventh-day Adventist’s false prophet Ellen White's assertion that Paul was taught by men.

BY REVELATION FROM JESUS CHRIST = Initially this occurred at the road to Damascus (Acts 26:14-16) and later during the three years he spent in Arabia (Galatians 3:16-17).

Gal 1:13

MY PREVIOUS WAY OF LIFE IN JUDAISM = Here Paul contrasts his previous life in Judaism with his present life in Christianity. Judaism and Christianity are not synonymous.

PERSECUTED THE CHURCH = See Acts 8:3; Acts 26:10-11; 1 Corinthians 15:9; Galatians 1:13.

Gal 1:14

WAS ADVANCING IN JUDAISM = Past tense. As a Christian, Paul is no longer a Judaizer. Judaism and Christianity are not synonymous. The Scriptures tell us that many Jewish priests were converted to Christianity in the early days of the Church. These priests thought that Christianity was simply another “sect” of Judaism, and they believed that Gentile Christians should be taught to live by the Old Covenant. Thus a running battle occurred between these Judaizers (also known as the “circumcision group” or “the party of the Pharisees”) and New Covenant Christians (see commentary on Acts 15:1-2, 5-6, 10 and Titus 1:10-11). Modern Judaizers still teach the ancient errors in Sabbatarian churches and communities. Messianic Jews (Jews who believe in Jesus Christ as the Messiah) also continue to practice the Old Covenant regulations and traditions – and thus countermand the decisions of the Jerusalem Council in Acts chapter 15.

WAS EXTREMELY ZEALOUS FOR THE TRADITIONS = Past tense. Now, as a Christian, Paul is no longer zealous for those Jewish traditions (see Acts 15:1-2).

Gal 1:15

GOD, WHO SET ME APART FROM BIRTH = Here Paul indicates that he was especially chosen by God to "preach (Christ) among the Gentiles" (Galatians 1:16).

CALLED ME BY HIS GRACE = There was nothing in Paul's life to merit God's calling -- it all came through God's grace.

WAS PLEASED = The Greek "eudokeo" (Strongs #G2106) means "well pleased" in the sense of having the freedom/ability and willingness to do something.

Gal 1:16

REVEAL HIS SON IN ME = See Colossians 1:27-28.

I DID NOT CONSULT ANY MAN = Paul proclaimed that both his calling to evangelize the Gentiles and his knowledge of Christ (theology) came from God independently of any human teachers (see Galatians 1:12; 2:2; Ephesians 3:3 and Galatians 1:16-20). Paul's statement here is a direct contradiction of the Seventh-day Adventist’s false prophet Ellen White's assertion that Paul was taught by men.

Gal 1:17

NOR DID I GO ... TO SEE ... APOSTLES = In addition to being called by God, Paul states his theology was not developed or influenced by the apostles' teachings.

Gal 1:18

THEN AFTER THREE YEARS = This statement drove home the point that Paul's theology came from the Lord and not from the other apostles. This was important to lay to rest the belief of his former friends in Judaism that Paul's belief system had been corrupted by the Apostles. Paul's statement here is a direct contradiction of the Seventh-day Adventist’s false prophet Ellen White's assertion that Paul was taught by men.

Gal 1:22

I WAS PERSONALLY UNKNOWN = This was important for it closed the door to the idea that Paul had been taught by other Christians instead of directly from the Lord. Paul's statement here is a direct contradiction of the Seventh-day Adventist’s false prophet Ellen White's assertion that Paul was taught by men.

Gal 2:1

Gal 2:2

IN RESPONSE TO A REVELATION = The Greek word "apokalupsis" (Strongs G#602) is the word generally used to indicate a communication/revelation from God (see 2 Corinthians 12:1; Galatians 1:12; 2:2; and Ephesians 3:3). Most likely Paul received this communication directly from God (as in the example of Ananias in Acts 9:10-12) rather than from one of the prophets in a Christian congregation like Agabus (Acts 11:27-28).

Gal 2:7

PREACHING ... TO THE GENTILES = God commissioned Paul to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.

PETER ... TO THE JEWS = God commissioned Peter to preach the Gospel to the Jews (Galatians 2:8).

Gal 2:13

EVEN BARNABAS WAS LED ASTRAY = This was a total surprise to Paul, for Barnabas had stood staunchly beside him as they battled the Pharisees and promoters of circumcision 14 years earlier at the Jerusalem Council (see Acts 15:1, 2, 5, 6).

Gal 2:14

FORCE GENTILES TO FOLLOW JEWISH CUSTOMS = It is clear here that Paul distinguishes between "Jewish customs" and God's requirements for New Covenant Christians. Jewish customs are not a requirement for Christians, much less to be forced upon them! Most issues regarding the Old Covenant can be laid to rest simply by reading the context and asking: “Who was God speaking to? Was He speaking to the Israelites living under the Old Covenant of Ten Commandments written in stone? Or was He speaking to Christians living under the New Covenant written in Christ’s blood?” Neglecting to consider the context has given rise to all kinds of heresies.

The Ten Commandments were specifically the Old Covenant God made with the Israelites and are not in the New Covenant written in Christ’s blood. Scripture is very clear that the Ten Commandments was the Old Covenant God made specifically with the Israelites (Deuteronomy 4:13; Exodus 34:28; Hebrews 9:4) and not with any other nation or people before or since Sinai (Deuteronomy 4:8, 13; Deuteronomy 5:2-4). In addition, God specifically stated in Scripture that the Ten Commandments were only to last until the time of Jesus Christ, the prophesied Messiah (Galatians 3:16-19). Beginning with the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Old Covenant of stone would fade away and be totally replaced by the New Covenant written in Christ’s blood on the cross (Hebrews 8:8-9, 13; Luke 22:20; 2 Corinthians 3:6-11; Hebrews 9:15; Romans 7:6).

Much confusion regarding “the law” arises because “the law” is often equated with the Ten Commandments. However, long before the Ten Commandments first appeared in 1450 B.C. at Mount Sinai (where they were only given to the Israelites as the Old Covenant), God’s own moral character rebuked sin. It was a sin for Cain to think murderous thoughts about Able even though the Ten Commandments did not exist at that time. The Ten Commandments were a minute portion of God’s Law, specifically distilled for, and applied to, the Israelites as the Old Covenant. Jesus pointed out that the Ten Commandments are neither sufficient, nor applicable to Christians living under the New Covenant. See commentary notes on Mathew 5:17.

Gal 2:16

JUSTIFIED = The Greek word “dikaioo” (Strongs #G1344) means “to declare someone as just, righteous.” It is a legal pronouncement, rather than an earned title.

“It must be clearly understood that in the New Testament the verb ‘dikaioo’, to justify, never means to make anyone righteous or to do away with his violation of the law, by himself bearing the condemnation and the imposed sentence. In the New Testament, man in his fallen condition can never do anything in order to pay for his sinfulness and thus be liberated from the sentence of guilt that is upon him as it happens in the mundane world; i.e., when a guilty person has paid the penalty of a crime, he is free from condemnation.” – The Complete WordStudy Dictionary, Zodhiates, AMG

"Justification is an action of God by which He declares persons as righteous (i.e., in true and right relationship to Himself). The basic fact of Biblical religion is that God pardons and accepts believing sinners. The doctrine of justification determines the whole character of Christianity as a religion of grace and faith. It defines the saving significance of Christ's life and death by relating both to God's law. It displays God's justice in condemning and punishing sin, His mercy in pardoning and accepting sinners, and His wisdom in exercising both attributes harmoniously together through Christ. It makes clear what faith is -- belief in Christ's atoning death and justifying resurrection, and trust in Him alone for righteousness. It makes clear what Christian morality is -- keeping the law out of gratitude to the Savior whose gift of righteousness made keeping the law needless for acceptance." -- The Concise Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, Walter A. Elwell, editor, page 260.

IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe the Gospel (Ephesians 1:13); and we remain "in Christ" by holding firmly to the end (Hebrews 3:14).

Gal 2:17

JUSTIFIED = See note on Galatians 2:16.

EVIDENT THAT WE ... ARE SINNERS = Because the Ten Commandments still exist to define sin, they convict us of sin (Romans 7:5-8). Having confessed our sins (which are defined by the Ten Commandments) Jesus cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

CHRIST PROMOTES SIN? = Because we are under the grace of Christ does not mean we are free to break the Ten Commandments.

Gal 2:18

REBUILD WHAT I DESTROYED = In other words, "if I go back to sinning by breaking the Law then my faith in Christ is not genuine."

Gal 2:19

THROUGH THE LAW = The law (the entire Old Covenant consisting of the Ten Commandments as well as all the “laws of Moses”) defines sin. Sin requires the death penalty (Romans 6:23; 8:2). However, under the New Covenant, the “law” is not the Ten Commandments, but rather God’s great moral character/law which preceded the Ten Commandments through all eternity past, surpasses the Ten Commandments in the present, and continues for all eternity in the future.

I DIED TO THE LAW = Died to the law requiring my death because I accept Christ's death in my behalf. Therefore, I am dead to the law which states "sin requires the sinner's death" (Romans 6:23; 8:2).

Gal 2:20

CHRIST LIVES IN ME = See note on Colossians 1:27.

I LIVE BY FAITH = "Progress in the Christian life is attained through living in union with Christ through faith. This thought is expressed in a variety of ways (see Colossians 2:6-7; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 6:10; Colossians 2:19; Romans 13:14; Colossians 3:17)." -- Victory Over Temptation, Wilkinson, (Neil Anderson), page 36.

Gal 2:21

IF RIGHTEOUSNESS COULD BE GAINED THROUGH THE LAW = The purpose of the Old Covenant laws is to point out sin, and turn us to Jesus as our Savior. The law is not designed to make us righteous, only Jesus can make us righteous.

Gal 3:1

Gal 3:2

BY OBSERVING THE LAW = This is contrasted with "by believing what you heard (about Christ's sacrifice for our sins on the cross [verse 1]),” and defined as "trying to attain your goal (salvation) by human effort" in Galatians 3:3. The issue is keeping the law, as the method of salvation (the question is: are we made righteousness by faith or by law-keeping?). Also see commentary on Romans 3:27-31.

THE LAW = In context, Paul is using "law" in the broad sense of the Ten Commandments as well as the “laws of Moses” (including "Jewish customs": see Galatians 2:14; 3:10). I.e., “the law” is the entire Old Covenant. See Acts 13:38-39. The Ten Commandments were specifically the Old Covenant God made with the Israelites and are not in the New Covenant written in Christ’s blood. Scripture is very clear that the Ten Commandments was the Old Covenant God made specifically with the Israelites (Deuteronomy 4:13; Exodus 34:28; Hebrews 9:4) and not with any other nation or people before or since Sinai (Deuteronomy 4:8, 13; Deuteronomy 5:2-4). In addition, God specifically stated in Scripture that the Ten Commandments were only to last until the time of Jesus Christ, the prophesied Messiah (Galatians 3:16-19). Beginning with the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Old Covenant of stone would fade away and be totally replaced by the New Covenant written in Christ’s blood on the cross (Hebrews 8:8-9, 13; Luke 22:20; 2 Corinthians 3:6-11; Hebrews 9:15; Romans 7:6).

Gal 3:5

Gal 3:8

ALL NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED THROUGH YOU = This is a fulfillment of Genesis 12:3.

Gal 3:10

UNDER A CURSE = Each person must decided whether to live under the Old Covenant (as Sabbatarians do) and be under God’s curse for not fulfilling “everything written in the Book of the Law” – or to lived under the New Covenant of God’s mercy and grace. The Old Covenant written in Ten Commandments on stone tablets lasted from 1450 B.C. at Sinai, until 30 A.D. at the cross. Those who choose to live under the Old Covenant are not permitted to pick and choose which “laws” they will obey and which they will discard as being “inconvenient” or “not applicable” to them. God is very certain that those who choose to live under the Old Covenant, but who do not keep the whole law, are “cursed.”

THE BOOK OF THE LAW = In context, Paul is using "law" in the broad sense of the Ten Commandments as well as the “laws of Moses” (including "Jewish customs": see Galatians 2:14; 3:10). See Acts 13:38-39. The term "Book of the Law" is not the Ten Commandments, but the Old Testament books regulating Jewish life under the Old Covenant. See Acts 13:38-39.

Gal 3:11

JUSTIFIED = The Greek word “dikaioo” (Strongs #G1344) means “to declare someone as just, righteous.” It is a legal pronouncement, rather than an earned title.

Gal 3:12

Gal 3:13

CURSED ... HUNG ON A TREE = This is not written in the Ten Commandments, it comes from the "Book of the Law," specifically Deuteronomy 21:23.

Gal 3:14

THE PROMISE OF THE SPIRIT = "The Spirit is called 'the promised' Holy Spirit because of texts like Ezekiel 36:26-27 and Joel 2:28, which speak of an end-time outpouring of God's Spirit. The coming of the Spirit, along with Jesus' resurrection, convinced the early church that the end times had begun" -- The NIV Application Commentary, by Klyne Snodgrass, p. 54.

Gal 3:16

THE PROMISES = The “promises” are not the Ten Commandments of the Old Covenant. Rather these are the prophesies given to Abraham concerning his descendants – especially the Messiah Jesus Christ (see Galatians 3:19).

HIS SEED … WHO IS CHRIST = Paul is very careful to explain that the Old Covenant Law in Ten Commandments was only in effect until Christ came (see commentary on Galatians 3:19).

Gal 3:17

Gal 3:18

Gal 3:19

ADDED BECAUSE OF TRANSGRESSIONS = The Old Covenant in Ten Commandments written on stone was “added” because of “transgressions” (i.e. because of “sin”). The Ten Commandments were only given to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 5:2-4; Deuteronomy 4:8, 13) as a temporary “fix” designed only to last “until the Seed (Christ) … had come.” Thus Scripture is very clear that the Ten Commandments are not “eternal,” were only to be in effect until Christ died on the cross, and would fade away to be totally replaced by the New Covenant written in Christ’s blood (Hebrews 8:8-9, 13; Luke 22:20; 2 Corinthians 3:6-11; Hebrews 9:15; Romans 7:6). Sabbatarians omit all these Biblical facts from their teaching that the fourth commandment is binding upon Christians today. The Bible truth is that the Sabbath rest was given exclusively to the Israelites under the Old Covenant and never to anyone else before or since.

UNTIL THE SEED … HAD COME = Galatians 3:16 states that the “seed” is Jesus Christ. Thus the Old Covenant in Ten Commandments was only designed to be in effect from 1450 B.C. “until” Jesus came and established the New Covenant in 30 A.D. Seventh-day Adventists and other Sabbatarians try to counter this fact by claiming the “ceremonial” law ended at the cross, but the Ten Commandments (the “moral law”) are eternal. However they omit from their thinking that Scripture specifically states the Ten Commandments (including the fourth commandment) are the Old Covenant (Deuteronomy 4:13; Exodus 34:28) which expired when Jesus established the New Covenant through His death on the cross (Hebrews 8:8-9, 13; Luke 22:20; 2 Corinthians 3:6-11; Hebrews 9:15 et cetera).

THROUGH ANGELS = Similar to Stephen's comment in Acts 7:53.

Gal 3:20

GOD IS ONE = See note on Mark 12:32.

Gal 3:21

IMPART LIFE = Neither the Ten Commandments nor the “laws of Moses” impart life. Under the Old Covenant, one defined sin, the other pointed to the Savior. Therefore, keeping either or both can never make us righteous or give us "life"; for that is the work of Jesus Christ (see commentary on Galatians 3:11.

Gal 3:23

PRISONERS = The Greek "phroureo" (Strongs #G5432) meaning "to guard, hold in custody, confine, protect." This is a military term used of garrisons in a city, and it occurs in 2 Corinthians 11:32; Philippians 4:7; 1 Peter 1:5.

Gal 3:24

THE LAW WAS PUT IN CHARGE = The Greek literally reads: "the law was our instructor." The Greek word "paidagogos" (Strongs #G3807) means "an instructor or teacher of children, a schoolmaster or educator."

Originally "the Greek 'paidagogos' was not a schoolmaster, but was a slave who had charge of children from the age of seven to about eighteen. He trained the child in general deportment, took him to school each day, saw that he dressed properly, and was in almost total charge of the management of the boy." -- The Freedom of God's Sons, by Kent, p. 105 (quoted in Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, p. 170).

JUSTIFIED = The Greek word “dikaioo” (Strongs #G1344) means “to declare someone as just, righteous.” It is a legal pronouncement, rather than an earned title.

Gal 3:27

CLOTHED = The Greek "enduo" (Strongs #G1746) is used figuratively here signifying "the taking on of characteristics, virtues, intentions" (Arndt & Gingrich). Similar to the stripping off of common clothing and putting on the baptismal robe.

Gal 3:28

YOU ARE ALL ONE = This refers to our standing before God. Within the church there are various positions of legitimate authority (see notes on Matthew 23:8).

IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe the Gospel (Ephesians 1:13); and we remain "in Christ" by holding firmly to the end (Hebrews 3:14).

Gal 3:29

HEIRS ACCORDING TO THE PROMISE = Not according to the laws, ceremonies, or holy days. Anyone who belongs to Christ is saved by grace not by works. All national traits, culture, and significance is eliminated through the saving grace of Christ (verse 28). Therefore there is no earthly nation of "Israel" which a person must join in order to be "Abraham's seed."

The main characteristic of Abraham was his faith (texts). To be one of "Abraham's seed" has nothing to do with genetics or genealogy, but rather is to be a person of great faith in God's promises. All who place their faith in Christ, and thus are saved by faith, have become one with all saved people who preceded them or who follow them. In this sense, Abraham is our great father in faith and we are his "seed."

The "promise" made to Abraham is outlined in Galatians 3:16. We inherit that promise by being saved through faith in Christ (Galatians 3:28)..

Gal 4:1

Gal 4:4

BORN OF A WOMAN = This is a fulfillment of Genesis 3:15.

Gal 4:6

GOD ... SON ... SPIRIT = These are the three members of the Trinity. The three members of the Trinity are specifically mentioned in Isaiah 42:1; Matthew 3:16; Matthew 28:19; Luke 1:35; Luke 10:21; John 3:5; Acts 7:55; Acts 10:38; Romans 1:4; Romans 15:16, 30; 1 Corinthians 6:11; 1 Corinthians 12:3; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Galatians 4:6; Ephesians 1:17; Philippians 3:3; Hebrews 10:29; 1 Peter 1:2; 1 John 4:2.

SPIRIT WHO CALLS OUT ... "FATHER" = Contrary to the Jehovah's Witness teaching that we must call God "Jehovah," here the Holy Spirit calls God "Father." Also see Exodus 3:15.

Gal 4:8

FORMERLY, WHEN YOU DID NOT KNOW GOD = This is not addressed to Jews or Jewish Christians. The Jews were God's chosen nation, they knew God. Paul is speaking to people who were once pagans and had converted to Christianity.

SLAVES TO THOSE WHO BY NATURE ARE NOT GODS = Heathen deities, pagan gods. See Deuteronomy 32:21; Deuteronomy 32:39; 1 Corinthians 10:20.

Gal 4:9

NOW THAT YOU KNOW GOD = The context of the previous verse indicates these people were pagans who had converted to Christianity. In Galatians 4:8 Paul addressed their pagan lifestyle by saying "formerly, when you did not know God;" but here in verse 9 he addresses them as Christians who "know God."

YOU ARE TURNING BACK TO THOSE WEAK AND MISERABLE PRINCIPLES = These are the principles taught by heathens and pagans (Galatians 4:3). The Christians are reverting back to some of the concepts and teachings they followed when they were heathens. In the next verse Paul states these "weak and miserable principles" are evidenced in the life of these new Christians by the fact they are now "observing (the) special days and months and seasons and years" of paganism. Paul is not speaking against any special days of Christianity or Judaism -- he is denouncing the special days of paganism.

ENSLAVED BY THEM ALL OVER AGAIN = By returning to their former pagan revelry Christians are in danger of slipping away from Christ and becoming "enslaved" by paganism. Instead of "all over again," the Greek has "anothen" meaning "from above" (see note on Luke 1:3).

Gal 4:10

SPECIAL DAYS ... MONTHS ... SEASONS ... YEARS = If this text is used to prove that one should not keep the Old Covenant Sabbath, then it also proves that one should not keep Sunday. Both were special days in Judaism under the Old Covenant (the weekly Sabbath rest was commanded in the fourth commandment [Exodus 20:8-11] and the annual celebration of Pentecost always occurred on a Sunday [Leviticus 23:15-16]). With the passing of the Old Covenant (which is the Ten Commandments: Deuteronomy 4:14; Exodus 34:28; Hebrews 9:4), Christians now live under the New Covenant in Christ’s blood (Luke 22:20; Hebrews 8:8-9, 13). The result is that the Old Covenant and its myriad laws, “special days,” “months,” “seasons,” and “years” has no jurisdiction over Christians living after the cross under the New Covenant.

However, the context of Galatians 4:8-9 clearly indicates that the "special days" mentioned here arose out the "weak and miserable principles" of paganism and honored pagan gods ("those who by nature are not gods"). Rather than abolishing all religious or secular holidays (i.e. Sunday, 4th of July, Easter, Christmas, Lent, et cetera), Paul is chastising the Galatian Christians for reverting back to their old pagan customs. The issue is not the abolishment of the special days of Christianity, nor even secular holidays. But rather Paul condemns the Galatian Christians for turning back into paganism.

Gal 4:11

WASTED MY EFFORTS ON YOU = Paul's efforts to present the Gospel to them were wasted if they reverted back to paganism.

Gal 4:13

ILLNESS = This illness apparently involved Paul's eyes (see Galatians 4:15), and may have been due to the after effects of the bright light he saw on the road to Damascus (Acts 22:6). As a result, Paul was often treated with contempt and scorn (Galatians 4:14).

Gal 4:15

TORN OUT YOUR EYES AND GIVEN THEM TO ME = This is a possible reference to Paul's "thorn in the flesh" being a disease of the eyes (2 Corinthians 12:7).

Gal 4:18

PROVIDED THE PURPOSE IS GOOD = At issue is the motive behind zealous works. If the motive/purpose is good than it is "fine to be zealous." A wise Christian will look beyond his motive to ascertain if the outcome is also "good." Many good intentions have backfired and resulted in evil.

Gal 4:21

UNDER THE LAW = In context Paul is referring back Galatians 4:3 where he speaks about the "basic principles of the world." This is an indictment of their pagan lifestyle.

God's Moral Law (the Ten Commandments) speaks specifically to sinners. Christians are not immune from the requirements of God's righteousness, however God's Old Covenant in Ten Commandments is not relevant to Spirit-led Christians. Under the Old Covenant, the Ten Commandments identified a few wrong actions as sin. The identification of sin was necessary under the Old Covenant for the salvation of those who were murderers, liars, adulterers, Sabbath-breakers and so on. But, the Old Covenant did not address the heart issues of sinful thinking, lust, pride, anger, et cetera. Those issues are address in the New Covenant.

Under the New Covenant, the Spirit-led Christian is a new creation. He walks with Jesus and thus does not murder, lie, commit adultery, et cetera -- therefore God's Moral Law is no longer relevant to him, for he is living on a higher spiritual plane. Notice, however, that being a Spirit-led Christian does not abolish God's eternal moral character of righteousness – the “morality” that is behind the Ten Commandments. A Spirit-led life removes the Christian from being under moral condemnation. Spirit-led Christians must recognize that the "righteous requirements of the Law" (Romans 8:4) are always in effect in so far as they reflect God’s eternal character, for it is those who "obey the law who will be declared righteous" (Romans 2:13). But for the Spirit-led Christian, obedience does not come from focusing on any law, rather it comes from focusing on Jesus Christ and keeping in step with leading of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:24-25).

Gal 4:28

CHILDREN OF PROMISE = We are God's children through the Messianic prophecy given to Isaac in Genesis 17:19. Because we are in Isaac's family lineage, we inherit God's promises. He faithfully fulfills His promises to us, just as He fulfilled His promises to Abraham through Isaac (Genesis 26:24).

Gal 4:31

CHILDREN OF ... THE FREE WOMAN = A reference to the church (see notes on 2 John 1:1).

Gal 5:1

Gal 5:2

IF YOU LET YOURSELF BE CIRCUMCISED = The act of circumcision was the sign that a person had contracted to keep the entire Old Covenant of Ten Commandments written in stone and the entire “law of Moses” (Galatians 5:3). Also see commentary on Acts 15:1.

Gal 5:3

OBLIGATED TO OBEY THE WHOLE LAW = The Greek “holos” (Strongs #G3650) means “whole, all, complete, the entire thing.”

"The Old Testament law is a unit; submission to it cannot be selective." -- NIV Study Bible note. See 2 Kings 21:8.

“The fulfilling of the whole law cannot be done by any man; and yet everyone that is circumcised, in order to procure righteousness and life, is bound to keep the whole law; because the law is only his righteousness, when he observes all that is required in it, and as the Lord has commanded; if he does not, he is pronounced accursed: and this proves what was before said, that Christ is of no profit to such persons; because they reject Him and His righteousness, and, as much as in them lie, make void His obedience, sufferings, and death.” – John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible

Gal 5:4

JUSTIFIED BY LAW = Any law lacks the power to declare us righteous.

ALIENATED FROM CHRIST = Salvation by works is contrary to, opposed to, and rejected by Christ (see Matthew 5:20).

FALLEN AWAY FROM GRACE = Salvation is only through God's grace (see Romans 3:23, 24).

Gal 5:5

EAGERLY AWAIT THROUGH THE SPIRIT = The righteousness brought to us by the Holy Spirit takes time. Do not expect to see a person growing immediately from complete unrighteousness to perfect/mature righteousness. Instead we each "eagerly await" this transformation in our own lives.

Gal 5:6

IN CHRIST = We are "in Christ" when we hear and believe the Gospel (Ephesians 1:13); and we remain "in Christ" by holding firmly to the end (Hebrews 3:14).

NEITHER CIRCUMCISION NOR UNCIRCUMCISION HAS ANY VALUE = Circumcision was the sign of the covenant between God and Abraham's descendants (Genesis 17:10). In Christianity physical circumcision has no value, since God is looking for circumcision of our hearts (Romans 4:9-12; Galatians 2:15-21). Paul is abolishing Old Covenant Judaism with it's laws and symbols as a means for achieving salvation and as a necessity for Christians under the New Covenant.

Gal 5:7

WHO CUT IN ON YOU = These Galatians were similar to the person Jesus spoke about in Matthew 13:20-21.

Gal 5:8

THAT KIND OF PERSUASION = A reference back to Galatians 5:7 where the persuasion is to cease obeying the truth.

Gal 5:13

DO NOT USE YOUR FREEDOM TO INDULGE THE SINFUL NATURE = Freedom is not lawlessness. Freedom is for mature people who have grown to adulthood in Christ. For a Christian, all “law” can be summarized in Christ’s words: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, … and … love your neighbor as yourself. All the law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:37-40

"The believer has been made free from the law, but liberty does not mean license. To offset this danger of antinomianism, the Scriptures teach that we have not only been delivered from the law, but also 'joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, that we might bear fruit for God' (Romans 7:4). We are thus not 'without the law of God but under the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21; cf. Galatians 6:2). Freedom from law should not result in license but love (Galatians 5:13; cf. 1 Peter 2:16). The believer is, consequently, to keep his eyes on Christ as his example and teacher, and by the Holy Spirit to fulfill His law (Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:18). This does not mean that the precepts of the Decalogue which are grounded in the character of God have no authority today. As a matter of fact, careful investigation reveals that every commandment of the Decalogue, except the fourth, is reaffirmed in the New Testament. They are repeated for our instruction as to what the will of the Lord is, but not as precepts that we are to endeavor to keep in order to become righteous." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, p. 170.

Gal 5:14

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR = This directly contradicts the Seventh-day Adventist teaching that the fourth commandment is the heart of God's law. While cults, like Seventh-day Adventists, focus on a day (the Sabbath, i.e. “Seventh-day” Adventists), Christianity focuses on loving Jesus Christ and loving people.

Scripture is very clear that the Ten Commandments written in stone were the Old Covenant God made specifically with the Israelites (Deuteronomy 4:13; Exodus 34:28; Hebrews 9:4) and not with any other nation or people before or since Sinai (Deuteronomy 4:8, 13; Deuteronomy 5:2-4). In addition, God specifically stated in Scripture that the Ten Commandments were only to last until the time of Jesus Christ, the prophesied Messiah (Galatians 3:16-19). Beginning with the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Old Covenant of stone would fade away and be totally replaced by the New Covenant written in Christ’s blood on the cross (Hebrews 8:8-9, 13; Luke 22:20; 2 Corinthians 3:6-11; Hebrews 9:15; Romans 7:6).

Gal 5:16

LIVE BY THE SPIRIT = This is the key to the destruction of our sinful natures: “live by the Spirit.” Legalism forces us to “live by the law” – trying to change us from the outside in. Forced obedience does not eradicate sin from our lives, but love, through the agency of the Holy Spirit, enables us to overcome the desires of the sinful nature from the inside out. This is the equivalent of being "led by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:18).

YOU WILL NOT GRATIFY THE DESIRES OF THE SINFUL NATURE = The desires of the sinful nature will continue on throughout our life on earth. But through the power of the Holy Spirit we can have victory over those desires. This text does not teach "perfectionism" but rather it teaches the way to victorious living: “live by the Spirit.”

Gal 5:18

IF YOU ARE LED BY THE SPIRIT = The first requirement to being "led by the Spirit" is to "belong to Christ Jesus" (Galatians 5:24). The next requirement is to "keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25). This is "living by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16) and evidencing "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22).

YOU ARE NOT UNDER LAW = In the context of Galatians 5:16-17, being led by the Spirit enables us to cease "gratifying the desire of the sinful nature." Therefore the law no longer condemns us as sinners. The "law" spoken of here is defined in Galatians 5:19 as that which is contrary to the sinful nature (i.e. the entire Old Covenant which defined and pointed out sin).

Gal 5:19

THE ACTS OF THE SINFUL NATURE ARE OBVIOUS = Just as the fruit on an apple tree is "obvious," so the fruit of the "sinful nature" is also obvious. The acts ("fruit") of the sinful nature is contrasted with the "fruit of the Spirit" in Galatians 5:22.

Gal 5:20

IDOLATRY AND WITCHCRAFT = Notice that these sins are lumped alongside the more "respectable" sins of "discord, selfish ambition, factions," and so on. Modern Christians who would never even imagine engaging in idolatry or witchcraft are commonly caught up in discord, jealousy, selfish ambition et cetera. Perhaps the reason is we are not listening carefully to the Holy Spirit, or we have set a low standard for "acceptable" behavior in Christianity.

DISSENSIONS, FACTIONS = See Romans 16:17; 1 Corinthians 5:2, 5, 7, 11, 13; 1 Timothy 1:20; Titus 3:10.

Gal 5:21

THOSE WHO LIVE LIKE THIS = These are contrasted with "those who belong to Christ Jesus" (Galatians 5:24).

NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM = The list of sins Paul enumerates here is only representative and not exhaustive. In a companion texts Paul adds: sexual immorality, idolatry, adultery, prostitution, homosexuality, thievery, greed, drunkenness, slander, and swindlers (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10); obscenity, foolish talk, coarse joking, evil desire, anger, malice, and lying (Ephesians 5:3-5; Colossians 3:5-9).

Gal 5:22

THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT = This "fruit" does not come as a result of willpower, self-control, or personal effort. Just as an apple tree cannot be forced to produce apples, so the carnal sinful human nature cannot bear the "fruit of the Spirit." Spirit "fruit" can only be produced by the Holy Spirit living inside us.

Contrary to the Jehovah Witnesses' belief that the Holy Spirit is just an "active force" like electricity, "the idea of 'spirit' excludes not only the idea of material substance, but also that of inanimate substance. It implies that God (or in this case, the Holy Spirit) is alive." -- Lectures in Systematic Theology, by Henry C. Thiessen, Eerdmans, p. 76.

FAITHFULNESS = The Greek "pistis" (Strongs #G4102) means: "to win over, to persuade," and therefore, "to have a strong belief, a strong faith in something." In 1 Corinthians 12:9 "faith" is listed as a gift of the Holy Spirit -- something that is given instantly to empower a person to "move mountains." It's given when God needs something done immediately, for example when Moses parted the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16), or when Peter raised Dorcas to life (Acts 9:40). - These are what Jesus referred to as "mountain-moving" situations (see Matthew 17:20; 1 Corinthians 13:2). This type of faith could be called "emergency faith." However, Galatians 5:22 speaks about a "faith" that is a fruit of the Holy Spirit -- something that grows over a period of time, and thus is distinct from the instant "gift" of faith. The classic definition of faith is found in Hebrews 11:1.

Gal 5:23

SELF-CONTROL = Another word for self-control is self-discipline. Self-discipline can be defined as delayed gratification -- choosing to endure something now in order to enjoy something better later on. Delayed gratification requires us to make decisions in advance of the coming situation.

"The essence of discipline, then, is delayed gratification, and the key to practicing discipline is advance decision making." -- Victory Over Temptation, Wilkinson, (Bill Hybels), page 152. Also see 2 Timothy 1:7.

THERE IS NO LAW = In context this phrase means "there is no condemnation from the law." The law does not condemn the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22).

Gal 5:24

BELONG TO CHRIST = We must belong to Christ in order to be "led by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:18) and "live by the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16). Without "belong(ing) to Christ Jesus" there will be no spiritual growth. The sinful nature will not be "crucified," (put to death) therefore "its passions and desires" continually reassert themselves and seek to control our lives.

CRUCIFIED = Crucifixion is a slow, painful death. In spiritual growth we overcome the sinful nature one passion and one evil desire at a time. It is a lifelong process (i.e. "sanctification"), which requires earnest, painful, persistent watchfulness as, through the power of Christ, we nail each evidence of our sinful nature to the cross (Ezekiel 18:31; Ezekiel 36:31).

THE SINFUL NATURE = The Greek has: "have crucified the flesh (sarx)." Here "sarx" (Strongs #G4561) means "the sinful, carnal human nature." Our carnal, sinful human nature is naturally opposed to the Spirit (Galatians 5:17).

PASSIONS = The Greek word "pathemata" (Strongs #G3804) means "passions or affections." The "passions" of the sinful nature include such emotions as are listed in Galatians 5:19-21: "hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy" and so on.

DESIRES = The Greek word "epithumia" (Strongs #G1939) means "a very strong desire, longing, or lust." The "lustful desires" of the sinful nature, as listed in Galatians 5:19-21, include "sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, drunkenness, orgies, and the like."

Gal 5:25

SINCE WE LIVE BY THE SPIRIT ... = The Greek has literally "Since we are living for/in the Spirit, we should walk/march in step for/in the Spirit." The concept is that we should not lag behind the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. A persistent refusal to follow the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives results in the sinful nature taking control of our lives.

"When Christ is in control of our lives, the Holy Spirit is in power. When we let the old man -- the sinful nature -- be in control; then the Spirit is quenched. The solution is to bring every thought captive, and if we find we have sinned, confess it, and ask Christ to again take control. That's the essence of living by the power of the Holy Spirit." -- Victory Over Temptation, Bruce Wilkinson, (Patrick Morely), page 196.

Gal 5:26

NOT BECOME CONCEITED = In the context of the previous two verses, conceit, provocation, and envy are signs that spiritual growth is not occurring for the sinful nature has not been crucified (Galatians 5:24). Spiritual growth only occurs as we "keep in step with the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25).

Gal 6:1

YOU WHO ARE SPIRITUAL = Greek "pneumatikos" (Strongs #G4152) meaning "regenerate, religious." Being "spiritual" means being dominated by the Holy Spirit. It is "keeping in step with the Holy Spirit" (Galatians 6:1); it is being "filled with the Spirit" (Ephesians 5:18); it is "living in accordance with the Spirit" (Romans 8:5); and it is having "fellowship with the Spirit" (Philippians 2:1).

God has called every Christian to help care for his brother's soul. All "soul care" is to be done in love and is a part of Christian love (1 John 4:20).

CAUGHT IN A = Greek "prolambano" (Strongs #G4301) meaning "overtaken by, surprised by."

SIN = Greek "paraptoma" (Strongs #G3900) meaning "a slip to the side, to fall by the wayside, a lapse, a deviation." This can be an unintentional error or a willful transgression or sin. A related word is "parabasis" (Strongs #G3847) which designates a willful sin resulting from the deliberate transgression of a known rule. "Parabasis" involves guilt (see Romans 5:14, 15).

RESTORE = Greek "katartizo" (Strongs #G2675) meaning "to refit, mend, complete thoroughly" indicating to make a perfect fit, or make perfectly suitable. The purpose of Biblical counseling is to restore the counselee to full fellowship and ministry in the church.

GENTLY = Greek "praotes" (Strongs #G4240) meaning "gently, humbly, meekly, calmly." It is the ability to deal with the sinner without going to the one extreme of uncontrolled anger or the other extreme of not becoming angry at all at the sin.

WATCH YOURSELF = Greek "skopeo" (Strongs #G4648) meaning to "spy out, give attention to" yourself.

YOU ALSO MAY BE TEMPTED = Greek "peirazo" (Strongs #G3985) meaning "to tempt, to entice, to test." Anyone involved in dealing with another person's sins needs to continually repeat: "There, but for the grace of God, go I." Our judgment of others must always be tempered by the somber acknowledgement that the tables may be turned next week, therefore we will rigorously implement Christ's admonishment "to do to others what we would have them do to us" (Matthew 7:12). It is imperative to be on continual guard during Biblical counseling sessions that you not fall into sin with the counselee, for many counselors fall into sin with their counselees. Continuously examine yourself to see if you are being tempted or are vulnerable to that particular counselee. Remember, the moment your counseling crosses over from Biblical counseling to personal interest, you have set foot upon the slippery road to sin. If this occurs, immediately refer the counselee to another counselor, or have another team member present during the counseling sessions.

Gal 6:2

CARRY EACH OTHER'S BURDENS = The context of the previous verse indicates this involves helping a brother overcome his burden of sin. The Greek word for "burden" is "baros" (Strongs #G922) meaning "weight in the sense of pressures." Here it means sinful acts and the resulting consequences which "weigh" us down with trouble and sorrow.

IN THIS WAY YOU WILL FULFILL THE LAW OF CHRIST = The Greek “anapleroo” (Strongs #G378) means “to fill up, fulfill, accomplish, make complete.” The Christian is to “fulfill the law of Christ,” not the Old Covenant of Ten Commandments written in stone (see commentary on Galatians 3:16-19).

The "fulfillment" results from overcoming sin, not from wallowing in sin. No Christian can continue to ignore sin in his life, believing Christ does not care if he sins! Instead the Christian is to confess and turn away from his sins so he may be forgiven by the blood of Christ: 1 John 1:6-10.

The "law of Christ" is the complete body of teaching that Christ gave to the Church. The "law of Christ" can be further distilled into two simple statements: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart ... and love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-40). Specifically, this is the New Covenant, but in a broad, secondary sense, it also includes the basic principles and lessons of the Old Testament. However, it is important to remember that the great majority of the Old Testament applied directly to the Israelites under the Old Covenant – and to no one else before or since. We simply cannot “cut and paste” the Old Covenant laws into the New Covenant – instead the Old Testament must be read in context, by asking the following questions: what was written, who was it written to, where was it written, when was it written, why was it written, and how does this writing apply to me?

Gal 6:3

DECEIVES HIMSELF = Greek "phrenapatao" (Strongs #G5422) meaning "a mind deceiver, one who deludes himself."

Gal 6:4

TEST = The Greek "dokimazo" (Strongs #G1381) means "to test or prove whether something is worthy or not."

Gal 6:5

HIS OWN LOAD = The Greek "phortion" (Strongs #G5413) means "responsibilities, duties." In the context of the previous verse, Paul requires each Christian to shoulder his own responsibility to "test his own actions ... without comparing himself to somebody else" (Galatians 6:4). Included in this personal responsibility is the duty to "carry each other's burdens" (see note on Galatians 6:2).

Gal 6:6

MUST SHARE ALL = This is a very clear injunction that the Gospel instructor is to be financially supported by all who benefit (see Philippians 4:14-19). For a full discussion of the subject of paying Gospel workers, see Matthew 10:9-10; 2 Corinthians 11:7-9; 2 Thessalonians 3:7-12; 1 Corinthians 9:3-14; Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:14-19; 1 Timothy 5:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 7:8; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11.

Gal 6:15

NEW CREATION = The "new creation" comes about because we are "in Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Sydney Cleveland, 172 Suncrest Drive, Greenwood, IN 46143 317 885-8122

scleveland@prodigy.net

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