Reading Plan · Day 335
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Galatians 1-3
Day 335
About Galatians
The Book of Galatians was originally written as a letter to the believers in southern Galatia, which was a Roman province in what is now Turkey. Galatia was the area where, on his first missionary journey, Paul established the congregations in Pisidia Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. This letter was written by Paul around 68 AD from Rome during his time in prison. While this was the fourth book of the Section of the New Testament known as the Pauline Epistles, it also began a mini-section of epistles known as the Prison Epistles because they were all written while Paul was in prison. Paul wrote this letter to encourage new believers not to listen to false teachers who were attempting to convince the Galatians they needed to be under the Law in order to have Salvation.
Day 335 Read
Where You Stopped
Galatians 1
1Paul, an apostle (not from men, neither through man, but through Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), 2and all the brethren that are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
1Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
2And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
Commentary · verses 1-2
3Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father: 5to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.
3Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
4Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
5To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Commentary · verses 3-5
Paul's greeting was concluded and he could address the main theme...
6I marvel that ye are so quickly removing from him that called you in the grace of Christ unto a different gospel; 7which is not another gospel: only there are some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
6I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
Commentary · verses 6-7
Paul was surprised at how fast they were removed from Christ to another gospel. Paul was concerned with the false teaching that was happening in Galatia.
8But though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach unto you any gospel other than that which we preached unto you, let him be anathema.
8But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Commentary · verse 8
Paul stated to the Galatians that if anyone, including Paul, preached any gospel other than the one Paul had preached to them, the false teachers should be cursed. The word "anathema" was actually the original Greek word that meant "accursed." Notice, Paul stated that even an angel from heaven would be cursed if that angel preached another gospel other than the one Paul had preached. This showed that angels have a free-will; angels are yet to be judged. According to 1 Corinthians 6:3, believers will judge angels.
9As we have said before, so say I now again, If any man preacheth unto you any gospel other than that which ye received, let him be anathema.
9As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
Commentary · verse 9
Paul repeated himself. He really wanted to let them know that there was no other Gospel and that preaching a different gospel would result in being cursed.
Doctrines on this passage
10For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ.
11For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not after man.
12For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.
10For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
11But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Commentary · verses 10-12
Doctrine: Nothing about the Gospel could be construed as having come from man. Paul was not writing this letter to seek favor from the Galatians. Paul assured the people that he was not teaching them a gospel he received from a man but that he received this Gospel through revelation of Jesus Christ.
Doctrines on this passage
13For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and made havoc of it: 14and I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of mine own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
13For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
Commentary · verses 13-14
Paul contrasted the Gospel from God he was currently preaching with the beliefs he had previously been preaching which were from man. Paul realized the people may think he was preaching as a man since he did man's work while he was a Pharisee.
15But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me, even from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace, 16to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17neither went I up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus.
15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,
16To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
Commentary · verses 15-17
Paul's calling to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles was also not a man's strategy, but from the grace of God which Paul immediately obeyed without talking with man. Nothing about Paul's preaching of the Gospel was man's idea.
18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas, and tarried with him fifteen days.
18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
Commentary · verse 18
Paul was in Arabia for three years before he went to Jerusalem (Acts 9) to see Peter.
19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
20Now touching the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
21Then I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia.
19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
20Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
21Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
Commentary · verses 19-21
Paul mentioned visiting the regions of Syria and Cilicia. These were places in Galatia that Paul visited on his first missionary journey: Acts 14. The Galatians were among the first people to experience Paul's ministering to the Gentiles.
22And I was still unknown by face unto the churches of Judæa which were in Christ: 23but they only heard say, He that once persecuted us now preacheth the faith of which he once made havoc; 24and they glorified God in me.
22And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judea which were in Christ:
23But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
24And they glorified God in me.
Commentary · verses 22-24
The people recognized that Paul, a former persecutor of the church, was not at work here but that it was God who worked through him.
Commentary · verse 24
Theme of Chapter 1: Paul was concerned that the Galatians were no longer following the Gospel Paul preached. Paul emphasized the Gospel he preached had everything to do with God and nothing to do with man.
Where You Stopped
Galatians 2
1Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.
1Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
Commentary · verse 1
Fourteen years from Paul's conversion, he visited Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-4) when the council of the apostles and church decided that Gentile Christians need not be circumcised.
2And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.
3But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
2And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
3But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
Commentary · verses 2-3
Titus was a Greek. Titus was not compelled to be circumcised. Titus, being with Paul, knew that circumcision was not necessary.
4and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 5to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
5To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Commentary · verses 4-5
Men had been privately spying on Paul and his fellow-workers to find ways to put them in bondage. Circumcision was one of the ways these "spies" attempted to put believers into bondage.
6But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not man’s person)—they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me: 7but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision
6But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
7But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
Commentary · verses 6-7
The Gospel of the uncircumcised (Gentiles) was given to Paul. The Gospel of the circumcised (Jews) was given to Peter.
8(for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles); 9and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision; 10only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.
8(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
9And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
10Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
Commentary · verses 8-10
James, Cephas (Peter), and John were pillars of the church. They perceived the grace that was given to Paul and sent Paul and Barnabas out to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles.
Doctrines on this passage
11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.
11But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Commentary · verse 11
Peter and Paul had a dispute in Antioch in which Peter "stood condemned." Peter was at fault.
12For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision.
12For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Commentary · verse 12
Peter was focused on appearance. He feared what the Jews would think about him eating with the Gentiles.
13And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation.
13And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
Commentary · verse 13
Peter's actions swayed the other Jews with him. Peter was seen as a leader by these Jews. Peter was continuing the practice of keeping a division between Jews and Gentiles, something Paul had actively written against throughout his letter to the Romans because it was a main theme concerning the most foundational Christian Doctrine. In fact, Paul began the next sentence pointing out they were not living according to the truth of the Gospel.
14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Cephas before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as do the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, how compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Commentary · verse 14
Paul confronted Peter "before them all" about Peter's hypocrisy. How could Peter teach the Gentiles to live as Jews if he himself was living as a Gentile?
15We being Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
15We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Commentary · verses 15-16
Basic Doctrine: We are all (Jews and Gentiles) justified by the faith in Jesus Christ. Believing in Jesus Christ leads to justification. The Jews believed that doing the works of the Law led to justification, but it does not. Since Paul was focused on the Gentiles, his strategy was to show the Gentiles there was no division between them and the Jews because Salvation came by grace through faith. Paul knew Peter's focus was on the Jews and his strategy would need to guard against the Jews thinking their having been given the Law automatically led to Salvation. Consequently, Paul was sensitive to anything Peter did that avoided confrontation with the Jews on the works of the Law.
17But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a minister of sin? God forbid.
18For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor.
17But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
18For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
Commentary · verses 17-18
Paul put himself in Peter's position and stated that if he built his ministry up again on the Law, he would be proving himself to be a transgressor. Paul did not say Peter did this. Paul presented it as an if/then that he hypothetically put himself through.
19For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God.
20I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ liveth in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
19For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Commentary · verses 19-20
Paul showed how dying to the Law led to living in Christ, which was a main theme of the Book of Romans. Being crucified with Christ meant we need to kill our flesh, which was a theme of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians.
21I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nought.
21I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Commentary · verse 21
Paul ended this with a powerful if/then: If Righteousness came by the Law then Christ's death was meaningless. Grace can be made void. We can void grace by being in pride.
Theme of Chapter 2: Paul explained how Peter's hypocrisy was the opposite of foundational Christianity. Paul concluded his explanation by stating that if Righteousness/Salvation could be achieved by the Law, then Christ died for nothing. These false teachers were making the most important event in history mean nothing.
Doctrines on this passage
Where You Stopped
Galatians 3
1O foolish Galatians, who did bewitch you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set forth crucified?
2This only would I learn from you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
1O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
2This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Commentary · verses 1-2
After Paul spelled out the Gospel so clearly, Paul wanted to know who had bewitched the Galatians and he asked if they received the Spirit by the Law or by the hearing (understanding) of faith.
3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now perfected in the flesh?
3Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
Commentary · verse 3
Paul knew the Galatians would agree their faith began in the Holy Spirit. Paul was making them aware they were drifting back towards the Law.
4Did ye suffer so many things in vain? if it be indeed in vain.
5He therefore that supplieth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
4Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
5He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
Commentary · verses 4-5
Paul referenced the miracles that were being done among them by the Holy Spirit. Paul rhetorically asked if these miracles were done by works of the Law.
6Even as Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness.
6Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Commentary · verse 6
Abraham's belief in God was reckoned (counted) to him for Righteousness, just like Paul presented in Romans 4.
7Know therefore that they that are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham.
7Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
Commentary · verse 7
All of us who are of faith (believers) are children of Abraham, not only the Jews, just like Paul presented in Romans 9.
8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all the nations be blessed.
9So then they that are of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham.
8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
Commentary · verses 8-9
Paul's Premise: Righteousness does not come by the Law, it comes by grace through faith. Abraham was preached the Gospel. God purposely preached justification by faith to Abraham before the Law because God wanted an example of a man who lived before the Law who was justified by faith, not the Law.
10For as many as are of the works of the law are under a curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one who continueth not in all things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.
10For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
Commentary · verse 10
Paul referenced Deuteronomy 27:26.
11Now that no man is justified by the law before God, is evident: for, The righteous shall live by faith;
11But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Commentary · verse 11
Paul referenced Habakkuk 2:4.
12and the law is not of faith; but, He that doeth them shall live in them.
12And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
Commentary · verse 12
Paul referenced Leviticus 18:5.
13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us; for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Commentary · verse 13
Paul referenced Deuteronomy 21:23.
14that upon the Gentiles might come the blessing of Abraham in Christ Jesus; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
14That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Commentary · verse 14
The blessing of Abraham (all people will be blessed through faith) came on the Gentiles through Christ so that we would receive the Spirit through faith.
15Brethren, I speak after the manner of men: Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet when it hath been confirmed, no one maketh it void, or addeth thereto.
16Now to Abraham were the promises spoken, and to his seed. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17Now this I say: A covenant confirmed beforehand by God, the law, which came four hundred and thirty years after, doth not disannul, so as to make the promise of none effect.
18For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise: but God hath granted it to Abraham by promise.
15Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man’s covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
16Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Commentary · verses 15-18
God gave Abraham the inheritance through a promise, not by the Law.
19What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made; and it was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator.
19Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
Commentary · verse 19
The Law was put into place "because of transgressions." Man's sin was the reason for the Law. The Law made us aware of sin.
20Now a mediator is not a mediator of one; but God is one.
21Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could make alive, verily righteousness would have been of the law.
20Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
21Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
Commentary · verses 20-21
The Law was not against the promises of God, it just could not bring about the promises of God. The Law only prevented chaos or brought people to not unprofitable. If the Law could have given life, Righteousness would have been by the Law and Christ would not have had to die.
22But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
22But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Commentary · verse 22
By faith, the promise of life was given to those who believed.
23But before faith came, we were kept in ward under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24So that the law is become our tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
23But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
Commentary · verses 23-24
Doctrine: The Law taught about Christ and was meant to lead the Jews toward Christ.
25But now that faith is come, we are no longer under a tutor.
26For ye are all sons of God, through faith, in Christ Jesus.
25But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
Commentary · verses 25-26
Doctrine: Believers are all children of God by faith in Christ.
27For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.
28There can be neither Jew nor Greek, there can be neither bond nor free, there can be no male and female; for ye all are one man in Christ Jesus.
29And if ye are Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, heirs according to promise.
27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.
Commentary · verses 27-29
By faith, believers are heirs according to the promise.
Commentary · verse 29
Theme of Chapter 3: Paul was concerned the Galatians were returning to the Law, so he gave an overview of the foundational Doctrine of justification by faith. This chapter was a review of one main theme of the Book of Romans: all people (Jews and Gentiles) are justified by faith in God, just as Abraham (the father of the Jews) was justified by faith.
As was common, Paul made note that he was appointed as an Apostle by God. Paul wrote to the churches in Galatia which was roughly described as the central region of the peninsula of Asia Minor.