Word Pictures in the New Testament
Galatians
A.T. Robertson
Chapter 1
1:1 Not from men, neither through men [ouk ap’ anthrōpōn oude
di’ anthrōpou]. The bluntness of Paul’s denial is due to the
charge made by the Judaizers that Paul was not a genuine apostle
because not one of the twelve. This charge had been made in
Corinth and called forth the keenest irony of Paul (2Co 10-12).
In Ga 1; 2 Paul proves his independence of the twelve and his
equality with them as recognized by them. Paul denies that his
apostleship had a human source [ouk ap’ anthrōpōn] and that it
had come to him through [di’ anthrōpou] a human channel
(Burton). But through Jesus Christ and God the Father [alla
dia Iēsou Christou kai theou patros]. The call to be an apostle
came to Paul through Jesus Christ as he claimed in 1Co 9:1 and
as told in Ac 9:4-6; 22:7ff.; 26:16ff. He is apostle also by
the will of God. Who raised him from the dead [tou egeirantos
auton ek nekrōn]. And therefore Paul was qualified to be an
apostle since he had seen the Risen Christ (1Co 9:1; 15:8f.).
This verb [egeirō] is often used in N.T. for raising from the
sleep of death, to wake up the dead.
1:2 All the brethren which are with me [hoi sun emoi pantes
adelphoi]. The same phrase in Php 4:21 in distinction from the
saints in verse 22. Probably the small company of travelling
companions. Unto the churches of Galatia [tais ekklēsiais tēs
Galatias]. A circular letter therefore to all the churches in
the province (both South Galatia and North Galatia if he really
laboured there).
1:3 Grace to you and peace [charis humin kai eirēnē]. As
in I
Thess., II Thess., I Cor., II Cor. (already written) and in all
the later Epistles save that in I and II Timothy “mercy” is
added. But this customary salutation (see on 1Th 1:1) is not a
perfunctory thing with Paul. He uses it here even when he has so
much fault to find just as he did in I and II Corinthians.
1:4 For our sins [huper tōn hamartiōn]. Some MSS. have
[peri]
(concerning). In the Koinē this use of [huper] as like [peri]
has come to be common. He refers to the death of Christ (cf. 1Co
15:3; Ga 2:20; Ro 5:6f.). As a rule [peri] occurs of things, [huper] of persons. Deliver [exelētai]. Second aorist middle
subjunctive (final clause with [hopōs] of [exaireō], old verb to
pluck out, to rescue (Ac 23:27). “Strikes the keynote of the
epistle. The gospel is a rescue, an emancipation from a state of
bondage” (Lightfoot). Out of this present evil world [ek tou
aiōnos tou enestōtos ponērou]. Literally, “out of the age the
existing one being evil.” The predicate position of [ponērou]
calls emphatic attention to it. Each word here is of interest and
has been already discussed. See on Mt 13:22 for [aiōn], Mt
6:23 for [ponēros]. [Enestōtos] is genitive masculine singular
of [enestōs] second perfect (intransitive) participle of [enistēmi] for which see on 2Th 2:12; 1Co 3:22; 7:26. It is
present as related to future (Ro 8:38; Heb 9:9). According
to
the will of God [kata to thelēma tou theou]. Not according
to
any merit in us.
1:5 To whom be the glory [hōi hē doxa]. No verb in the
Greek.
For like doxologies see Ro 9:5; 11:36; 16:27; Eph 3:21; 1Ti
1:17.
1:6 Ye are so quickly removing [houtōs tacheōs
metatithesthe]. The present middle indicative of [metatithēmi],
to change places, to transfer. “You are transferring yourselves”
and doing it “so quickly” either from the time of their
conversion or most likely from the time when the Judaizers came
and tempted them. So easily some of them are falling victims to
these perverters of the gospel. That is a continuous amazement
[thaumazō] to Paul and to men today that so many are so silly
and so gullible to modern as to ancient charlatans. Unto a
different gospel [eis heteron euaggelion]. See on 2Co 11:4
for distinction between [allo] and [heteron] as here. It is not
here or there a mere difference in emphasis or spirit as in Php
1:18 so long as Christ is preached. These men as in 2Co 11:4
preach “another Jesus” and a “different gospel” and so have
fallen away from grace and have done away with Christ (Ga 5:4).
Hence the vehemence of Paul’s words.
1:7 Which is not another [ho ouk estin allo]. It is no
“gospel” (good news) at all, but a yoke of bondage to the law and
the abolition of grace. There is but one gospel and that is of
grace, not works. The relative [ho] (which) refers to [heteron
euaggelion] (a different gospel) “taken as a single term and
designating the erroneous teachings of the Judaizers” (Burton).
Only [ei mē]. Literally, “except,” that is, “Except in
this
sense,” “in that it is an attempt to pervert the one true gospel”
(Lightfoot). Who disturb you [hoi tarassontes].
The
disturbers. This very verb [tarassō] is used in Ac 17:8 of the
Jews in Thessalonica who “disturbed” the politarchs and the
people about Paul. Would pervert [thelontes metastrepsai].
“Wish to turn about,” change completely as in Ac 2:20; Jas 4:9.
The very existence of the gospel of Christ was at stake.
1:8 If we [ean hēmeis]. Condition of third class [ean] and
aorist middle subjunctive [euaggelisētai]. Suppose I (literary
plural) should turn renegade and preach “other than” [par’ ho],
“contrary to that which we preached.” Preachers have turned away
from Christ, alas, and preached “humanism” or some other
new-fangled notion. The Jews termed Paul a renegade for leaving
Judaism for Christianity. But it was before Paul had seen Christ
that he clung to the law. Paul is dogmatic and positive here, for
he knows that he is standing upon solid ground, the fact of
Christ dying for us and rising again. He had seen the Risen Jesus
Christ. No angel can change Paul now. Let him be anathema
[anathema estō]. See on 1Co 12:3 for this word.
1:9 So say I now again [kai arti palin legō]. Paul knows
that
he has just made what some will consider an extreme statement.
But it is a deliberate one and not mere excitement. He will stand
by it to the end. He calls down a curse on any one who proclaims
a gospel to them contrary to that which they had received from
him.
1:10 Am I persuading? [peithō?]. Conative present, trying
to
persuade like [zētō areskein] (seeking to please) where the
effort is stated plainly. See 2Co 5:11. I should not be [ouk
an ēmēn]. Conclusion of second class condition, determined as
unfulfilled. Regular construction here [ei] and imperfect
indicative in the condition [ēreskon, ouk an] and imperfect in
the conclusion). About pleasing men see on 1Th 2:4. In Col
3:22; Eph. 6:6 Paul uses the word “men-pleasers”
[anthrōpareskoi].
1:11 Which was preached [to euaggelisthen]. Play on the
word [euaggelion] by first aorist passive participle of [euaggelizō],
“the gospel which was gospelized by me.” It is not after man
[ouk estin kata anthrōpon]. Not after a human standard and so
he does not try to conform to the human ideal. Paul alone (1Co
3:3; 9:8; 15:32; Ro 3:15) in the N.T. uses this old and common
idiom.
1:12 Nor was I taught it [oute edidachthēn]. He did not
receive it “from man” [para anthrōpōn], which shuts out both [apo] and [dia] of verse 1), whether Peter or any other
apostle, nor was he taught it in the school of Gamaliel in
Jerusalem or at the University of Tarsus. He “received” his
gospel in one way, “through revelation of Jesus Christ” [di’
apokalupseōs Iēsou Christou]. He used [parelabon] in 1Co 15:3
about the reception of his message from Christ. It is not
necessary to say that he had only one (because of the aorist
active [parelabon], from [paralambanō], for it can very well be
constative aorist) revelation (unveiling) from Christ. In
fact,
we know that he had numerous visions of Christ and in 1Co 11:23
he expressly says concerning the origin of the Lord’s Supper: “I
received [parelabon], again) from the Lord.” The Lord Jesus
revealed his will to Paul.
1:13 My manner of life [tēn emēn anastrophēn]. Late word
in
this sense from Polybius on from [anastrephomai]. In the older
writers it meant literally “return” or “turning back.” See 1Pe
1:15. It is absent in this sense in the papyri though the verb
is common. In the Jews’ religion [en tōi Ioudaismōi]. “In
Judaism.” The word in N.T. only here and next verse, already in
II Macc. 2:21; 8:1;
14:38; IV Macc. 4:26. In these passages it
means the Jewish religion as opposed to the Hellenism that the
Syrian Kings were imposing upon the Jews. So later Justin Martyr
(386 D) will use [Christianismos] for Christianity. Both words
are made from verbs in [-izō]. Beyond measure [kath’
huperbolēn]. “According to excess” (throwing beyond, [huperbolē]. I persecuted [ediōkon]. Imperfect
active, “I
used to persecute” (see Ac 7-9 for the facts). Made havock of
it [eporthoun autēn]. Customary action again, imperfect of
old
verb [portheō], to lay waste, to sack. In N.T. only here, verse 23, and Ac 9:31 (used by Christians in Damascus of Saul after
his conversion of his former conduct, the very word of Paul
here). Paul heard them use it of him and it stuck in his mind.
1:14 I advanced [proekopton]. Imperfect active again of [prokoptō], old verb, to cut forward (as in a forest), to blaze a
way, to go ahead. In N.T. only here, Ro 13:12; 2Ti 2:16;
3:9,13. Paul was a brilliant pupil under Gamaliel. See Php
3:4-6. He was in the lead of the persecution also. Beyond many
of mine own age [huper pollous sunēlikiōtas]. Later compound
form for the Attic [hēlikiōtēs] which occurs in Dion Hal. and
inscriptions (from [sun], with, and [hēlikia], age). Paul
modestly claims that he went “beyond” [huper] his
fellow-students in his progress in Judaism. More exceedingly
zealous [perissoterōs zēlotēs]. Literally, “more exceedingly
a
zealot.” See on Ac 1:13; 21:20; 1Co 14:12. Like Simon Zelotes.
For the traditions of my fathers [tōn patrikōn mou
paradoseōn]. Objective genitive after [zēlotēs]. [Patrikōn] only
here in N.T., though old word from [patēr] (father), paternal,
descending from one’s father. For [patrōios] see Ac 22:3,14.
Tradition [paradosis] played a large part in the teaching and
life of the Pharisees (Mr 7:1-23). Paul now taught the
Christian tradition (2Th 2:15).
1:15 It was the good pleasure of God [eudokēsen ho theos].
Paul had no doubt about God’s purpose in him (1Th 2:8).
Who
separated me [ho aphorisas me]. [Aphorizō] is old word (from [apo] and [horos] to mark off from a boundary or line. The
Pharisees were the separatists who held themselves off from
others. Paul conceives himself as a spiritual Pharisee “separated
unto the gospel of God” (Ro 1:1, the same word [aphōrismenos].
Before his birth God had his plans for him and called him.
1:16 To reveal his Son in me [apokalupsai ton huion autou en
emoi]. By “in me” [en emoi] Paul can mean to lay emphasis
on
his inward experience of grace or he may refer objectively to the
vision of Christ on the way to Damascus, “in my case.” Paul uses [en emoi] in this sense (in my case) several times (verse 24;
2Co 13:3; Php 1:30; 1Ti 1:16). Once (1Co 14:11) [en
emoi] is
almost equivalent to the dative (to me). On the whole Lightfoot
seems correct here in taking it to mean “in my case,” though the
following words suit either idea. Certainly Paul could not preach
Christ among the Gentiles without the rich inward experience and
in the objective vision he was called to that task. I conferred
not with flesh and blood [ou prosanethemēn sarki kai haimati].
Second aorist middle indicative of [prosanatithēmi], old verb,
double compound [pros, ana], to lay upon oneself in addition,
to betake oneself to another, to confer with, dative case as
here. In N.T. only here and 2:6.
1:17 Before me [pro emou]. The Jerusalem apostles were
genuine apostles, but so is Paul. His call did not come from them
nor did he receive confirmation by them. Into Arabia [eis
Arabian]. This visit to Arabia has to come between the two
visits to Damascus which are not distinguished in Ac 9:22f. In
verse 23 Luke does speak of “considerable days” and so we must
place the visit to Arabia between verses 22, 23.
1:18 Then after three years [epeita meta tria etē]. A round
number to cover the period from his departure from Jerusalem for
Damascus to his return to Jerusalem. This stay in Damascus was an
important episode in Paul’s theological readjustment to his new
experience. To visit Cephas [historēsai Kēphān]. First
aorist infinitive of [historeō], old verb (from [histōr], one who knows
by inquiry), to gain knowledge by visiting. Only here in N.T. If
we turn to Ac 9:26-30, we shall see that the visit of two weeks
to Peter came after Barnabas endorsed Paul to the suspicious
disciples in Jerusalem and probably while he was preaching in the
city. It was a delightful experience, but Peter did not start
Paul upon his apostleship. He visited him as an equal. Peter no
doubt had much to say to Paul.
1:19 Except James the brother of the Lord [ei mē Iakōbon ton
adelphon tou Kuriou]. James the son of Zebedee was still living
at that time. The rest of the twelve were probably away preaching
and James, brother of the Lord, is here termed an apostle, though
not one of the twelve as Barnabas is later so called. Paul is
showing his independence of and equality with the twelve in
answer to the attacks of the Judaizers.
1:20 I lie not [ou pseudomai]. So important does he deem
the
point that he takes solemn oath about it.
1:21 Into the region of Syria and Cilicia [eis ta klimata tēs
Syrias kai tēs Kilikias]. This statement agrees with the record
in Ac 9:30. On [klimata], see 2Co 11:10. Paul was not idle,
but at work in Tarsus and the surrounding country.
1:22 And I was still unknown [ēmēn de agnoumenos].
Periphrastic imperfect passive of [agnoeō], not to know. By
face [tōi prosōpōi]. Associative instrumental case. Of
Judea
[tēs Ioudaias]. As distinct from Jerusalem, for he had once
scattered the church there and had revisited them before coming
to Tarsus (Ac 9:26-30). In Ac 9:31 the singular of [ekklēsia]
is used, but in a geographic sense for Judea, Samaria, and
Galilee.
1:23 They only heard [monon akouontes ēsan]. Periphrastic
imperfect, “They were only hearing from time to time.” That once
persecuted us [ho diōkōn hēmas pote]. Present active articular
participle, a sort of participle of antecedent time suggested by [pote], “the one who used to persecute us once upon a time.” The
faith [tēn pistin]. Here used in the sense of “the gospel”
as in Ac 6:7.
1:24 They glorified [edoxazon]. Imperfect, kept on doing it.
In me [en emoi]. In my case as in 1:16.
Chapter 2
2:1 Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again
[epeita dia dekatessarōn etōn palin anebēn] This use of [dia]
for interval between is common enough. Paul is not giving a
recital of his visits to Jerusalem, but of his points of contact
with the apostles in Jerusalem. As already observed, he here
refers to the Jerusalem Conference given by Luke in Ac 15 when
Paul and Barnabas were endorsed by the apostles and elders and
the church over the protest of the Judaizers who had attacked
them in Antioch (Ac 15:1f.). But Paul passes by another visit
to Jerusalem, that in Ac 11:30 when Barnabas and Saul brought
alms from Antioch to Jerusalem and delivered them to “the elders”
with no mention of the apostles who were probably out of the city
since the events in Ac 12 apparently preceded that visit and
Peter had left for another place (Ac 12:17). Paul here gives
the inside view of this private conference in Jerusalem that came
in between the two public meetings (Ac 15:4,6-29). With
Barnabas [meta Barnabā]. As in Ac 15:2. Taking Titus also
with me [sunparalabōn kai Titon]. Second aorist active
participle of [sunparalambanō] the very verb used in Ac 15:37f.
of the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas about Mark. Titus
is not mentioned in Acts 15 nor anywhere else in Acts for some
reason, possibly because he was Luke’s own brother. But his very
presence was a challenge to the Judaizers, since he was a Greek
Christian.
2:2 By revelation [kata apokalupsin]. In Ac 15:2 the church
sent them. But surely there is no inconsistency here. I laid
before them [anethemēn autois]. Second aorist middle
indicative of old word [anatithēmi], to put up, to place before,
with the dative case. But who were the “them” [autois]?
Evidently not the private conference for he distinguishes this
address from that, “but privately” [kat’ idian]. Just place Ac
15:4f. beside the first clause and it is clear: “I laid before
them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles,” precisely as
Luke has recorded. Then came the private conference after the
uproar caused by the Judaizers (Ac 15:5). Before them who
were
of repute [tois dokousin]. He names three of them (Cephas,
James, and John). James the Lord’s brother, for the other James
is now dead (Ac 12:1f.). But there were others also, a select
group of real leaders. The decision reached by this group would
shape the decision of the public conference in the adjourned
meeting. So far as we know Paul had not met John before, though
he had met Peter and James at the other visit. Lightfoot has much
to say about the Big Four (St. Paul and the Three) who here
discuss the problems of mission work among Jews and Gentiles. It
was of the utmost importance that they should see eye to eye. The
Judaizers were assuming that the twelve apostles and James the
Lord’s brother would side with them against Paul and Barnabas.
Peter had already been before the Jerusalem Church for his work
in Caesarea (Ac 11:1-18). James was considered a very loyal
Jew. Lest by any means I should be running or had run in vain
[mē pōs eis kenon trechō ē edramon]. Negative purpose with the
present subjunctive [trechō] and then by a sudden change the
aorist indicative [edramon], as a sort of afterthought or
retrospect (Moulton, Prolegomena, p. 201; Robertson, Grammar,
p. 988). There are plenty of classical parallels. See also 1Th
3:5 for both together again.
2:3 Being a Greek [Hellēn ōn]. Concessive participle, though
he was a Greek. Was compelled to be circumcised [ēnagkasthē
peritmēthēnai]. First aorist passive indicative of [anagkazō]
and first aorist passive infinitive of [peritemnō]. Curiously
enough some scholars interpret this language to mean that Paul
voluntarily had Titus circumcised, instead of being compelled to
do it, an impossible view in my opinion in the light of verse 5
and wholly inconsistent with the whole context. Paul means that
he stood his ground against compulsion and all force.
2:4 But because of the false brethren privately brought in
[dia de tous pareisaktous pseudadelphous]. Late verbal
adjective [pareisaktos] from the double compound verb [pareisagō], found in papyri in the sense of brought in by the
side or on the sly as here. Evidently some of the Judaizers or
sympathizers whom Paul had not invited had come in as often
happens. Paul terms them “false brethren” like “the false
apostles” in 2Co 11:13 of the Judaizers in Corinth. Who came
in privily [hoitines pareisēlthon]. Repetition of the charge
of their slipping in unwanted [pareiserchomai], late double
compound, in Plutarch, in N.T. only here and Ro 5:20). To spy
out [kataskopēsai]. First aorist active infinitive of [kataskopeō], old Greek verb from [kataskopos], a spy, to
reconnoitre, to make a treacherous investigation. That they
might bring us into bondage [hina hēmas katadoulōsousin].
Future active indicative of this old compound, to enslave
completely [kata-] as in 2Co 11:20. Nowhere else in N.T. This
was their purpose [hina] and future active indicative of this
causative verb). It was as serious a conflict as this. Spiritual
liberty or spiritual bondage, which?
2:5 No, not for an hour [oude pros hōran]. Pointed denial
that he and Barnabas yielded at all “in the way of subjection”
[tēi hupotagēi], in the subjection demanded of them). The
compromisers pleaded for the circumcision of Titus “because of
the false brethren” in order to have peace. The old verb [eikō],
to yield, occurs here alone in the N.T. See 2Co 9:13 for [hupotagē]. The truth of the gospel [hē alētheia tou
euaggeliou]. It was a grave crisis to call for such language.
The whole problem of Gentile Christianity was involved in the
case of Titus, whether Christianity was to be merely a modified
brand of legalistic Judaism or a spiritual religion, the true
Judaism (the children of Abraham by faith). The case of Timothy
later was utterly different, for he had a Jewish mother and a
Greek father. Titus was pure Greek.
2:6 Somewhat [ti]. Something, not somebody. Paul refers
to the Big Three (Cephas, James, and John). He seems a bit
embarrassed in the reference. He means no disrespect, but he
asserts his independence sharply in a tangled sentence with two
parentheses (dashes in Westcott and Hort). Whatsoever they were
[hopoioi pote ēsan]. Literally, “What sort they once were.”
Hopoioi is a qualitative word (1Th 1:9; 1Co 3:13; Jas 1:24).
Lightfoot thinks that these three leaders were the ones who
suggested the compromise about Titus. That is a possible, but not
the natural, interpretation of this involved sentence. The use of [de] (but) in verse 6 seems to make a contrast between the
three leaders and the pleaders for compromise in verses 4f.
They, I say, imparted nothing to me [emoi gar ouden
prosanethento]. He starts over again after the two parentheses
and drops the construction [apo tōn dokountōn] and changes the
construction (anacoluthon) to [hoi dokountes] (nominative case),
the men of reputation and influences whom he names in verses 8f. See the same verb in 1:16. They added nothing in the
conference to me. The compromisers tried to win them, but they
finally came over to my view. Paul won his point, when he
persuaded Peter, James, and John to agree with him and Barnabas
in their contention for freedom for the Gentile Christians from
the bondage of the Mosaic ceremonial law.
2:7 But contrariwise [alla tounantion]. But on the contrary
(accusative of general reference, [to enantion]. So far from the
three championing the cause of the Judaizers as some hoped or
even the position of the compromisers in verses 4f., they came
boldly to Paul’s side after hearing the case argued in the
private conference. This is the obvious interpretation rather
than the view that Peter, James, and John first proposed the
circumcision of Titus and afterwards surrendered to Paul’s bold
stand. When they saw [idontes]. After seeing, after they
heard our side of the matter. That I had been intrusted with the
gospel of the uncircumcision [hoti pepisteumai to euaggelion
tēs akrobustias]. Perfect passive indicative of [pisteuō], to
intrust, which retains the accusative of the thing [to
euaggelion] in the passive voice. This clear-cut agreement
between the leaders “denotes a distinction of sphere, and not a
difference of type” (Lightfoot). Both divisions in the work
preach the same “gospel” (not like 1:6f., the Judaizers). It
seems hardly fair to the Three to suggest that they at first
championed the cause of the Judaizers in the face of Paul’s
strong language in verse 5.
2:8 He that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the
circumcision [ho gar energēsas Petrōi eis apostolēn tēs
peritomēs]. Paul here definitely recognizes Peter’s leadership
(apostleship, [apostolēn], late word, already in Ac 1:25; 1Co
9:2) to the Jews and asserts that Peter acknowledges his
apostleship to the Gentiles. This is a complete answer to the
Judaizers who denied the genuineness of Paul’s apostleship
because he was not one of the twelve.
2:9 They who were reputed to be pillars [hoi dokountes stuloi
einai]. They had that reputation [dokountes] and Paul accepts
them as such. [Stuloi], old word for pillars, columns, as of fire
(Re 10:1). So of the church (1Ti 3:15).
These were the Pillar
Apostles. Gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship
[dexias edōkan emoi kai Barnabāi koinōnias]. Dramatic and
concluding act of the pact for cooperation and coordinate,
independent spheres of activity. The compromisers and the
Judaizers were brushed to one side when these five men shook
hands as equals in the work of Christ’s Kingdom.
2:10 Only [monon]. One item was emphasized. We should
remember [mnēmoneuōmen]. Present active subjunctive, “that
we
should keep on remembering.” Which very thing [ho—auto
touto]. Repetition of relative and demonstrative, tautology,
“which this very thing.” In fact Barnabas and Saul had done it
before (Ac 11:30). It was complete victory for Paul and
Barnabas. Paul passes by the second public meeting and the
letters to Antioch (Ac 15:6-29) and passes on to Peter’s
conduct in Antioch.
2:11 I resisted him to the face [kata prosōpon autōi
antestēn]. Second aorist active indicative (intransitive)
of [anthistēmi]. “I stood against him face to face.” In Jerusalem
Paul faced Peter as his equal in rank and sphere of work. In
Antioch he looked him in the eye as his superior in character and
courage. Because he stood condemned [hoti kategnōsmenos ēn].
Periphrastic past perfect passive of [kataginoskō], old verb to
know against, to find fault with. In N.T. only here and 1Jo
3:20f.
2:12 For before that certain came from James [pro tou gar
elthein tinas apo Iakōbou]. The reason [gar] for Paul’s
condemnation of Peter. Articular infinitive in the genitive after [pro] with the accusative of general reference [tinas], “for
before the coming as to some from James.” Does Paul mean to say
that these “certain” ones had been sent by James to Antioch to
inspect the conduct of Peter and the other Jewish brethren? Some
scholars think so. No doubt these brethren let the idea get out
that they were emissaries “from James.” But that idea is
inconsistent with the position of James as president of the
conference and the author of the resolution securing liberty to
the Gentile Christians. No doubt these brethren threatened Peter
to tell James and the church about his conduct and they reminded
Peter of his previous arraignment before the Jerusalem Church on
this very charge (Ac 11:1-18). As a matter of fact the
Jerusalem Conference did not discuss the matter of social
relations between Jews and Gentiles though that was the charge
made against Peter (Ac 11:1ff.). He did eat with the Gentiles
[meta tōn ethnōn sunēsthien]. It was his habit (imperfect
tense). He drew back [hupestellen]. Imperfect tense,
inchoative action, “he began to draw himself [heauton] back.”
Old word [hupostellō]. See middle voice to dissemble (Ac
20:20,27), to shrink (Heb 10:38). Separated himself
[aphōrizen heauton]. Inchoative imperfect again, “began to
separate himself” just like a Pharisee (see on 1:15) and as if
afraid of the Judaizers in the Jerusalem Church, perhaps half
afraid that James might not endorse what he had been doing.
Fearing them that were of the circumcision [phoboumenos tous
ek peritomēs]. This was the real reason for Peter’s cowardice.
See Ac 11:2 for “ [hoi ek peritomēs]” (they of the
circumcision), the very phrase here. It was not that Peter had
changed his views from the Jerusalem resolutions. It was pure
fear of trouble to himself as in the denials at the trial of
Christ.
2:13 Dissembled likewise with him [sunupekrithēsan autōi
kai]. First aorist passive indicative of the double compound
verb [sunupokrinomai], a late word often in Polybius, only here
in N.T. One example in Polybius means to pretend to act a part
with. That idea here would help the case of the rest of the Jews,
but does not accord with Paul’s presentation. Insomuch that even
Barnabas [hōste kai Barnabas]. Actual result expressed by [hōste] and the indicative and [kai] clearly means “even.” Was
carried away with their dissimulation [sunapēchthē autōn tēi
hupokrisei]. First aorist passive indicative of [sunapagō], old
verb, in N.T. only here and 2Pe 3:17. [Hupokrisei] is in the
instrumental case and can only mean hypocrisy in the bad sense
(Mt 23:28), not merely acting a part. It was a solemn moment
when Paul saw the Jerusalem victory vanish and even Barnabas
desert him as they followed the timid cowardice of Peter. It was Paulus contra mundum in the cause of spiritual freedom in
Christ.
2:14 But when I saw [All’ hote eidon]. Paul did see and
saw
it in time to speak. That they walked not uprightly [hoti
orthopodousin]. Present active indicative retained in indirect
discourse, “they are not walking straight.” [Orthopodeō]
[orthos], straight, [pous], foot). Found only here and in later
ecclesiastical writers, though [orthopodes bainontes] does occur.
According to the truth of the gospel [pros tēn alētheian tou
euaggeliou]. Just as in 2:5. Paul brought them to face
[pros] that. I said unto Cephas before them all [eipon
tōi
Kēphāi emprosthen pantōn]. Being a Jew [Ioudaios
huparchōn],
though being a Jew). Condition of first class, assumed as true.
It was not a private quarrel, but a matter of public policy. One
is a bit curious to know what those who consider Peter the first
pope will do with this open rebuke by Paul, who was in no sense
afraid of Peter or of all the rest. As do the Gentiles
[ethnikōs]. Late adverb, here only in N.T. Like Gentiles. As
do the Jews [Ioudaikōs]. Only here in N.T., but in Josephus.
To live as do the Jews [Iouda‹zein]. Late verb, only here
in
the N.T. From [Ioudaios], Jew. Really Paul charges Peter with
trying to compel (conative present, [anagkazeis] the Gentiles to
live all like Jews, to Judaize the Gentile Christians, the very
point at issue in the Jerusalem Conference when Peter so loyally
supported Paul. It was a bold thrust that allowed no reply. But
Paul won Peter back and Barnabas also. If II Peter is genuine, as
is still possible, he shows it in 2Pe 3:15. Paul and Barnabas
remained friends (Ac 15:39f.; 1Co 9:6), though they soon
separated over John Mark.
2:15 Not sinners of the Gentiles [ouk ex ethnōn hamartōloi].
The Jews regarded all Gentiles as “sinners” in contrast with
themselves (cf. Mt 26:45 “sinners” and Lu 18:32 “Gentiles”).
It is not clear whether verses 15-21 were spoken by Paul to
Peter or whether Paul is now simply addressing the Galatians in
the light of the controversy with Peter. Burton thinks that he is
“mentally addressing Peter, if not quoting from what he said to
him.”
2:16 Is not justified [ou dikaioutai]. Present passive
indicative of [dikaioō], an old causative verb from [dikaios],
righteous (from [dike], right), to make righteous, to declare
righteous. It is made like [axioō], to deem worthy, and [koinoō],
to consider common. It is one of the great Pauline words along
with [dikaiosunē], righteousness. The two ways of getting right
with God are here set forth: by faith in Christ Jesus (objective
genitive), by the works of the law (by keeping all the law in the
most minute fashion, the way of the Pharisees). Paul knew them
both (see Ro 7). In his first recorded sermon the same contrast
is made that we have here (Ac 13:39) with the same word [dikaioō], employed. It is the heart of his message in all his
Epistles. The terms faith [pistis], righteousness
[dikaiosunē], law [nomos], works [erga]
occur more
frequently in Galatians and Romans because Paul is dealing
directly with the problem in opposition to the Judaizers who
contended that Gentiles had to become Jews to be saved. The whole
issue is here in an acute form. Save [ean mē]. Except.
Even
we [kai hēmeis]. We Jews believed, had to believe, were not
saved or justified till we did believe. This very point Peter had
made at the Jerusalem Conference (Ac 15:10f.). He quotes Ps
143:2. Paul uses [dikaiosunē] in two senses (1) Justification,
on the basis of what Christ has done and obtained by faith. Thus
we are set right with God. Ro 1-5. (2) Sanctification. Actual
goodness as the result of living with and for Christ. Ro 6-8.
The same plan exists for Jew and Gentile.
2:17 We ourselves were found sinners [heurethēmen kai autoi
hamartōloi]. Like the Gentiles, Jews who thought they were not
sinners, when brought close to Christ, found that they were. Paul
felt like the chief of sinners. A minister of sin [hamartias
diakonos]. Objective genitive, a minister to sin. An illogical
inference. We were sinners already in spite of being Jews. Christ
simply revealed to us our sin. God forbid [mē genoito].
Literally, “May it not happen.” Wish about the future [mē] and
the optative).
2:18 A transgressor [parabatēn]. Peter, by his shifts had
contradicted himself helplessly as Paul shows by this condition.
When he lived like a Gentile, he tore down the ceremonial law.
When he lived like a Jew, he tore down salvation by grace.
2:19 I through the law died to the law [egō dia nomou nomōi
apethanon]. Paradoxical, but true. See Rom 7:4,6 for picture
of how the law waked Paul up to his real death to the law through
Christ.
2:20 I have been crucified with Christ [Christōi
sunestaurōmai]. One of Paul’s greatest mystical sayings. Perfect
passive indicative of [sustauroō] with the associative
instrumental case [Christōi]. Paul uses the same word in Ro
6:6 for the same idea. In the Gospels it occurs of literal
crucifixion about the robbers and Christ (Mt 27:44; Mr 15:32;
Joh 19:32). Paul died to the law and was crucified with Christ.
He uses often the idea of dying with Christ (Ga 5:24; 6:14; Ro
6:8; Col 2:20) and burial with Christ also (Ro 6:4; Col 2:12).
No longer I [ouketi egō]. So complete has become Paul’s
identification with Christ that his separate personality is
merged into that of Christ. This language helps one to understand
the victorious cry in Ro 7:25. It is the union of the vine and
the branch (Joh 15:1-6). Which is in the Son of God
[tēi tou
huiou tou theou]. The objective genitive, not the faith of the
Son of God. For me [huper emou]. Paul has the closest
personal feeling toward Christ. “He appropriates to himself, as
Chrysostom observes, the love which belongs equally to the whole
world. For Christ is indeed the personal friend of each man
individually” (Lightfoot).
2:21 I do not make void the grace of God [ouk athetō tēn
charin tou theou]. Common word in LXX and Polybius and on, to
make ineffective [a] privative and [tithēmi], to place or put).
Some critic would charge him with that after his claim to such a
close mystic union with Christ. Then Christ died for nought
[ara Christos dōrean apethanen]. Condition of first class,
assumed as true. If one man apart from grace can win his own
righteousness, any man can and should. Hence [ara], accordingly)
Christ died gratuitously [dōrean], unnecessarily. Adverbial
accusative of [dōrea], a gift. This verse is a complete answer to
those who say that the heathen (or any mere moralist) are saved
by doing the best that they know and can. No one, apart from
Jesus, ever did the best that he knew or could. To be saved by
law [dia nomou] one has to keep all the law that he knows. That
no one ever did.
Chapter 3
3:1 Who did bewitch you? [tis humas ebaskanen?]. Somebody
“fascinated” you. Some aggressive Judaizer (5:7), some one
man
(or woman). First aorist active indicative of [baskainō], old
word kin to [phaskō] [baskō], to speak, then to bring evil on
one by feigned praise or the evil eye (hoodoo), to lead astray by
evil arts. Only here in the N.T. This popular belief in the evil
eye is old (De 28:54) and persistent. The papyri give several
examples of the adjective [abaskanta], the adverb [abaskantōs]
(unharmed by the evil eye), the substantive [baskania]
(witchcraft). Before whose eyes Jesus Christ was openly set
forth crucified [hois kat’ ophthalmous Iēsous Christos
proegraphē estaurōmenos]. Literally, “to whom before your very
eyes Jesus Christ was portrayed as crucified.” Second aorist
passive indicative of [prographō], old verb to write beforehand,
to set forth by public proclamation, to placard, to post up. This
last idea is found in several papyri (Moulton and Milligan’s Vocabulary) as in the case of a father who posted a
proclamation that he would no longer be responsible for his son’s
debts. [Graphō] was sometimes used in the sense of painting, but
no example of [prographō] with this meaning has been found unless
this is one. With that idea it would be to portray, to picture
forth, a rendering not very different from placarding. The
foolish Galatians were without excuse when they fell under the
spell of the Judaizer. [Estaurōmenos] is perfect passive
participle of [stauroō], the common verb to crucify (from [stauros], stake, cross), to put on the cross (Mt 20:19),
same
form as in 1Co 2:2.
3:2 This only [touto monon]. Paul strikes at the heart
of the
problem. He will show their error by the point that the gifts of
the Spirit came by the hearing of faith, not by works of the law.
3:3 Are ye now perfected in the flesh? [nun sarki
epiteleisthe?]. Rather middle voice as in 1Pe 5:9, finishing
of yourselves. There is a double contrast, between [enarxamenoi]
(having begun) and [epiteleisthe] (finishing) as in 2Co 8:6; Php
1:6, and also between “Spirit” [pneumati] and flesh [sarki].
There is keen irony in this thrust.
3:4 Did ye suffer? [epathete?]. Second aorist active
indicative of [paschō], to experience good or ill. But alone, as
here, it often means to suffer ill [tosauta], so many things).
In North Galatia we have no record of persecutions, but we do
have records for South Galatia (Ac 14:2,5,19,22). If it
be
indeed in vain [ei ge kai eikēi]. On [eikēi] see 1Co 15:2; Ga
4:11. Paul clings to hope about them with alternative fears.
3:5 Supplieth [epichorēgōn]. It is God. See on 2Co 9:10
for
this present active participle. Cf. Php 1:19; 2Pe 1:5. Worketh
miracles [energōn dunameis]. On the word [energeō] see 1Th
2:13; 1Co 12:6. It is a great word for God’s activities (Php
2:13). “In you” (Lightfoot) is preferable to “among you” for
[en
humin] (1Co 13:10; Mt 14:2). The principal verb for “doeth
he
it” [poiei] is not expressed. Paul repeats the contrast in
verse 2 about “works of the law” and “the hearing of faith.”
3:6 It was reckoned unto him for righteousness [elogisthē eis
dikaiosunēn]. First aorist passive indicative of [logizomai].
See on 1Co 13:5 for this old word. He quotes Ge 15:6 and uses
it at length in Ro 4:3ff. to prove that the faith of Abraham
was reckoned “for” [eis], good Koinē idiom though more common
in LXX because of the Hebrew) righteousness before he was
circumcised. James (Jas 2:23) quotes the same passage as proof
of Abraham’s obedience to God in offering up Isaac (beginning to
offer him). Paul and James are discussing different episodes in
the life of Abraham. Both are correct.
3:7 The same are sons of Abraham [houtoi huioi eisin
Abraham]. “These are.” This is Paul’s astounding doctrine to
Jews that the real sons of Abraham are those who believe as he
did, “they which be of faith” [hoi ek pisteōs], a common idiom
with Paul for this idea (verse 9; Ro 3:26; 4:16; 14:23), those
whose spiritual sonship springs out of [ek] faith, not out of
blood. John the Baptist denounced the Pharisees and Sadducees as
vipers though descendants of Abraham (Mt 3:7; Lu 3:7) and Jesus
termed the Pharisees children of the devil and not spiritual
children of Abraham (not children of God) in Joh 8:37-44.
3:8 Foreseeing [proidousa]. Second aorist active participle
of [prooraō]. The Scripture is here personified. Alone in this
sense of “sight,” but common with [legei] or [eipen] (says, said)
and really in verse 22 “hath shut up” [sunekleisen]. Would
justify [dikaioi]. Present active indicative, “does justify.”
Preached the gospel beforehand [proeuēggelisato]. First
aorist middle indicative of [proeuaggelizomai] with augment on [a] though both [pro] and [eu] before it in composition. Only
instance in N.T. It occurs in Philo. and Schol. Soph. This
Scripture announced beforehand the gospel on this point of
justification by faith. He quotes the promise to Abraham in Ge
12:3; 18:18, putting [panta ta ethnē] (all the nations) in 18:18 for [pāsai hai phulai] (all the tribes) of the earth.
It
is a crucial passage for Paul’s point, showing that the promise
to Abraham included all the nations of the earth. The verb [eneulogeō] (future passive here) occurs in the LXX and here only
in N.T. (not Ac 3:25 in correct text). In thee [en soi].
“As their spiritual progenitor” (Lightfoot).
3:9 With [sun]. Along with, in fellowship with. The
faithful [tōi pistōi]. Rather, “the believing” (cf. verse 6).
3:10 Under a curse [hupo kataran]. Picture of the curse
hanging over them like a Damocles’ blade. Cf. Ro 3:9 “under
sin” [huph’ hamartian]. The word for “curse” [katara]
is an
old one [kata], down, [ara], imprecation), often in LXX, in N.T.
only here and 13; Jas 3:10; 2Pe 2:14. Paul quotes De 27:26,
the close of the curses on Mt. Ebal. He makes a slight
explanatory modification of the LXX changing [logois] to [gegrammenois en tōi bibliōi]. The idea is made clearer by the
participle [gegrammenois] and [bibliōi] (book). The
curse
becomes effective only when the law is violated. Cursed
[epikataratos]. Verbal adjective from [epikataraomai], to
imprecate curses, late word, common in LXX. In N.T. only here and
verse 13, but in inscriptions also (Deissmann, Light from the
Ancient East, p. 96). The emphasis is on “continueth”
[emmenei] and “all” [pāsin].
3:11 In the sight of God [para tōi theōi]. By the side
of
[para] God, as God looks at it, for the simple reason that no
one except Jesus has ever kept all the law, God’s perfect law.
3:12 The law is not of faith [ho nomos ouk estin ek pisteōs].
Law demands complete obedience and rests not on mercy, faith,
grace.
3:13 Redeemed us [hēmas exēgorasen]. First aorist active
of
the compound verb [exagorazō] (Polybius, Plutarch, Diodorus), to
buy from, to buy back, to ransom. The simple verb [agorazō] (1Co
6:20; 7:23) is used in an inscription for the purchase of slaves
in a will (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient East, p. 324). See
also Ga 4:5; Col 4:5; Eph 5:16. Christ purchased us from the
curse of the law [ek tēs kataras tou nomou]. “Out from [ek]
repeated) under [hupo] in verse 10) the curse of the law.”
Having become a curse for us [genomenos huper hēmōn katara].
Here the graphic picture is completed. We were under [hupo] a
curse, Christ became a curse over [huper] us and so between
us and the overhanging curse which fell on him instead of on us.
Thus he bought us out [ek] and we are free from the curse which
he took on himself. This use of [huper] for substitution is
common in the papyri and in ancient Greek as in the N.T. (Joh
11:50; 2Co 5:14f.). That hangeth on a tree [ho kremamenos
epi
xulou]. Quotation from De 21:23 with the omission of [hupo
theou] (by God). Since Christ was not cursed by God. The allusion
was to exposure of dead bodies on stakes or crosses (Jos
10:26). [Xulon] means wood, not usually tree, though so in Lu
23:31 and in later Greek. It was used of gallows, crosses, etc.
See Ac 5:30; 10:39; 1Pe 2:24. On the present middle participle
from the old verb [kremannumi], to hang, see on Mt 18:6; Ac
5:30.
3:14 That upon the Gentiles [hina eis ta ethnē]. Final
clause
[hina] and [genētai], aorist middle subjunctive). That we might
receive [hina labōmen]. Second final clause coordinate with
the first as in 2Co 9:3. So in Christ we all (Gentile and Jew)
obtain the promise of blessing made to Abraham, through faith.
3:15 After the manner of men [kata anthrōpon]. After the
custom and practice of men, an illustration from life. Though it
be but a man’s covenant, yet when it hath been confirmed [homōs
anthrōpou kekurōmenēn diathēkēn]. Literally, “Yet a man’s
covenant ratified.” On [Diathēkē] as both covenant and will see
on Mt 26:28; 1Co 11:25; 2Co 3:6; Heb 9:16f. On [kuroō], to
ratify, to make valid, see on 2Co 2:8. Perfect passive
participle here, state of completion, authoritative confirmation.
Maketh it void [athetei]. See on 2:21 for this verb. Both
parties can by agreement cancel a contract, but not otherwise.
Addeth thereto [epidiatassetai]. Present middle indicative
of
the double compound verb [epidiatassomai], a word found nowhere
else as yet. But inscriptions use [diatassomai, diataxis,
diatagē, diatagma] with the specialized meaning to “determine by
testamentary disposition” (Deissmann, Light from the Ancient
East, p. 90). It was unlawful to add [epi] fresh clauses
or
specifications [diataxeis].
3:16 But as of one [all’ hōs eph’ henos]. But as in the
case
of one. Which is Christ [hos estin Christos]. Masculine
relative agreeing with [Christos] though [sperma] is neuter. But
the promise to Abraham uses [sperma] as a collective substantive
and applies to all believers (both Jews and Gentiles) as Paul has
shown in verses 7-14, and as of course he knew full well Here
Paul uses a rabbinical refinement which is yet intelligible. The
people of Israel were a type of the Messiah and he gathers up the
promise in its special application to Christ. He does not say
that Christ is specifically referred to in Ge 13:15 or 17:7f.
3:17 Now this I say [touto de legō]. Now I mean this. He
comes back to his main point and is not carried afield by the
special application of [sperma] to Christ. Confirmed beforehand
by God [prokekurōmenēn hupo tou theou]. Perfect passive
participle of [prokuroō], in Byzantine writers and earliest use
here. Nowhere else in N.T. The point is in [pro] and [hupo tou
theou] (by God) and in [meta] (after) as Burton shows.
Four
hundred and thirty years after [meta tetrakosia kai triakonta
etē]. Literally, “after four hundred and thirty years.” This is
the date in Ex 12:40 for the sojourn in Egypt (cf. Ge 15:13).
But the LXX adds words to include the time of the patriarchs in
Canaan in this number of years which would cut the time in Egypt
in two. Cf. Ac 7:6. It is immaterial to Paul’s argument which
chronology is adopted except that “the longer the covenant had
been in force the more impressive is his statement” (Burton).
Doth not disannul [ouk akuroi]. Late verb [akuroō], in
N.T.
only here and Mt 15:6; Mr 7:13 (from [a] privative and [kuros],
authority). On [katargēsai] see 1Co 1:28; 2:6; 15:24,26.
3:18 The inheritance [hē klēronomia]. Old word from [klēronomos], heir [kleros], lot, [nemomai], to distribute). See
on Mt 21:38; Ac 7:5. This came to Israel by the promise to
Abraham, not by the Mosaic law. So with us, Paul argues. Hath
granted [kecharistai]. Perfect middle indicative of [charizomai]. It still holds good after the law came.
3:19 What then is the law? [ti oun ho nomos?]. Or, why
then
the law? A pertinent question if the Abrahamic promise antedates
it and holds on afterwards. It was added because of
transgressions [tōn parabaseōn charin prosetethē]. First
aorist passive of [prostithēmi], old verb to add to. It is only
in apparent contradiction to verses 15ff., because in Paul’s
mind the law is no part of the covenant, but a thing apart “in no
way modifying its provisions” (Burton). [Charin] is the adverbial
accusative of [charis] which was used as a preposition with the
genitive as early as Homer, in favour of, for the sake of. Except
in 1Jo 3:12 it is post-positive in the N.T. as in ancient
Greek. It may be causal (Lu 7:47; 1Jo 3:12) or telic (Tit
1:5, 11; Jude 1:16). It is probably also telic here, not in order
to create transgressions, but rather “to make transgressions
palpable” (Ellicott), “thereby pronouncing them to be from that
time forward transgressions of the law” (Rendall). [Parabasis],
from [parabainō], is in this sense a late word (Plutarch on),
originally a slight deviation, then a wilful disregarding of
known regulations or prohibitions as in Ro 2:23. Till the seed
should come [achris an elthēi to sperma]. Future time with [achris an] and aorist subjunctive (usual construction). Christ
he means by [to sperma] as in verse 16. The promise hath been
made [epēggeltai]. Probably impersonal perfect passive rather
than middle of [epaggellomai] as in II Macc. 4:27. Ordained
through angels [diatageis di’ aggelōn]. Second aorist passive
participle of [diatassō] (see on Mt 11:1). About angels and the
giving of the law see on De 33:2 (LXX); Ac 7:38,52; Heb 2:2;
Josephus (Ant. XV. 5. 3). By the hand of a mediator [en
cheiri mesitou]. [En cheiri] is a manifest Aramaism or Hebraism
and only here in the N.T. It is common in the LXX. [Mesitēs],
from [mesos] is middle or midst, is a late word (Polybius,
Diodorus, Philo, Josephus) and common in the papyri in legal
transactions for arbiter, surety, etc. Here of Moses, but also of
Christ (1Ti 2:5; Heb 8:6; 9:15; 12:24).
3:20 Is not a mediator of one [henos ouk estin]. That is,
a
middleman comes in between two. The law is in the nature of a
contract between God and the Jewish people with Moses as the
mediator or middleman. But God is one [ho de theos heis
estin]. There was no middleman between God and Abraham. He made
the promise directly to Abraham. Over 400 interpretations of this
verse have been made!
3:21 Against the promises [kata tōn epaggeliōn]. A pertinent
question again. Far from it [mē genoito]. Which could make
alive [ho dunamenos zōopoiēsai]. First aorist active
infinitive of [zōopoieō], late compound [zōos], alive,
[poieō],
to make) verb for which see 1Co 15:22. Spiritual life, he
means, here and hereafter. Verily [ontōs]. “Really” (cf. Mr
11:32; Lu 24:34). Condition and conclusion [an ēn] of second
class, determined as unfulfilled. He had already said that Christ
died to no purpose in that case (2:21).
3:22 Hath shut up [sunekleisen]. Did shut together. First
aorist active indicative of [sunkleiō], old verb to shut
together, on all sides, completely as a shoal of fish in a net
(Lu 5:6). So verse 23; Ro 11:32. Under sin [hupo
hamartian]. See [hupo kataran] in verse 10. As if the lid
closed in on us over a massive chest that we could not open or as
prisoners in a dungeon. He uses [ta panta] (the all things), the
totality of everything. See Ro 3:10-19; 11:32. That [hina].
God’s purpose, personifying scripture again. Might be given
[dothēi]. First aorist passive subjunctive of [didōmi] with [hina].
3:23 Before faith came [pro tou elthein tēn pistin]. “Before
the coming (second aorist active infinitive of [erchomai],
definite event) as to the Faith” (note article, meaning the faith
in verse 22 made possible by the historic coming of Christ the
Redeemer), the faith in Christ as Saviour (verse 22). We were
kept in ward under the law [huper nomon ephrouroumetha].
Imperfect passive of [phroureō], to guard (from [phrouros], a
guard). See on Ac 9:24; 2Co 11:32. It was a long progressive
imprisonment. Unto the faith which should afterwards be
revealed [eis tēn mellousan pistin apokaluphthēnai]. “Unto
the
faith (verse 22 again) about to be revealed.” [Mellō] and the
first aorist passive infinitive (regular idiom).
3:24 Our tutor unto Christ [paidagōgos humōn eis Christon].
See 1Co 4:15 for the only other N.T. example of this old and
common word for the slave employed in Greek and Roman families of
the better class in charge of the boy from about six to sixteen.
The paedagogue watched his behaviour at home and attended him
when he went away from home as to school. Christ is our
Schoolmaster and the law as paedagogue kept watch over us till we
came to Christ. That we might be justified by faith [hina ek
pisteōs dikaiōthōmen]. This is the ultimate purpose of the law
as paedagogue. Now that faith is come [elthousēs tēs
pisteōs]. Genitive absolute, “the faith (the time of the faith
spoken of in verse 23) having come.” Under a tutor [hupo
paidagōgon]. The pedagogue is dismissed. We are in the school of
the Master.
3:26 For ye are all sons of God [pantes gar huioi theou
este]. Both Jews and Gentiles (3:14) and in the same
way
“through faith in Christ Jesus” [dia tēs pisteōs en Christōi
Iēsou]. There is no other way to become “sons of God” in the
full ethical and spiritual sense that Paul means, not mere
physical descendants of Abraham, but “sons of Abraham,” “those by
faith” (verse 7). The Jews are called by Jesus “the sons of the
Kingdom” (Mt 8:12) in privilege, but not in fact. God is the
Father of all men as Creator, but the spiritual Father only of
those who by faith in Christ Jesus receive “adoption”
[huiothesia] into his family (verse 5; Ro 8:15,23). Those led
by the Spirit are sons of God (Ro 8:14).
3:27 Were baptized into Christ [eis Christon ebaptisthēte].
First aorist passive indicative of [baptizō]. Better, “were
baptized unto Christ” in reference to Christ. Did put on Christ
[Christon enedusasthe]. First aorist middle indicative of [enduō] [-nō]. As a badge or uniform of service like that of
the soldier. This verb is common in the sense of putting on
garments (literally and metaphorically as here). See further in
Paul (Ro 13:14; Col 3:9f.; Eph 4:22-24; 6:11,14). In 1Th 5:8
Paul speaks of “putting on the breastplate of righteousness.” He
does not here mean that one enters into Christ and so is saved by
means of baptism after the teaching of the mystery religions, but
just the opposite. We are justified by faith in Christ, not by
circumcision or by baptism. But baptism was the public profession
and pledge, the soldier’s sacramentum, oath of fealty to
Christ, taking one’s stand with Christ, the symbolic picture of
the change wrought by faith already (Ro 6:4-6).
3:28 There can be neither [ouk eni]. Not a shortened form
of [enesti], but the old lengthened form of [en] with recessive
accent. So [ouk eni] means “there is not” rather than “there
cannot be,” a statement of a fact rather than a possibility, as
Burton rightly shows against Lightfoot. One man [heis].
No
word for “man” in the Greek, and yet [heis] is masculine, not
neuter [hen]. “One moral personality” (Vincent). The point is
that “in Christ Jesus” race or national distinctions (“neither
Jew nor Greek”) do not exist, class differences (“neither bond
nor free,” no proletarianism and no capitalism) vanish, sex
rivalry (“no male and female”) disappears. This radical statement
marks out the path along which Christianity was to come in the
sphere [en] and spirit and power of Christ. Candour compels one
to confess that this goal has not yet been fully attained. But we
are on the road and there is no hope on any way than on “the
Jesus Road.”
3:29 If ye are Christ’s [ei de humeis Christou]. This is
the
test, not the accident of blood, pride of race or nation,
habiliments or environment of dress or family, whether man or
woman. Thus one comes to belong to the seed of Abraham and to be
an heir according to promise.
Chapter 4
4:1 So long as [eph’ hoson chronon]. “For how long a
time,”
incorporation of the antecedent [chronon] into the relative
clause. The heir [ho klēronomos]. Old word [klēros],
lot, [nemomai], to possess). Illustration from the law of inheritance
carrying on the last thought in 3:29. A child [nēpios]. One
that does not talk [nē, epos], word). That is a minor, an
infant, immature intellectually and morally in contrast with [teleioi], full grown (1Co 3:1; 14:20; Php 3:15; Eph 4:13).
From a bondservant [doulou]. Slave. Ablative case of
comparison after [diapherei] for which verb see on Mt 6:26.
Though he is lord of all [Kurios pantōn ōn]. Concessive
participle [ōn], “being legally owner of all” (one who has the
power, [ho echōn kuros].
4:2 Under guardians [hupo epitropous]. Old word from [epitrepō], to commit, to intrust. So either an overseer (Mt
20:8) or one in charge of children as here. It is common as the
guardian of an orphan minor. Frequent in the papyri as guardian
of minors. Stewards [oikonomous]. Old word for manager
of a
household whether freeborn or slave. See Lu 12:42; 1Co 4:2.
Papyri show it as manager of an estate and also as treasurer like Ro 16:23. No example is known where this word is used of one in
charge of a minor and no other where both occur together. Until
the time appointed of the father [achri tēs prothesmias tou
patros]. Supply [hēmeras] (day), for [prothesmios] is an
old
adjective “appointed beforehand” [pro, thesmos], from [tithēmi]. Under Roman law the tutor had charge of the child
till he was fourteen when the curator took charge of him till he
was twenty-five. Ramsay notes that in Graeco-Phrygia cities the
same law existed except that the father in Syria appointed both
tutor and curator whereas the Roman father appointed only the
tutor. Burton argues plausibly that no such legal distinction is
meant by Paul, but that the terms here designate two functions of
one person. The point does not disturb Paul’s illustration at
all.
4:3 When we were children [hote ēmen nēpioi]. Before the
epoch of faith came and we (Jews and Gentiles) were under the law
as paedagogue, guardian, steward, to use all of Paul’s metaphors.
We were held in bondage [hēmeis ēmetha dedoulōmenoi].
Periphrastic past perfect of [douloō], to enslave, in a permanent
state of bondage. Under the rudiments of the world [hupo ta
stoicheia tou kosmou]. [Stoichos] is row or rank, a series. So [stoicheion] is any first thing in a [stoichos] like the letters
of the alphabet, the material elements in the universe (2Pe
3:10), the heavenly bodies (some argue for that here), the
rudiments of any act (Heb 5:12; Ac 15:10; Ga 5:1; 4:3,9; Col
2:8,20). The papyri illustrate all the varieties in meaning of
this word. Burton has a valuable excursus on the word in his
commentary. Probably here (Lightfoot) Paul has in mind the
rudimentary character of the law as it applies to both Jews and
Gentiles, to all the knowledge of the world [kosmos] as the
orderly material universe as in Col 2:8,20). See on Mt 13:38;
Ac 17:24; 1Co 3:22. All were in the elementary stage before
Christ came.
4:4 The fulness of the time [to plērōma tou chronou]. Old
word from [plēroō], to fill. Here the complement of the preceding
time as in Eph 1:10. Some examples in the papyri in the sense
of complement, to accompany. God sent forth his preexisting Son
(Php 2:6) when the time for his purpose had come like the [prothesmia] of verse 2. Born of a woman [genomenon ek
gunaikos]. As all men are and so true humanity, “coming from a
woman.” There is, of course, no direct reference here to the
Virgin Birth of Jesus, but his deity had just been affirmed by
the words “his Son” [ton huion autou], so that both his deity
and humanity are here stated as in Ro 1:3. Whatever view one
holds about Paul’s knowledge of the Virgin Birth of Christ one
must admit that Paul believed in his actual personal preexistence
with God (2Co 8:9; Php 2:5-11), not a mere existence in idea.
The fact of the Virgin Birth agrees perfectly with the language
here. Born under the law [genomenon hupo nomon]. He not
only
became a man, but a Jew. The purpose [hina] of God thus was
plainly to redeem [exagorasēi], as in 3:13) those under the
law, and so under the curse. The further purpose [hina] was
that we (Jew and Gentile) might receive [apolabōmen], second
aorist active subjunctive of [apolambanō], not get back (Lu
15:27), but get from [apo] God the adoption [tēn
huiothesian]. Late word common in the inscriptions (Deissmann, Bible Studies, p. 239) and occurs in the papyri also and in
Diogenes Laertes, though not in LXX. Paul adopts this current
term to express his idea (he alone in the N.T.) as to how God
takes into his spiritual family both Jews and Gentiles who
believe. See also Ro 8:15,23; 9:4; Eph 1:5. The Vulgate uses adoptio filiorum. It is a metaphor like the others above, but a
very expressive one.
4:6 Because ye are sons [hoti este huioi]. This is the
reason
for sending forth the Son (4:4 and here). We were “sons” in
God’s elective purpose and love. [Hoti] is causal (1Co 12:15; Ro
9:7). The Spirit of his Son [to pneuma tou huioi autou].
The
Holy Spirit, called the Spirit of Christ (Ro 8:9f.), the Spirit
of Jesus Christ (Php 1:19). The Holy Spirit proceeds from the
Father and from the Son (Joh 15:26). Crying, Abba, Father
[krazon Abba ho patēr]. The participle agrees with [pneuma]
neuter (grammatical gender), not neuter in fact. An old, though
rare in present as here, onomatopoetic word to croak as a raven
(Theophrastus, like Poe’s The Raven), any inarticulate cry like
“the unuttered groanings” of Ro 8:26 which God understands.
This cry comes from the Spirit of Christ in our hearts. [Abba] is
the Aramaic word for father with the article and [ho patēr]
translates it. The articular form occurs in the vocative as in Joh 20:28. It is possible that the repetition here and in Ro
8:15 may be “a sort of affectionate fondness for the very term
that Jesus himself used” (Burton) in the Garden of Gethsemane
(Mr 14:36). The rabbis preserve similar parallels. Most of
the
Jews knew both Greek and Aramaic. But there remains the question
why Jesus used both in his prayer. Was it not natural for both
words to come to him in his hour of agony as in his childhood?
The same thing may be true here in Paul’s case.
4:7 No longer a bondservant [ouketi doulos]. Slave. He
changes to the singular to drive the point home to each one. The
spiritual experience (3:2) has set each one free. Each is now
a
son and heir.
4:8 To them which by nature are not gods [tois phusei mē ousi
theois]. In 1Co 10:20 he terms them “demons,” the “so-called
gods” (1Co 8:5), worshipping images made by hands (Ac
17:29).
4:9 Now that ye have come to know God [nun de gnontes].
Fine
example of the ingressive second aorist active participle of [ginōskō], come to know by experience through faith in Christ.
Rather to be known of God [mallon de gnōsthentes hupo theou].
First aorist passive participle of the same verb. He quickly
turns it round to the standpoint of God’s elective grace reaching
them (verse 6). How [pōs]. “A question full of wonder”
(Bengel). See 1:6. Turn ye back again? [epistrephete
palin?]. Present active indicative, “Are ye turning again?” See [metatithesthe] in 1:6. The weak and beggarly rudiments [ta
asthenē kai ptōcha stoicheia]. The same [stoicheia] in verse 3
from which they had been delivered, “weak and beggarly,” still in
their utter impotence from the Pharisaic legalism and the
philosophical and religious legalism and the philosophical and
religious quests of the heathen as shown by Angus’s The
Religious Quests of the Graeco-Roman World. These were eagerly
pursued by many, but they were shadows when caught. It is pitiful
today to see some men and women leave Christ for will o’ the
wisps of false philosophy. Over again [palin anōthen].
Old
word, from above [anō] as in Mt 27:51, from the first (Lu 1:3),
then “over again” as here, back to where they were before
(in slavery to rites and rules).
4:10 Ye observe [paratēreisthe]. Present middle indicative
of
old verb to stand beside and watch carefully, sometimes with evil
intent as in Lu 6:7, but often with scrupulous care as here (so
in Dio Cassius and Josephus). The meticulous observance of the
Pharisees Paul knew to a nicety. It hurt him to the quick after
his own merciful deliverance to see these Gentile Christians
drawn into this spider-web of Judaizing Christians, once set
free, now enslaved again. Paul does not itemize the “days”
(Sabbaths, fast-days, feast-days, new moons) nor the “months”
(Isa 66:23) which were particularly observed in the exile nor
the “seasons” (passover, pentecost, tabernacles, etc.) nor the
“years” (sabbatical years every seventh year and the Year of
Jubilee). Paul does not object to these observances for he kept
them himself as a Jew. He objected to Gentiles taking to them as
a means of salvation.
4:11 I am afraid of you [phoboumai humas]. He shudders
to
think of it. Lest by any means I have bestowed labour upon you
in vain [mē pōs eikēi kekopiaka eis humas]. Usual construction
after a verb of fearing about what has actually happened [mē
pōs] and the perfect active indicative of [kopiaō], to toil
wearily). A fear about the future would be expressed by the
subjunctive. Paul fears that the worst has happened.
4:12 Be as I am [ginesthe hōs egō]. Present middle
imperative, “Keep on becoming as I am.” He will not give them
over, afraid though he is.
4:13 Because of an infirmity of the flesh [di’ astheneian tēs
sarkos]. All that we can get from this statement is the fact
that Paul’s preaching to the Galatians “the first time” or “the
former time” [to proteron], adverbial accusative) was due to
sickness of some kind whether it was eye trouble (4:15) which
was a trial to them or to the thorn in the flesh (2Co 12:7)
we
do not know. It can be interpreted as applying to North Galatia
or to South Galatia if he had an attack of malaria on coming up
from Perga. But the narrative in Ac 13; 14 does not read as if
Paul had planned to pass by Pisidia and by Lycaonia but for the
attack of illness. The Galatians understood the allusion for Paul
says “Ye know” [oidate].
4:14 A temptation to you in my flesh [ton peirasmon humōn en
tēi sarki mou]. “Your temptation (or trial) in my flesh.”
Peirasmon can be either as we see in Jas 1:2, 12ff. If trial
here, it was a severe one. Nor rejected [oude exeptusate].
First aorist active indicative of [ekptuō], old word to spit out
(Homer), to spurn, to loathe. Here only in N.T. Clemen
(Primitive Christianity, p. 342) thinks it should be taken
literally here since people spat out as a prophylactic custom at
the sight of invalids especially epileptics. But Plutarch uses it
of mere rejection. As an angel of God [hōs aggelon theou],
as Christ Jesus [hōs Christon Iēsoun]. In spite of his
illness and repulsive appearance, whatever it was. Not a mere
“messenger” of God, but a very angel, even as Christ Jesus. We
know that at Lystra Paul was at first welcomed as Hermes the god
of oratory (Ac 14:12f.). But that narrative hardly applies
to
these words, for they turned against Paul and Barnabas then and
there at the instigation of Jews from Antioch in Pisidia and
Iconium.
4:15 That gratulation of yourselves [ho makarismos humōn].
“Your felicitation.” Rare word from [makarizō], to pronounce
happy, in Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch. See also Ro 4:6, 9. You no
longer felicitate yourselves on my presence with you. Ye would
have plucked out your eves and given them to me [tous
ophthalmous humōn exoruxantes edōkate moi]. This is the
conclusion of a condition of the second class without [an]
expressed which would have made it clearer. But see Joh
16:22,24; Ro 7:7 for similar examples where the context makes it
plain without [an]. It is strong language and is saved from
hyperbole by “if possible” [ei dunaton]. Did Paul not have at
this time serious eye trouble?
4:16 Your enemy [echthros humōn]. Active sense of [echthros],
hater with objective genitive. They looked on Paul now as an
enemy to them. So the Pharisees and Judaizers generally now
regarded him. Because I tell you the truth [alētheuōn humin].
Present active participle of [alētheuō], old verb from [alēthēs],
true. In N.T. only here and Eph 4:15. “Speaking the truth.” It
is always a risky business to speak the truth, the whole truth.
It may hit and hurt.
4:17 They zealously seek you [zēlousin humas]. [Zēloō]
is an
old and a good word from [zēlos] (zeal, jealousy), but one can
pay court with good motives or evil. So here in contrast with
Paul’s plain speech the Judaizers bring their fawning flattery.
To shut you out [ekkleisai humas]. From Christ as he will
show (5:4). That ye may seek them [hina autous
zēloute].
Probably present active indicative with [hina] as in [phusiousthe] (1Co 4:6) and [ginōskomen] (1Jo
5:20). The
contraction [-oēte] would be [-ōte], not [-oute] (Robertson, Grammar, p. 325).
4:18 To be zealously sought in a good matter [zēlousthai en
kalōi]. Present passive infinitive. It is only in an evil matter
that it is bad as here [ou kalos]. When I am present [en tōi
pareinai me]. “In the being present as to me.”
4:19 I am in travail [ōdinō]. I am in birth pangs. Old
word
for this powerful picture of pain. In N.T. only here, verse 27;
Re 12:2. Until Christ be formed in you [mechris hou
morphōthēi Christos en humin]. Future temporal clause with [mechris hou] (until which time) and the first aorist passive
subjunctive of [morphoō], late and rare verb, in Plutarch, not in
LXX, not in papyri, only here in N.T. This figure is the embryo
developing into the child. Paul boldly represents himself as
again the mother with birth pangs over them. This is better than
to suppose that the Galatians are pregnant mothers (Burton) by a
reversal of the picture as in 1Th 2:7.
4:20 I could with [ēthelon]. Imperfect active, I was wishing
like Agrippa’s use of [eboulomēn] in Ac 25:22, “I was just
wishing. I was longing to be present with you just now [arti].”
To change my voice [allaxai tēn phōnēn mou]. Paul could
put
his heart into his voice. The pen stands between them. He knew
the power of his voice on their hearts. He had tried it before.
I am perplexed [aporoumai]. I am at a loss and know not
what
to do. [Aporeō] is from [a] privative and [poros], way. I am lost
at this distance from you. About you [en humin]. In your
cases. For this use of [en] see 2Co 7:16; Ga 1:24.
4:21 That desire to be under the law [hoi hupo nomon thelontes
einai]. “Under law” (no article), as in 3:23;
4:4, legalistic
system. Paul views them as on the point of surrender to legalism,
as “wanting” [thelontes] to do it (1:6; 3:3;
4:11, 17). Paul
makes direct reference to these so disposed to “hear the law.” He
makes a surprising turn, but a legitimate one for the legalists
by an allegorical use of Scripture.
4:22 By the handmaid [ek tēs paidiskēs]. From Ge 16:1.
Feminine diminutive of [pais], boy or slave. Common word for
damsel which came to be used for female slave or maidservant (Lu
12:45) or doorkeeper like Mt 26:29. So in the papyri.
4:23 Is born [gegennētai]. Perfect passive indicative of [gennaō], stand on record so. Through promise [di’
epaggelias]. In addition to being “after the flesh” [kata
sarka].
4:24 Which things contain an allegory [hatina estin
allēgoroumena]. Literally, “Which things are allegorized”
(periphrastic present passive indicative of [allēgoreō]. Late
word (Strabo, Plutarch, Philo, Josephus, ecclesiastical writers),
only here in N.T. The ancient writers used [ainittomai] to speak
in riddles. It is compounded of [allo], another, and [agoreuō],
to speak, and so means speaking something else than what the
language means, what Philo, the past-master in the use of
allegory, calls the deeper spiritual sense. Paul does not deny
the actual historical narrative, but he simply uses it in an
allegorical sense to illustrate his point for the benefit of his
readers who are tempted to go under the burden of the law. He
puts a secondary meaning on the narrative just as he uses [tupikōs] in 1Co 10:11 of the narrative. We need not press
unduly the difference between allegory and type, for each is used
in a variety of ways. The allegory in one sense is a speaking
parable like Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress, the Prodigal Son in Lu 15, the Good Shepherd in
Joh 10. But allegory was also
used by Philo and by Paul here for a secret meaning not obvious
at first, one not in the mind of the writer, like our
illustration which throws light on the point. Paul was familiar
with this rabbinical method of exegesis (Rabbi Akiba, for
instance, who found a mystical sense in every hook and crook of
the Hebrew letters) and makes skilful use of that knowledge here.
Christian preachers in Alexandria early fell victims to Philo’s
allegorical method and carried it to excess without regard to the
plain sense of the narrative. That startling style of preaching
survives yet to the discredit of sound preaching. Please observe
that Paul says here that he is using allegory, not ordinary
interpretation. It is not necessary to say that Paul intended his
readers to believe that this allegory was designed by the
narrative. He illustrates his point by it. For these are
[hautai gar eisin]. Allegorically interpreted, he means. From
Mount Sinai [apo orous Sinā]. Spoken from Mount Sinai.
Bearing [gennōsa]. Present active participle of [gennaō],
to
beget of the male (Mt 1:1-16), more rarely as here to bear
of
the female (Lu 1:13, 57). Which is Hagar [hētis
estin
Hagar]. Allegorically interpreted.
4:25 This Hagar [to Hagar]. Neuter article and so referring
to the word Hagar (not to the woman, [hē] Hagar) as applied to
the mountain. There is great variety in the MSS. here. The
Arabians are descendants of Abraham and Hagar (her name meaning
wanderer or fugitive). Answereth to [suntoichei].
Late word
in Polybius for keeping step in line (military term) and in
papyri in figurative sense as here. Lightfoot refers to the
Pythagorean parallels of opposing principles [sunstoichiai] as
shown here by Paul (Hagar and Sarah, Ishmael and Isaac, the old
covenant and the new covenant, the earthly Jerusalem and the
heavenly Jerusalem). That is true, and there is a correlative
correspondence as the line is carried on.
4:26 The Jerusalem that is above [hē anō Ierousalēm]. Paul
uses the rabbinical idea that the heavenly Jerusalem corresponds
to the one here to illustrate his point without endorsing their
ideas. See also Re 21:2. He uses the city of Jerusalem to
represent the whole Jewish race (Vincent).
4:27 Which is our mother [hētis estin mētēr hēmōn]. The
mother of us Christians, apply the allegory of Hagar and Sarah to
us. The Jerusalem above is the picture of the Kingdom of God.
Paul illustrates the allegory by quoting Isa 54:1, a song of
triumph looking for deliverance from a foreign yoke. Rejoice
[euphranthēti]. First aorist passive imperative of [euphrainō].
Break forth [rēxon]. First aorist active imperative of [rēgnumi], to rend, to burst asunder. Supply [euphrosunēn] (joy)
as in Isa 49:13. The desolate [tēs erēmou]. The prophet
refers to Sarah’s prolonged barrenness and Paul uses this fact as
a figure for the progress and glory of Christianity (the new
Jerusalem of freedom) in contrast with the old Jerusalem of
bondage (the current Judaism). His thought has moved rapidly, but
he does not lose his line.
4:28 Now we [hēmeis de]. Some MSS. have [humeis de] (now ye).
In either case Paul means that Christians (Jews and Gentiles) are
children of the promise as Isaac was [kata Isaak], after the
manner of Isaac).
4:29 Persecuted [ediōken]. Imperfect active of [diōkō],
to
pursue, to persecute. Ge 21:9 has in Hebrew “laughing,” but the
LXX has “mocking.” The Jewish tradition represents Ishmael as
shooting arrows at Isaac. So now [houtos kai nun] the Jews
were persecuting Paul and all Christians (1Th 2:15f.).
4:30 Cast out [ekbale]. Second aorist active imperative
of [ekballō]. Quotation from Ge 21:10 (Sarah to Abraham) and
confirmed in 21:12 by God’s command to Abraham. Paul gives
allegorical warning thus to the persecuting Jews and Judaizers.
Shall not inherit [ou mē klēronomēsei]. Strong negative
[ou
mē] and future indicative). “The law and the gospel cannot
co-exist. The law must disappear before the gospel” (Lightfoot).
See 3:18, 29 for the word “inherit.”
4:31 But of the freewoman [alla tēs eleutheras]. We are
children of Abraham by faith (3:7).
Chapter 5
5:1 With freedom [tēi eleutheriāi]. Rather dative case
instead of instrumental, “for freedom,” “for the (article)
freedom that belongs to us children of the freewoman” (4:31).
Did Christ set us free [hēmas Christos ēleutherōsen].
Effective aorist active indicative of [eleutheroō] (from [erchomai], to go, go free). Stand fast therefore [stēkete
oun]. See on Mr 3:31; 1Co 16:13 for this late word from
perfect stem of [histēmi], “keep on standing therefore,” “stay
free since Christ set you free.” Be not entangled again [mē
palin enechesthe]. “Stop being held in by a yoke of bondage.”
Common word for ensnare by trap. The Judaizers were trying to
lasso the Galatians for the old yoke of Judaism.
5:2 I Paul [egō Paulos]. Asserts all his personal and
apostolic authority. For both words see also 1Th 2:16; 2Co 10:1;
Col 1:23; Eph 3:1. If ye receive circumcision [ean
peritemnēsthe]. Condition of third class and present passive
subjunctive, a supposable case, but with terrible consequences,
for they will make circumcision a condition of salvation. In that
case Christ will help them not at all.
5:3 A debtor [opheiletēs]. Common word from [opheilō], to owe
for one who has assumed an obligation. See on Mt 6:12. See Ga 3:10. He takes the curse on himself.
5:4 Ye are severed from Christ [katērgēthēte apo Christou].
First aorist passive of [katargeō], to make null and void as in Ro 7:2,6. Who would be justified by the law [hoitines en
nomōi dikaiousthe]. Present passive conative indicative, “ye who
are trying to be justified in the law.” Ye are fallen away from
grace [tēs charitos exepesate]. Second aorist active
indicative of [ekpiptō] (with [a] variable vowel of the first
aorist) and followed by the ablative case. “Ye did fall out of
grace,” “ye left the sphere of grace in Christ and took your
stand in the sphere of law” as your hope of salvation. Paul does
not mince words and carries the logic to the end of the course.
He is not, of course, speaking of occasional sins, but he has in
mind a far more serious matter, that of substituting law for
Christ as the agent in salvation.
5:5 For we [hēmeis gar]. We Christians as opposed to the
legalists. Through the Spirit by faith [pneumati ek pisteōs].
By the Spirit (Holy Spirit) out of faith (not law).
Clear-cut
repetition to make it plain.
5:6 Availeth anything [ischuei ti]. Old word to have strength
[isch–s]. See on Mt 5:13. Neither Jew nor Greek has any
recommendation in his state. See 3:28. All stand on a level in
Christ. Faith working through love [pistis di’ agapēs
energoumenē]. Middle voice of [energeō] and “through love,” “the
moral dynamic” (Burton) of Paul’s conception of freedom from law.
5:7 Who did hinder you? [tis humas enekopsen?]. First aorist
active indicative of [enkoptō], to cut in on one, for all the
world like our use of one cutting in on us at the telephone. For
this late verb see on Ac 24:4; 1Th 2:18. Note the singular [tis]. There was some ringleader in the business. Some one “cut
in” on the Galatians as they were running the Christian race and
tried to trip them or to turn them.
5:8 This persuasion [hē peismonē]. “The art of persuasion,”
the effort of the Judaizers to persuade you. Only here and in
ecclesiastical writers.
5:9 This proverb Paul has in 1Co 5:6. It is merely the
pervasive power of leaven that is involved in the proverb as in Mt 13:33, not the use of leaven as a symbol of evil.
5:10 Whosoever he be [hostis ean ēi]. Indefinite relative
clause with [ean] and subjunctive. It seems unlikely that Paul
knew precisely who the leader was. In 1:6 he uses the plural of
the same verb [tarassō] and see also [anastatountes] in verse 12.
5:11 Why am I still persecuted? [ti eti diōkomai?]. Some
of
the Judaizers even circulated the slander that Paul preached
circumcision in order to ruin his influence.
5:12 I would [ophelon]. Would that, used as conjunction
in
wishes. See on 1Co 4:2; 2Co 11:1. Here a wish about the future
with future indicative. They which unsettle you [hoi
anastatountes humas]. Late verb from [anastatos], driven from
one’s abode, and in papyri in this sense as well as in sense of
upsetting or disturbing one’s mind (boy’s letter) as here. In Ac
17:6; 21:38 we have it in sense of making a commotion. Cut
themselves off [apokopsontai]. Future middle of [apokoptō],
old word to cut off as in Ac 27:32, here to mutilate.
5:13 Ye were called for freedom [ep’ eleutheriāi eklēthēte].
The same point as in 5:1 made plainer by the use of [ep’] (on
the basis of, for the purpose of). See 1Th 4:7 for this use of [epi]. Only use not [monon mē]. No word for “use” in the
Greek. Probably supply [trepete] or [strephete], “turn not your
liberty into an occasion for the flesh” [eis aphormēn tēi
sarki], as a spring board for license. On [aphormē], see on 2Co
5:12. Liberty so easily turns to license.
5:14 Even in this [en tōi]. Just the article with [en],
“in
the,” but it points at the quotation from Le 19:18. Jews (Lu
10:29) confined “neighbour” [plēsion] to Jews. Paul uses
here
a striking paradox by urging obedience to the law against which
he has been arguing, but this is the moral law as proof of the
new love and life. See also Ro 13:8, precisely as Jesus did
(Mt 22:40).
5:15 If ye bite and devour one another [ei allēlous daknete
kai katesthiete]. Condition of first class assumed as true. Two
common and old verbs often used together of wild animals, or like
cats and dogs. That ye be not consumed one of another [mē hup’
allēlōn analōthēte]. Negative final clause with first aorist
passive subjunctive of [analiskō], old word to consume or spend.
In N.T. only here and Lu 9:54. There is a famous story of two
snakes that grabbed each other by the tail and each swallowed the
other.
5:16 Ye shall not fulfil [ou mē telesēte]. Rather, “Ye
will
not fulfil.” Strong double negative with aorist active
subjunctive. The lust of the flesh [epithumian sarkos].
Bad
sense here as usual in Paul, but not so in 1Th 2:17; Php 1:23.
The word is just craving or longing (from [epi, thumos], yearning
after).
5:17 Lusteth against [epithumei kata]. Like a tug of war.
This use of [sarx] as opposed to the Spirit (Holy Spirit)
personifies [sarx]. Lightfoot argues that [epithumei] cannot be
used with the Spirit and so some other verb must be supplied for
it. But that is wholly needless, for the verb, like [epithumia],
does not mean evil desire, but simply to long for. Christ and
Satan long for the possession of the city of Man Soul as Bunyan
shows. Are contrary the one to the other [allēlois
antikeitai]. Are lined up in conflict, face to face [anti-],
a
spiritual duel (cf. Christ’s temptations), with dative case of
personal interest [allēlois]. That ye may not do [hina mē
poiēte]. “That ye may not keep on doing” (present active
subjunctive of [poieō]. That ye would [ha ean thelēte].
“Whatever ye wish” (indefinite relative with [ean] and present
subjunctive).
5:18 Under the law [hupo nomon]. Instead of “under the
flesh”
as one might expect. See Ga 3:2-6 for contrast between law and
spirit. The flesh made the law weak (Rom 8:3; Heb 9:10,13).
They are one and the same in result. See same idea in Ro 8:14.
Note present tense of [agesthe] (if you are continually led by
the Spirit). See verse 23.
5:19 Manifest [phanera]. Opposed to “hidden” [krupta].
Ancient writers were fond of lists of vices and virtues. Cf.
Stalker’s sermons on The Seven Cardinal Virtues and The Seven
Deadly Sins. There are more than seven in this deadly list in
verses 19-21. He makes the two lists in explanation of the
conflict in verse 17 to emphasize the command in verses 13f.
There are four groups in Paul’s list of manifest vices: (1)
Sensual sins like fornication [porneia], prostitution,
harlotry), uncleanness [akatharsia], moral impurity),
lasciviousness [aselgeia], wantonness), sexual vice of all kinds
prevailed in heathenism. (2) Idolatry [eidōlatreia], worship
of
idols) and witchcraft [pharmakeia] from [pharmakon], a drug, the
ministering of drugs), but the sorcerers monopolized the word for
a while in their magical arts and used it in connection with
idolatry. In N.T. only here and Re 18:23. See Ac 19:19 [perierga], curious arts. (3) Personal relations expressed by
eight words, all old words, sins of the spirit, like enmities
[exthrai], personal animosities), strife [eris], rivalry,
discord), jealousies [zēlos] or [zēloi], MSS. vary, our very
word), wraths [thumoi], stirring emotions, then explosions),
factions [eritheiai], from [erithos], day labourer for hire,
worker in wool, party spirit), divisions [dichostasiai], splits
in two, [dicha] and [stasis], heresies [haireseis], the very
word, but really choosings from [haireomai], preferences),
envyings [phthonoi], feelings of ill-will). Surely a lively
list. (4) Drunkenness [methai], old word and plural,
drunken
excesses, in N.T. only here and Lu 21:34; Ro 13:13), revellings
[kōmoi], old word also for drinking parties like those in honour
of Bacchus, in N.T. only here and Ro 13:13; 1Pe 4:3). And such
like [kai ta homoia toutois]. And the things like these
(associative instrumental [toutois] after [homoia], like). It is
not meant to be exhaustive, but it is representative.
5:21 Forewarn [prolegō] —did forewarn [proeipon].
Paul
repeats his warning given while with them. He did his duty then.
Gentile churches were peculiarly subject to these sins. But who
is not in danger from them? Practise [prassontes]. [Prassō]
is the verb for habitual practice (our very word, in fact), not [poieō] for occasional doing. The habit of these sins is proof
that one is not in the Kingdom of God and will not inherit it.
5:22 The fruit of the Spirit [ho karpos tou pneumatos].
Paul
changes the figure from works [erga] in verse 19 to fruit
as the normal out-cropping of the Holy Spirit in us. It is a
beautiful tree of fruit that Paul pictures here with nine
luscious fruits on it: Love [agapē]. Late, almost Biblical
word. First as in 1Co 13, which see for discussion as superior
to [philia] and [erōs]. Joy [chara]. Old word. See on 1Th
1:6. Peace [eirēnē]. See on 1Th 1:1. Long-suffering
[makrothumia]. See on 2Co 6:6. Kindness [chrēstotēs].
See
on 2Co 6:6. Goodness [agathōsunē]. See on 2Th 1:11.
Faithfulness [pistis]. Same word as “faith.” See on Mt
23:33; 1Co 13:7,13. Meekness [prautēs]. See on 1Co 4:21;
2Co 10:1. Temperance [egkrateia]. See on Ac 24:25. Old
word from [egkratēs], one holding control or holding in. In N.T.
only in these passages and 2Pe 1:6. Paul has a better list than
the four cardinal virtues of the Stoics (temperance, prudence,
fortitude, justice), though they are included with better notes
struck. Temperance is alike, but kindness is better than justice,
long-suffering than fortitude, love than prudence.
5:24 Crucified the flesh [tēn sarka estaurōsan]. Definite
event, first aorist active indicative of [stauroō] as in 2:19
(mystical union with Christ). Paul uses [sarx] here in the same
sense as in verses 16, 17, 19, “the force in men that makes for
evil” (Burton). With [sun]. “Together with,”
emphasizing “the
completeness of the extermination of this evil force” and the
guarantee of victory over one’s passions and dispositions toward
evil.
5:25 By the Spirit let us also walk [pneumati kai
stoichōmen]. Present subjunctive (volitive) of [stoicheō],
“Let
us also go on walking by the Spirit.” Let us make our steps by
the help and guidance of the Spirit.
5:26 Let us not be [mē ginōmetha]. Present middle subjunctive
(volitive), “Let us cease becoming vainglorious” [kenodoxoi],
late word only here in N.T. [kenos, doxa]. Once in Epictetus in
same sense. Provoking one another [allēlous prokaloumenoi].
Old word [prokaleō], to call forth, to challenge to combat. Only
here in N.T. and in bad sense. The word for “provoke” in Heb
10:24 is [paroxusmon] (our “paroxysm”). Envying
[phthonountes]. Old verb from [phthonos]. Only here in N.T.
Chapter 6
6:1 If a man be overtaken [ean kai prolēmphthēi anthrōpos].
Condition of third class, first aorist passive subjunctive of [prolambanō], old verb to take beforehand, to surprise, to
detect. Trespass [paraptōmati]. Literally, a falling aside,
a
slip or lapse in the papyri rather than a wilful sin. In Polybius
and Diodorus. Koinē word. Ye which are spiritual [hoi
pneumatikoi]. See on 1Co 3:1. The spiritually led (5:18),
the spiritual experts in mending souls. Restore
[katartizete]. Present active imperative of [katartizō], the
very word used in Mt 4:21 of mending nets, old word to make [artios], fit, to equip thoroughly. Looking to thyself [skopōn
seauton]. Keeping an eye on as in 2Co 4:18 like a runner on
the goal. Lest thou also be tempted [mē kai su peirasthēis].
Negative purpose with first aorist passive subjunctive. Spiritual
experts (preachers in particular) need this caution. Satan loves
a shining mark.
6:2 Bear ye one another’s burdens [allēlōn ta barē
bastazete]. Keep on bearing (present active imperative of [bastazō], old word, used of Jesus bearing his Cross in Joh
19:17. [Baros] means weight as in Mt 20:12; 2Co 4:17. It is
when one’s load ( [phortion], verse 5) is about to press one
down. Then give help in carrying it.) Fulfil [anaplērōsate].
First aorist active imperative of [anaplēroō], to fill up, old
word, and see on Mt 23:32; 1Th 2:16; 1Co 14:16. Some MSS. have
future indicative [anaplērōsete].
6:3 Something when he is nothing [ti mēden ōn]. Thinks
he is
a big number being nothing at all (neuter singular pronouns). He
is really zero. He deceiveth himself [phrenapatāi heauton].
Late compound word [phrēn], mind, [apataō], lead astray), leads
his own mind astray. Here for first time. Afterwards in Galen,
ecclesiastical and Byzantine writers. He deceives no one else.
6:5 Each shall bear his own burden [to idion phortion
bastasei]. [Phortion] is old word for ship’s cargo (Ac 27:10).
Christ calls his [phortion] light, though he terms those of the
Pharisees heavy (Mt 23:4), meant for other people. The terms
are thus not always kept distinct, though Paul does make a
distinction here from the [barē] in verse 2.
6:6 That is taught [ho katēchoumenos]. For this late and
rare
verb [katēcheō], see on Lu 1:4; Ac 18:25; 1Co 14:19. It occurs
in the papyri for legal instruction. Here the present passive
participle retains the accusative of the thing. The active [tōi
katēchounti] joined with the passive is interesting as showing
how early we find paid teachers in the churches. Those who
receive instruction are called on to “contribute” (better than
“communicate” for [koinōneitō] for the time of the teacher
(Burton). There was a teaching class thus early (1Th
5:12; 1Co
12:28; Eph 4:11; 1Th 5:17).
6:7 Be not deceived [mē planāsthe]. Present passive
imperative with [mē], “stop being led astray” [planaō], common
verb to wander, to lead astray as in Mt 24:4f.). God is not
mocked [ou muktērizetai]. This rare verb (common in LXX)
occurs in Lysias. It comes from [muktēr] (nose) and means to turn
the nose up at one. That is done towards God, but never without
punishment, Paul means to say. In particular, he means “an
evasion of his laws which men think to accomplish, but, in fact,
cannot” (Burton). Whatsoever a man soweth [ho ean
speirēi
anthrōpos]. Indefinite relative clause with [ean] and the active
subjunctive (either aorist or present, form same here). One of
the most frequent of ancient proverbs (Job 4:8; Arist., Rhet.
iii. 3). Already in 2Co 9:6. Same point in Mt 7:16; Mr 4:26f.
That [touto]. That very thing, not something different.
Reap [therisei]. See on Mt 6:26 for this old verb.
6:8 Corruption [phthoran]. For this old word from [phtheirō],
see on 1Co 15:42. The precise meaning turns on the context,
here plainly the physical and moral decay or rottenness that
follows sins of the flesh as all men know. Nature writes in one’s
body the penalty of sin as every doctor knows. Eternal life
[zōēn aiōnion]. See on Mt 25:46 for this interesting phrase
so common in the Johannine writings. Plato used [aiōnios] for
perpetual. See also 2Th 1:9. It comes as nearly meaning
“eternal” as the Greek can express that idea.
6:9 Let us not be weary in well-doing [to kalon poiountes mē
enkakōmen]. Volitive present active subjunctive of [enkakeō] on
which see Lu 18:1; 2Th 3:13; 2Co 4:1,16 [en, kakos], evil).
Literally, “Let us not keep on giving in to evil while doing the
good.” It is curious how prone we are to give in and to give out
in doing the good which somehow becomes prosy or insipid to us.
In due season [kairōi idiōi]. Locative case, “at its proper
season” (harvest time). Cf. 1Ti 2:6; 6:15 (plural). If we
faint not [mē ekluomenoi]. Present passive participle
(conditional) with [mē]. Cf. [ekluō], old verb to loosen out.
Literally, “not loosened out,” relaxed, exhausted as a result of
giving in to evil [enkakōmen].
6:10 As we have opportunity [hōs kairon echōmen]. Indefinite
comparative clause (present subjunctive without [an]. “As we
have occasion at any time.” Let us work that which is good
[ergazōmetha to agathon]. Volitive present middle subjunctive
of [ergazomai], “Let us keep on working the good deed.” Of the
household of faith [tous oikeious tēs pisteōs]. For the
obvious reason that they belong to the same family with necessary
responsibility.
6:11 With how large letters [pēlikois grammasin]. Paul
now
takes the pen from the amanuensis (cf. Ro 16:22) and writes the
rest of the Epistle (verses 11-18) himself instead of the mere
farewell greeting (2Th 3:17; 1Co 16:21; Col 4:18). But what
does he mean by “with how large letters”? Certainly not “how
large a letter.” It has been suggested that he employed large
letters because of defective eyesight or because he could only
write ill-formed letters because of his poor handwriting (like
the print letters of children) or because he wished to call
particular attention to this closing paragraph by placarding it
in big letters (Ramsay). This latter is the most likely reason.
Deissmann, (
St. Paul, p. 51) argues that artisans write clumsy
letters, yes, and scholars also. Milligan (
Documents, p. 24; Vocabulary, etc.) suggests the contrast seen in papyri often
between the neat hand of the scribe and the big sprawling hand of
the signature. I have written [egrapsa]. Epistolary aorist.
With mine own hand [tēi emēi cheiri]. Instrumental case
as in 1Co 16:21.
6:12 To make a fair show [euprosōpēsai]. First aorist active
infinitive of [euprosōpeō], late verb from [euprosōpos], fair of
face [eu, prosōpon]. Here only in N.T., but one example in
papyri (Tebt. I. 19 12 B.C. 114) which shows what may happen to
any of our N.T. words not yet found elsewhere. It is in
Chrysostom and later writers. They compel [anagkazousin].
Conative present active indicative, “they try to compel.” For
the cross of Christ [tōi staurōi tou Christou]. Instrumental
case (causal use, Robertson, Grammar, p. 532). Cf. 2Co 2:13.
“For professing the cross of Christ” (Lightfoot).
6:13 They who receive circumcision [hoi peritemnomenoi].
Present causative middle of [peritemnō], those who are having
themselves circumcised. Some MSS. read [hoi peritetmēmenoi],
“they who have been circumcised” (perfect passive participle).
Probably the present [peritemnomenoi] is correct as the harder
reading.
6:14 Far be it from me [emoi mē genoito]. Second aorist
middle optative of [ginomai] in a negative [mē] wish about the
future with dative case: “May it not happen to me.” See 2:17.
The infinitive [kauchāsthai] (to glory) is the subject of [genoito] as is common in the LXX, though not elsewhere in the
N.T. Hath been crucified unto me [emoi estaurōtai]. Perfect
passive indicative of [stauroō], stands crucified, with the
ethical dative again [emoi]. This is one of the great sayings
of Paul concerning his relation to Christ and the world in
contrast with the Judaizers. Cf. 2:19f.; 3:13;
4:4f.; 1Co
1:23f.; Ro 1:16; 3:21ff.; 4:25;
5:18. World [kosmos] has no
article, but is definite as in 2Co 5:19. Paul’s old world of
Jewish descent and environment is dead to him (Php 3:3f.).
6:15 A new creature [kainē ktisis]. For this phrase see
on 2Co 5:17.
6:16 By this rule [tōi kanoni toutōi]. For [kanōn], see
on 2Co 10:13, 15f.
6:17 From henceforth [tou loipou]. Usually [to loipon],
the
accusative of general reference, “as for the rest” (Php 3:1;
4:8). The genitive case (as here and Eph 6:10) means “in
respect of the remaining time.” The marks of Jesus [ta
stigmata tou Iēsou]. Old word from [stizō], to prick, to stick,
to sting. Slaves had the names or stamp of their owners on their
bodies. It was sometimes done for soldiers also. There were
devotees also who stamped upon their bodies the names of the gods
whom they worshipped. Today in a round-up cattle are given the
owner’s mark. Paul gloried in being the slave of Jesus Christ.
This is probably the image in Paul’s mind since he bore in his
body brandmarks of suffering for Christ received in many places
(2Co 6:4-6; 11:23ff.), probably actual scars from the
scourgings (thirty-nine lashes at a time). If for no other
reason, listen to me by reason of these scars for Christ and “let
no one keep on furnishing trouble to me.”
6:18 The farewell salutation is much briefer than that in 2Co
13:13, but identical with that in Phm 1:25. He calls them
“brethren” [adelphoi] in spite of the sharp things spoken to
them.
Indexes
Index of Scripture References
Index of Scripture Commentary