A Study on the Book of Galatians.

Galatians 1: The Gospel From Christ.

Paul, an apostle [not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised Him from the dead], and all the brethren who are with me. To the Churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God the Father and out Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.

Paul’s letter is addressed to all the Churches in the regions of Galatia, which may include theses cities [Antioch Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra and Debre] where Paul preached the gospel and set up churches on his first missionary trip with Barnabas. And has made a point to visit on every subsequent missionary trips.

Paul introduction, starts by giving a clear message that, he is not a person called to the service of God, by the desires of men and is not appointed to the task of an apostle through men. But it is God who called him to this task of apostle. The Lord had appeared to him and said, “For I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you. I will deliver you from the Jewish people, as well as the Gentiles, to whom I send you. Acts 26:16-17

While in most of his other letters Paul gives an elaborate greeting and giving of thanks and what his prayer for them is, however here to the Galatians, he is curt makes and makes no mention what his prayer is for them, nor what he is thankful of their faith. Some bible teachers have pointed out that, the reason for it is, he was very grieved with them because seeking to add any kind of law to the grace of God is a serious offence. That he even had things to be thankful for, even for the Corinthians, who were in sin, unloving and have sought to challenge him. But Galatia have sought to add law to grace.

I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from haven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.     

Paul makes his point know to them, that the Galatians have turned away form the gospel of Christ. And he points there is no other gospel, except that is of the grace of Christ. And anyone who seek to teach any gospel that perverts the gospel of Christ, he says may such a one, even if he be one of us or even an an angel form haven, let him be accursed. Paul in no uncertain terms is he mixing his words, he is making his point as clear as it can be. And the simple crime of the Galatians, that has drawn them away from the gospel of Christ is; they have accepted a teaching, that says “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” Acts 15:1

For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The point he is making is, he is not trying to appease men for the sake of getting along. But is preaching a message he has received from God though it has put him at odds with those who teach according to the tradition of his fathers. That the One who gave him this gospel is God. The Lord has told him saying, “of the things which I will yet reveal to you.” In his letter to the Corinthians he has pointed to the fact that, what he has endured, was due to the abundance of the revelation he has received of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:7

For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

He points to his previous life in Judaism as a point of reference to the stand he is making. That he was so devout and zealous, he sought to destroy the church. And his testimony before king Agrippa, of the depth of his conviction against the church was:

• “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And i punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.” Acts 26:9-11

But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned gain to Damascus. 

He makes mention that God has set him for this call from the start and his direction of life was changed when he met the Lord, on the road to Damascus. The point he make is he has not been taught the substance of the faith in Christ, by anyone. Though he persecuted the church, all he knew to do was to catch those who called on the name of the Lord. [Events]: After he came to faith in Christ, he was baptised and preached Christ in [Damascenes], Damascus. But when they sought to kill him, he escaped in basket through a wall. [Acts 9:25, 2 Corinthians 11:32-33] He went away from Syria for undisclosed amount of time in Arabia, then returned again to Damascus and spent there 3 years.

Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother. [Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God I do not lie.]

When he first comes to Jerusalem, the christians were afraid of him and have not believed he has become a disciple of Christ so were unwilling to be associated with him. [Acts 9:26] But Barnabas brought him to the apostles [Peter and James] and he was with them for a while [2weeks], and when they sought to kill him, he receiving warning from the Lord, “Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.” AND “Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.” Acts 22:18, 21 he was sent away again to his own home town Tarsus.

Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. But they were hearing only, “He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.”

And they glorified God  in me.Where he preached the message of the gospel in [Syria and Cilicia]. The churches in Judea, did not know him, because they were afraid of him and he did not stay longer than 2 weeks. But all they heard of him is that one who sought to destroy the church is now preaching the message of the gospel. The point he makes, he has had no instruction from no one. He preached the gospel as it was revealed to him.

Galatians 2: Justified by Faith in Jesus Christ Alone.

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. And I went by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.

When Paul says, “privately to those of reputation” he speaking of the events that took place in Acts 15. After Paul and Barnabas had spent the best part of the fourteen years preaching the message of the gospel in the regions of [Cilcica [Tarsus], Antioch, Cyprus [Salamis, Paphos], Pamphylia [Perga, Attalia], Galatia [Antioch Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra and Debre]] They have come back to Antioch were they went out from, “They sailed to to Antioch, where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work which they have completed.” Acts 14:26

Now while there, they encountered certain men who came down from Judea and were teaching the brethren saying, “Unless you are  circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.” This issue has become a point of contention so, “they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them [Titus] should go up to Jerusalem, to the apostles and elders about this question.” Acts 15:2

Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in [who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage], to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

The point he is making to them is, Titus a Greek coming before the apostles and elders in Jerusalem [the centre of it all] was not compelled to be circumcised. However, while in this gathering of the council, “Some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up saying, “It is necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.” Acts 15:5 [Which he refers to men of stealth? though recorded as once who have believed.] To them he says “we gave no grounds.” And this issue after it has beed disputed among the apostles and the elders was settled when Peter brought to remembrance the events of Cornelius’ house. Saying how at the preaching of the gospel by his mouth to the Gentiles, “God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Now therefore why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor us are able to bear?” Acts 15:8-10 

The apostles and elders hearing the testimonies of Paul and Barnabas, how God has done might works among them and with a confirmation form James. Sent them with the decree, to the churches in Antioch, Syria and Cilicia, saying “For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things: that you abstain from things offered to idols, from blood, from things strangled and from sexual immorality. If you keep from these you do well.” Acts 15:28-29 Paul, Barnabas, Judas, Silas went to Antioch and delivered the decree to the churches in Antioch. And Paul and Barnabas with Silas remainder there for quite a while.     

[Consideration point is perhaps the reason he calls them spies is that though they thought the matter is settled. That none would go out and teach a message that would contradict the decree of the apostles and elders of the Church of God in Judea. Yet it is evident that after this some have gone out and taught the churches in Galatia, a message contrary to the decree.]

But from those who seem to be something – whatever they were it makes no difference to me; God shows no personal favouritism to no man – for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.

The point is the gospel he preached needed no correction, though this men were his elders in the gospel they had nothing to add to the message of the gospel he preached. On the contrary, we might say, he gave them cause to examine their own point of view in matters of the gospel which they have seemed to have brushed aside. Since they have heard the testimony of Peter over 10 years ago [approx].

But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, and the gospel to for the circumcised was to Peter [for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles], and when James , Cephas and John, who seemed to  be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They desired  only that we  should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.   

They recognising his calling, “He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles” the great success they have had in bringing the Gentiles to faith, the establishment of churches and the works the Lord has done through their hands to confirm His word, was enough proof to see the grace given to him. Now they acknowledge a clear direction in ministry that is specifically to go out towards the Gentiles, they gave them their approval, as an extension, a fellowship in ministry, as Peter was to the Jews, Paul’s to the Gentiles.

Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came form James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.  

This event takes place, after Paul and Barnabas, returned to Antioch with the decree of the apostles and elders. [Paul seems to be telling a clear chronological order of events.] They have recognised both Jew and Gentiles are saved by grace. So when Peter who was a co-signatory, acted in a manner that contradicted the decree they gave, as to give one set of laws to the Gentiles and another to Jews, Paul had to challenge him. Peter who had a great standing in the church, separated himself from the Gentiles according to the law, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jewish man to keep company with or go to one of another nation. But has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.” Acts 10:28 Peter, who ought to have known better, since he had the testimony form the Holy Spirit, yet acted out of fear of men.

The reason Paul had to challenge him publicly was the implication of his action had a deeper consequence. Peter acted in such manner to present himself as one who still kept the law before the men [believers] from James. He did not act as to protect the unbelieving Jews, that there might not be any hint that would prohibit him from ministering to them, but it is before believers and representatives of the man who was instrumental in the decree to the Gentiles. The magnitude of his act had so much effect even to lead Barnabas who ministered with Paul to the Gentiles, and was his partner to bring this matter before the council also acted to separate himself, as to be false to his call.

But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of the Gentiles and not as a Jew, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as Jews? We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing  that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

If you live as one who is set free from the law, then why do you give reasons to the Gentiles to take up the law. It is the law that deemed, the Gentiles to be unclean and the very reason for a Jewish man not eat with them. Then if you [being a Jew] separate yourself from this act of fellowship would they not have reason to believe, there is still some other aspects required to make them to be clean and acceptable to you. So by your action you invalidate their faith, “they are saved by faith and not works,” therefore compel them to keep the law. So he points and contrasts them to Gentiles; we who are of the law of God, who do not live in sin as those who do not know God. We have come to believe, that we are saved by faith in Jesus Christ and not by deeds of the law, then why do you point them to the law, which has not served us for salvation.

“But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is Christ therefore a minister of sin? Certainly not! For if I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith [in] the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law then Christ died in vain.”

Paul is contrasting grace and law, and the dangers of reestablishing the law as a means for righteousness. “If while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves are found sinners.” When giving a reason, why Christ is not a minister of sin, he presents it, in a way as if one who was moved from the grace that is in Christ Jesus. In Romans he has written saying, “For sin shall not have dominion over you are not under law but under grace.” Romans 6:14 However he says here, “if I built again” that is if I put myself under the dictate of the law, form which Jesus Christ has set me free, then I make myself a sinner. As one who is no longer under grace but under the law, therefore have no justification.

• That our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has ben set free from sin. Romans 6:6-7
• My brethren you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another – to Him who is raised from the dead, that we should bare fruit to God. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our members to bare fruit to death. But now we have been delivered from the law, having died to what we were held by. Romans 7:4-6

The point Paul makes is, that we are no longer under law, and we do not seek to justify ourselves to God through the works of any law but by our faith in Jesus Christ. But if we set ourselves away from grace, and seek to justify ourselves to God through implementing a law, then we have invalidated our faith in Jesus Christ; law and grace do not mix.

[By the faith of the Son of God or by faith in the Son of God]; There is a great implication to consider if we say, [by faith in or by the faith of]. If we say [by the faith of], the implications is we live by the unshakable unchangeable faith, which has set us on a perfect grounds and relinquish all other responsibility on our part. Then Paul would not have any grounds to write this letter to the Galatians, since they also have come to faith in Jesus Christ through his preaching. Then whether they are moved to law and accepted circumcision has no bearing since they live by the faith of the Son of God [which is unshakable]. However, if we say [by faith in], then it gives reason for us to strive, NOT of works but striving of faith. Jesus has said, he who remains faithful to the end shall be saved. The rest we enter is of the works not of faith [so to speak], since faith is resting in the works of Jesus Christ. Then the issue is, if we seek to enter into works for justification, then we are no longer resting in faith.

“It is no longer I who live but Christ lives in me.” Jesus said I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. And Paul wrote in 2nd Corinthians 5 saying, he who joined to the Lord is one Spirit with Him. When Paul says it is no longer, I who lives he speaking of the old man. But the new man who is made in the likeness of the Jesus is joined to the Lord and is one spirit with Him. So we can say I am in Jesus and Jesus is in me, we are one.

Galatians 3: The Promise of the Spirit.

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched [you that you should not obey the truth], before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? Have you suffered so many things in vain – if indeed if it was in vain?

Paul is marvelling, how easily they have forgotten [as to be bewitched], from the message they had heard that Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. If the message you heard was Jesus Christ had paid the price, how then are you seeking to justify yourselves? Paul then seeks to point to the obvious points they have not given thought to. We having been made acceptable to God through the sacrifice of Jesus, have been united to God, by the Holy Spirit. The purpose of our purification, the washing away of our sins is that we might have the Holy Spirit to come and dwell in us. If you then have received the Holy Spirit [the promise of the Father], who is the guarantor of our inheritance through the hearing of faith, by which you are restored then having been restored to God through faith, are you seeking to justify yourself to God by the flesh? 

• Repent and let every one of you be baptised in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and all who are afar off. Acts 2:38-39
• God, who knows the heart, acknowledged them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us, and made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. Acts 15:8-9
• In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.  Ephesians 1:13-14  

Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by hearing of faith? – Just as Abraham “believed God and it accounted to him for righteousness.” Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying “in you all the nations shall be blessed.” So then those who are of the faith are blessed with believing Abraham.

God gives you His Holy Spirit, through faith and works miracles among you through faith, then works of the law does not benefit you. It is only faith. Paul points to Abraham [the father of faith], that it is his faith that was accounted to him for righteousness and not his works “If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.” Romans 4:2  and we also are justified through faith. “But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.” Romans 4:5 The promise to Abraham, “in you all the nations will be blessed” was so righteousness may be of faith and not of works. So that both Jew and Gentile can be justified through faith in Jesus Christ. “Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is a father of us all.”  Romans 4:16

We all come to God from a common ground [as sinners] there is none preferred, one over another [there is no small sinner or big sinner], there is nothing a sinner could do to qualify him to God [either you have sinned in the law or outside the law]. But the grace of God has overlooked all the sins committed in the past, and He not imputing our sins, accepts all who who come to Him through faith in Jesus Christ. It is of faith that it might be according to grace. [Romans 3:21-26]

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which is written in the book o f the law, to do them.” But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident for “the just shall live by faith.” Yet the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live by the them.”

The law does not bring mercy, it brings judgment, to all who depart from its dictates and there is only one outcome the curse. James writes saying, “For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.’ and gives the example, “if you do not commit adultery but you do murder you have become a transgressor of the law.” James 2:10-11 There is no exception in the law, it is either all or none. Then he says, the “just [the righteous] shall live by faith.” the point being, if the righteous are of faith then they are not of the law. Since the law is not of faith but of works, that the one who keeps and lives by them and if you live by them then your under it’s judgment. 

Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us [for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.”], that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.   

The covenant of the law was brought to an end in His body, when He bore its punishment of curse on the cross. “He is a mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for redemption of transgressions under the first covenant.” Hebrews 9:15 He satisfying its requirements has rendered the right the law has to judges us none effective, and brought all who believe in Him to the justification of faith. That “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to all who believe.” Romans 10:4

• Having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:13-14

The blessing of Abraham, is the restoration of relationship to God the Father through receiving His Holy Spirit, which Jesus Christ has qualified us for. Therefore Paul says, that the blessing may come upon the Gentiles, [that] we might receive the promise of the Spirit. “For through Him we both [Jew and Gentiles] have access by one Spirit to the Father.” Ephesians 2:18 

Brethren, I speak in the manner of men: Though it is only a man’s covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it. Now to Abraham and his seed were the promise made. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your Seed.” who is Christ. And this I say, that the law which was four hundred and thirty years later, cannot annul the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, that It should make the promise of no effect. For if the inheritance is of the law, it is not longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.

Paul is presenting his point that the promise supersedes the law for obtaining the inheritance. And the promise he is referring to is the covenant God entered with Abraham [Genesis 15] to give him the land as an inheritance. God having accounted Abraham’s faith for righteousness, [Genesis 15:6] entered into covenant with him to give him and to his Seed the land as an inheritance. [Genesis 15:18] And this he says the promise of the inheritance is to not as seeds [as of many] but Seed meaning [to One] who is Christ. Now, since God had promised to give the inheritance by a promise then, the inheritance does not come by law.

What purpose then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, till the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through angles by the hand of mediator. Now a mediator does not mediate for one only, but God is one. 

When God brought out the children of Israel from bondage in Egypt, to bring them into the land of the promise. He did not do it on the bases of the law but on the bases of the promise made to Abraham. But the law was given as a condition to remain in it, to be a blessing or a curse. That the favour of God was to be earned by those who have entered into covenant with Him. The law which was given to man through angles, Moses being the mediator between Israel and God, “For when Moses had spoken every percept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people saying, “This is the blood covenant which God has commanded you.” Hebrews 9:19-20   

Therefore, the purpose of the law was, to provide a means for man to maintain relationship with God until the Seed should come. “I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not abhor you. I will walk among you and be your God, and you shall be My people.” Leviticus 26:11-12, That God’s purpose was to find a dwelling among men. And in Israel through the law, God found a way to do just that, that He might draw men near to Himself.

Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept  for the faith which would afterward be revealed. Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come we no longer under a tutor.

The law is not against the promises of God, “for the law is holy and the commandment holy just and good.” However the law was not given to justify men, “what the law was not able to do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on the account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh,that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us.” Romans 8:3-4

The law is not against the promises of God, “for the law is holy and the commandment holy just and good.” However the law was not given to justify men, but made the requirements of God for righteousness known to man. Paul in Romans says, “I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness if the law has not said, ‘You shall not covet.'” Romans 7:7 However this also revealed the weakness of man’s flesh, that through the law no flesh can obtain righteousness. So God had made stipulations, in the law for man to cover his failures [sin] through various rituals and sacrifices, that he might remain in relationship with God. However these sacrifices can never make him who performed it perfect because through them his consciousness is ever occupied in the knowledge of sin. “In those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. Hebrews 10:3-4 And “By the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:20

Therefore before Christ came, it was “he who does them shall live by them,” but now Christ has come to whom the promise is made, therefore, the covenant of the promise [made with Christ through Abraham] is in effect, which is “the just shall live by faith.” Therefore the covenant that supersedes the law is in effect so that, the blessing of Abraham might be applicable to both Jew and Gentile, “in your Seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” Genesis 22:18 That through faith in Jesus Christ [the Seed] both are made righteous and are able to receive the promised Holy Spirit. [God dwelling in man] Now if righteousness is through faith, then it is not through law.

For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptised into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to promise.    

Then through faith in Jesus Christ, all can become children of God, “As many as received Him, to them He gave the right to be children of God.” John 1:12  That through baptism we have died to who we were, and are raised to newness of life. “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me;” Then if Christ lives in us, then the promise of the inheritance is ours, as in being the seed of Abraham, though we are many we are one in Him. 

Galatians 4: Jerusalem Above.

Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ at all from a slave, though he is master of all, but is under guardians and stewards until the time appointed by the father. Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world.

In the pervious paragraphs Paul has given qualification for the law being given as a tutor/a guardian to bring us to Christ.  Paul is making his point from the perspective of the Jews. As heirs [being children] who were under guard of the law. And here he draws similarities between a slave and a child, as in both need to be governed by a set of rules. A slave is governed by the terms of his employment by which he must abide in order to remain. Likewise a child does not know any better, therefore is under guidelines of what to do and not do [made subject to the corrections given by the one hired to preside over him], until he comes to fullness of age. The point he is addressing here seems specific to the stipulations of the law, in regards to the observation of days, months and seasons [feasts]. Therefore he says were in bondage to the elements of the world through the law. 

The law had a purpose in imposing these rituals and regulations, that through it we might have an idea of, righteousness, sanctification and redemption. Circumcision is one aspect of this process, the cutting of a bit of flesh gives a significance of being separated to God. But it was a shadow of the true intent of the Lord which was to be accomplished in Jesus Christ that is the putting off the body of sin. “In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith. Colossians 2:11-12  Then the law gave regulation for the flesh, through sacrifices, rituals [washings] and dietary stipulations however it done nothing for the conscience of the sinner. That through ordinances of the flesh [in physical] to give sight to what is to be realised in the Spirit through faith in Christ.

• “in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered which can not make him who performed the service perfect in regard to the conscience – concerned only with foods and drinks, various washings, and fleshly ordinances imposed until the time of reformation.” and “for if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer, sprinkling the unclean, sanctifies for the purifying of the flesh.” Hebrews 9:9-10,13

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave but a son, and if a sons, then an heir of God through Christ.

Now Christ has come, the time of the guardian/the law has come to an end and we are no longer subject to these ordinances that govern such rituals. Then we are no longer children [slaves] but through Christ we are made sons and daughters. That Jesus was born of a woman as to be free form the stain of Adam’s sin; And being of flesh and blood, He might taste death for everyone. “And as the children are of flesh and blood He Himself shared in the same, that through death, He might  destroy him who had the power of death.” Hebrews 2:14 He was born under the law as to meet all its precepts for righteousness, that though Him we might become children of God.

• “What the law was not able to do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on the account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” Romans 8:3-4
• The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children of God then heirs – heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ . Romans 8:16-17

But then, indeed, when you did not know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire [AGAIN] to be in bondage? You observe days and months and seasons and years. I am afraid for you, lest I have laboured for you in vain.

Now he addresses Gentiles perspective, “that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenant of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.” Ephesians 2:18  And were enslaved to the idols you served and worshiped, being without God and without law. However, now you have come to know God, and have become sons, and have His Spirit in you. Then if you have come to know God through faith in Jesus Christ, [as the One the law was to guard for, the promised Seed] then why do you then look back to the [rules and regulations, that served the flesh] as if to bring yourself into bondage again as to be children. You seek to observe the rituals and regulations of the law for, sabbaths, new moons and festivals. In his letter to Colossians, after explaining to them how Jesus Christ has wiped away their trespasses and has removed the law he says:

• Let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regrading a festival [seasons] or a new moon [months] or sabbaths [days], which are as shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. Colossians 2:16-17

Brethren, I urge you to become like me, for I became like you. You have not injured me at all. You know that because of physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you at the first. And my trial which was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. What then was the blessing you enjoyed? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. Have I therefore became your enemy because I tell you the truth?  

Paul who lived his whole life to the strictest sect of the law, says to Galatians Gentiles, I became as you are; meaning as one who is not under the law. And he says to them to become like he is, as one who serves God in the Spirit. Some have taught the physical infirmity he is speaking of is the stoning Paul received in Lystra recorded in [Acts 14:19-21]. And the Galatians he is specifically addressing are the ones in Derbe, the city he went to after his ordeal. That stoning is considered a grievous punishment for worst offenders, though they might have had cause to shun him on the account of the punishment he had received, “Why did they stone him in the first place? What has he done? But they have accepted him and he had preached the gospel to them.

[The letter to Galatians written]: Paul and Barnabas returning from the council of apostles and elders delivered the decree to the church in Antioch. Where they also remained for a time teaching and preaching, during which period Peter also visited, and Paul gives the details of that encounter. After which Paul and Barnabas deciding to visit all the other churches, got into a dispute with one another and separated, Barnabas went to Cyprus and Paul went to Syria and Cilicia [Tarsus]. This is the most likely period when the letter to the Galatians was written, one because though Barnabas laboured just as much as Paul to bring the gospel to them, his name is not listed as a co-writer.

Second, Paul at the start of his letter makes a point saying, “You are turning so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ” At the end of his first mission trip [gospel preached to Galatia], he had encountered in Antioch some teachers from Judea who were compelling the Gentiles to be circumcised. So when he and Barnabas went to Judea to address the matter, they could have continued teaching the same massage, throughout the region taking the same route Paul was going to take for the second and third mission trip. Third, Paul in his letter makes no mention of the decree of the apostles which he had delivered to them, “And as they [Paul &Timothy] went through the cities [Galatia], they delivered to them the decrees to keep, which were determined by the apostles and elders at Jerusalem.” Acts 16:4 Therefore he must have written the letter, in advance of him coming to them for the second time.

They zealously court you, but for no good; yes, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. But it is good to be zealous in a good thing always, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, for whom I labour in birth again until Christ is formed in you, I would like to be present with you now and change my tone; for I have doubts about you. 

Paul is speaking of the renegade believers who sought to circumcise them and to compel them to keep the law of Moses, in which stipulations are made, for days, months and seasons. Paul’s point is that through the law, there was seperation between Jews and Gentiles and the Gentiles were kept out. However in Christ there is no such separation, both Jew and Gentile are of one therefore there is no reason for boasting in the flesh, there is no prestige in genealogy. “Avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law; for they are unprofitable and useless.” Titus 3:9

Here Paul makes a point that he is striving again so that “Christ may be formed in them.” As to bring them back to the place they were moved from; the grace of the Lord. That they seeking circumcision for justification and other observance have entered into law, and if in law then justification by faith in Jesus Christ is rendered ineffective. There is point to be made that, it is possible to be moved from the gospel truth, Paul writes to the Colossians saying, “If indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and are not moved away from the hope the gospel which you heard.” Colossians 1:23

Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? For it is written that Abraham had two sons: the one by a bondwoman, the other by a free-woman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and he of the free-woman through promise, which things are symbolic. For these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai which gives birth to bondage, which is Hagar – for this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and corresponds to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children – but the Jerusalem above is free, which is the mother of us all. For it is written: “Rejoice, O barren, you who do not bear! Break forth and shout, you who are not in labour! For the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband.”

Paul here uses a symbolic representation of Abraham’s children to represent [flesh and Spirit], one born to Hagar the other to Sarah. Hagar who was a slave, gave birth to a child, when Abraham in his own might [works of the flesh] sought to fulfil the word of God. And Paul likens Hagar to Mount Sinai where the law [first covenant] was given to Israel. Not because Hagar is a mother of the children of Israel but because the law represents bondage. That Israel through the law is under bondage, and seeks justification through the works of the flesh. Therefore he says Hagar represents the Jerusalem which is now, because she is in bondage with her children.

However, he likens the child born to Sarah [free-woman] as the child of the promise. That Abraham and Sarah obtained the promise through faith according to grace, that is when nothing in their flesh could possibly qualify them. Sarah [covenant of grace] who had been barren all her life represents the Jerusalem above, whose children are all through a promise, that is through faith in Jesus Christ, according to grace and not of works, “she who is not in labour” had many more children.

• “For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands [the Temple in Jerusalem], which are copies of the true, but into haven itself, now to appear in the presences of God for us;” Hebrews 9:24

Now we, brethren, as Isaac was are children of promise. But as he who was born according to the flesh then persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. Nevertheless what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free-woman.” So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman but of the free. 

Then the children of the promise are all who have faith in Jesus Christ, both Jew and Gentile. And speaking of persecution; he makes the point that flesh and Spirit are at odds with one another, that being born of the Spirit will bring about persecution. Jesus said, “If they persecuted Me they will persecute you.” John 15:20 and Paul speaking of the Thessalonians says, “And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit. 1 Thessalonians 1:6

Now in matters of addressing inheritance, that through fleshly exercise of the law, one could obtains the promises of the law all which had to do with earthly benefits, for the law made no promises for haven. Therefore, he says “Cast out the bondwoman and her child”, that is Hagar [the law], and her child [works of the flesh] could not share in the inheritance that is of haven [Spirit]. So did Abraham gave no inheritance to Hagar and child and sent them away with bread and water only. But we through faith in Jesus Christ obtain all the promise of God, that through Jesus Christ we are made heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.

• “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

Galatians 5: Spirit Not Flesh.

Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. Indeed I, Paul say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law. You have become estranged form the Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace. For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.

The point is, Christ has set you free, you are complete in Him, you are redeemed, made righteous and sanctified therefore do not let anyone or anything bringing into bondage of any law. “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8

Then Paul’s point is you become enslaved to what you obey, “Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slave whom you obey.” Romans 6:16 That you through baptism has cast off the old man to live life anew in Christ, however if you then accept circumcision in the flesh for justification, you have obligated yourselves to keep all the law and ordinances that govern the flesh. Then you through your works of the law have relegated the grace of our Lord without effect. It is either the Spirit by faith or of  law by works [the flesh].

Grace does not mix with works, a gift is only gift as long as it is free however if you seek to pay for it by any means, it is no longer a gift, therefore grace will benefit you nothing if you seek to work for it. For as many have become practicers of law, have become practicers of sin. The law is not given to govern the righteous but sinners, and through the exercise of law in the flesh there is no justification. We however, having been justified through faith in Jesus Christ [await the hope of righteousness] through the Spirit by faith. And this hope is the hope of eternal life of which the Holy Spirit is a guarantee. Now if it is through the Spirit by faith then the works of the flesh account for nothing.

• Not by works of righteousness we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.  Titus 3:5-7

Then in Christ what counts is faith working through love; the general point of life in the Spirit being, “whatever is not of faith is sin” and “let everything you do be done in love.” When Paul was exhorting the Corinthians he pointed out the lack of love among them, though they were abundant in gifts of the Spirit and of faith. And Paul in his letter pointed out that any work in the Spirit [gifts of], or faith, or generosity done apart from love accounted for nothing. Then in Christ what has value is faith works that are done in love.

You run well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lamp. I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.

His point is this teaching is not of God, and it has become a stumbling block as to derail you from the truth. Paul uses the same term he used with Corinthians in what he perceived of their tolerance of sexual immorality in the church, that “a little leaven leavens the whole lamp.” That the same concept is applied here, the inclusion of a little law for justification will spoil the whole batch. [reaffirming his hope they will come back the knowledge of the truth.]

And I brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offence of the cross has ceased. I could wish that those who trouble you could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!

Paul points to his suffering and persecutions he endured as being a direct result of his opposition to circumcision, not only that but also against the law. This is the warning the elders of Jerusalem gave him saying, “How myriads of Jews who have believed and they are all zealous for the law; but they been informed about you that you teach all Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying they ought not to circumcise their children nor walk according to the customs.” Acts 21:20-21

Then the offence of the cross is that, the cross has brought an end to works of the law for righteousness. “Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.” Romans 10:4 Therefore he says, “If I still preached [circumcision] then the offence of the cross has ceased.” That circumcision is an introduction to the life of works of law, just as baptism is to the life of faith in the Spirit. Then one who preaches circumcision preaches the continuance of the law, therefore removing the offence of the cross. Then Paul’s teaching to everyone who has believed is neither circumcision nor observance of the law has any benefit as a means to obtain righteousness. 

• Christ has redeemed us form the curse of the law, having become a curse for us, for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” Galatians 3:13
• Having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. Colossians 2:14

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even this: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!  

The law is bondage, therefore he says you have been called to liberty from under the dictates of the law. But to this he warns let not this freedom be an excuse to indulge the lusts of the flesh.  And he gives the fundamental aspect of life of righteousness in Christ Jesus is to love, and love does no wrong to a neighbour, through which all the percepts of the law are fulfilled.

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh. For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. But if you are  led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

We do not get to overcome the deeds of the flesh by works of law, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the flesh. Paul is not exhorting sinners to live right, which they are not able to do but he exhorts believers because they are made able. If it was not a matter of choice, it would not make sense for Paul to give such warnings, why exhort a person who is not able to comply? However, if we have died with Christ, and the old man is buried with Him through baptism, then the body of sin is done away with and we are raised to life by the power of His Holy Spirit. And if we have His Spirit dwelling in us, then there is a power in us which is contrary to the deeds of the flesh. Then we can say we have His laws in our hearts and mind, and have His Holy Spirit strengthening us to walk free from the the lust of the flesh.

• For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:2

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outburst of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you before hand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Paul is not pointing to the flesh as aspect to be improved upon but is giving a description of a condition; a state of being in the flesh which is contrary to being in the Spirit. Because life in the Spirit is not a set of “do not do,” then Paul is not giving a set of instructions, but is giving a simple form of test to contrast works of the flesh to life in the Spirit. He is exhorting believers saying, if you are indeed in the Spirit then you will not be making a [practice] of such things, and such as who make a practice of such things will not inherit the kingdom of God because they are in the flesh and not in the Spirit. You can not be in the flesh and in the Spirit, it is the same as law and grace or sin and righteousness there is no accord between the two.

In his letter to the Ephesians 4:17-22 he compares the blind state of the unbelievers to the one who is made alive in Jesus Christ, that there ought to be marked change in conduct from the previous life. That sinners do what they do because the blindness of their heart, their understanding being darkened. However we have the truth of Christ shinning through our hearts, then our desires ought to have changed. It is not enforcing upon yourself rules to bring yourself inline, but a desire that comes from within you as you become renewed through His word.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. 

Then if we walk by the Spirit, we will not fulfil the desires of the flesh, but we will produce such qualities as listed above to be the manifest character of our being. However these qualities as fruits may take time to grow and be fully realised in a life of a believer. Then the more we are confirmed to the image of Christ the more these qualities are apparent and become aspects of our character. “but speaking the truth in love may grow up in all things into Him who is the head – Christ.” Ephesians 4:15

When he says “Those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh, with its passions and desires.” he is saying you have become dead to sin. That the old man is crucified with Him on the cross and is buried through baptism so we may live a life free from the dominion of sin [the desires of the flesh and mind]. That our bodies have been liberated, we now have become slaves to righteousness. “Knowing the old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin [flesh] might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed form sin.” AND “Therefore do not let sin reign in your [mortal] body, that you should obey its lusts.” Romans 6:6-7,12

Then he says, “if we live in the Spirt let us walk in the Spirit.” if we are walking in the Spirit then we seek to do the things of the Spirit. Paul encouraging Timothy instructs him saying, “exercising yourself toward godliness, for bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that is and of that which is to come. 1 Timothy 4:7-8 Godliness which is godly character, then is an aspect we can put to practice in the Spirit. That we can practice “kindness, patience, gentleness and also love through which all precepts of the law are fulfilled.

• Therefore as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, long-suffering, bearing with one another, and forgiving one anther, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all this put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Colossians 3:12-14 

Galatians 6: God is Not Mocked.

Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourselves lest you also be tempted. Bear [with] one another’s burden and so fulfil the law of Christ.

To be overtaken by any trespass, is when sin by some deceitful means has gotten the better of us and has led us astray. The Galatians themselves are an example of ones who have wandered from the truth, and were being restored by one who is mature in Christ, “until Christ is formed in you again.” James also teaches saying, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he turns back a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and covers a multitude of sins.” James 5:19-20 To restore and to turn back require a willingness to confront the issue and not to turn a blind eye, however let it be done in love and gentleness. “Let all that you do be done with love.” 1 Corinthians 16:14

We are to be our brothers keeper, taking responsibility for one another, bearing with each others failings. In this the law of Christ is fulfilled which is to love one another. “This is My commandments, that you love one another as I have loved you.” John 15:12

For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For each one shall bear his own load.

Here the point is that each one has been given a part to fulfil, “As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another.” 1 Peter 4:10 However, let each one so do and so act according to the grace God has given, “For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” Romans 12:3-4 Therefore do not to exalt yourself beyond measure or to boast in the labour of another. But with with sober judgment examine the work God has given you and you will have something to boast of. 

• “But ‘he who glories let him glory, in the Lord.’ For not he commended himself is approved but whom the Lord commends.” 1 Corinthians 10:17

Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

Then let each one render what is due to another, especially to those who render spiritual service in the teaching and shepherding. “Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially those who labour in word and doctrine. For the Scripture says, ‘The labourer is worth of his wage.'” 1 Timothy 5:17,18 and also in Romans it says [paraphrased], “if you have been partakers of their spiritual things, then it is you duty also to minister to them in material things.” Romans 15:27

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.

How do we deceive ourselves? by receiving the grace of God in vain. [2 Corinthians 6:1, Galatians 3:4, Jude 1:4 ] His exhortation above was do not let this liberty [you have in Christ] be an excuse for the flesh. In several of his letters he has sought to clearly establish in the minds of those to whom he ministered,  life in the flesh will not inherit the kingdom of God [1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Galatians 5:19-21, Ephesians 5:3-7] and has presented it as being contrary to the Spirit. Therefore, we are either sowing to the flesh or sowing to the Spirit.

• “For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the [body], you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. Romans 8:13-14 

Either we are living according to the mind of the flesh doing deeds that will bring about death and condemnation or we are living in the Spirit from which we will reap eternal life. But if we live by the Spirit then we will not satisfy the deeds of the flesh. Then the deception is thinking we are in the Spirit while we are perpetually living in the flesh. Therefore Paul warns, believers everywhere in his epistles contrasting one life with the other.

There is forgiveness, there is mercy, there is acceptance in the Lord; but the purpose of the Lord has always been, “He will save His people from their sins.” not so they could sin. And if it is by the Spirit the deeds of the body are put to death, then there is no one who could boast. For this is the promise of the Lord in the new birth. “I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statues, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” Ezekiel 36:27 However, there has to willingness in our part, if it was not he would not have made allowance to restore one who is overtaken by sin, nor would any of his rebuke have value. 

• For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.  Titus 2:11-14

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.

It is not only the word or money that we sow, but deeds we perform are also [themselves] seeds from which we are able to reap a harvest. That each seed bears according to its own kind, the Lord taught saying “if you do not forgive the trespass of others neither will your heavenly Father forgive your trespasses.” James also says, “Judgement is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy.” Then the inverse is also true, therefore do not be weary in doing good [Especially giving careful regard to the children of God, your brethren] and in due time you will reap because the Lord is faithful. “For God is not unjust to forget your work  and labour of love which you have shown to the saints, and do minister.” Hebrews 6:10 

• Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be Kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honour giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit serving the Lord; Romans 12:9-11
• “Brethren be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour in is not in vain in the Lord.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Paul here want to emphasis his point, as if using [CAPITAL] letters as to make his point clear. Two things were sought by those who preached the gospel of Christ along with circumcision. The first one was that they did it to avoid the persecution that came from preaching the pure gospel. Second, they wanted to boast in what they have done, in showing them up to be a followers of the old ways, that they may receive acknowledgment from those whom they wanted to appease; But by making the gospel palatable they made the cross of Christ of no effect.

He has said earlier, if you accept  circumcision you are obligated to keep the whole law. So here he points to the obvious contradiction, that  even those who are seeking to circumcise you do not keep the law, then if you are circumcised and do not keep the law, then it served no purpose except to make a show a boast in the flesh. However  of himself he says, “I will only boast in the cross of Christ, through which I have become dead to the world. That in Christ, I have crucified the flesh along with its passion and desires, no longer to live for the things of the world but for the one who died for me.

A Person may boast for being a descendant of Abraham and seek acknowledgment for that, while in the law such claims may be true in Christ there is not. Jesus has nailed the enmity [the law] to the cross, and have removed the wall of seperation between Jew and Gentile. Second one may boast in the flesh when one seeks righteousness through works and not of faith. In his letter to the Philippians Paul list all the things that would elevate him in the flesh [both of genealogy and works], and how he counts them to be of no value. That in spiritual matters the condition of your flesh has no benefit “both Jew and Gentile are under sin.” Then what matters is that you are born of the Spirit through faith in Jesus Christ and are made a new creation.

• But what things were gain to me, [being a descendant of Israel, a follower of the strictest sect of the law, unparalleled  zeal even to persecute the church] these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count  all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of things, and count them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;  Colossians 3:7-9

The dangers of mixing grace and law is made more evident, when considering the words he used to describe those, who have set themselves to teach such doctrine. “Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation!”, “who are enemies of the cross of Christ; whose end is destruction.” Philippians 3:2,18-19 If such doctrine was not contradictory to the truth of gospel of Christ then, such strong words from Paul would be unjustified. It is not just a simple matter of custom but a departure from grace.

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. 

In his final farewell, he makes mention of the scars and dents on his body, the whipping, beatings with rods, and the stoning have left their mark, things he has endured for the truth of the gospel he preached. How easy it would have been for Paul to have done it the same way as those who preached the gospel and circumcision for the sake of peace; he would have saved himself much grief, however doing so would invalidate the Gospel of Christ.

The End!