I feel that the Apostle Peter is getting a bad rap; and that’s not fair! While I appreciate Paul and his writings and recognize him as a great teacher and prophet, I cannot help but notice that even after his conversion, God “was not finished” with him. He appears to be both, boastful (in chapter 1), and angry. Maybe, that’s what they call “righteous indignation”? The transition from Old Testament to New Testament after Christ’s ascension was a work in progress: it did not happen overnight, but lasted quite a few years. As the Holy Spirit instructed the apostles, they, in turn presented the revelations to the believers, either orally or in the written form, “growing in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” ( 2 Peter 3:18). Not all apostles were “enlightened” of the same subject, or at the same time. So, we have “gaps” in time and teachings. And in the case of “circumcision” issue, (which Paul is dealing with in Galatians), the apostles had to have a “congress” at Jerusalem in order to decide what to do, as shows Acts 15. Even Paul’s speech was a work in progress… The language used in Galatians 1:8 “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that, which we have preached unto you, LET HIM BE ACCURSED,” and Galatians 2:12 “I would they were EVEN CUT OFF which trouble you”, leaves something to be desired. Jesus says in Luke 6: “Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you”, verse 28 “BLESS THEM THAT CURSE YOU, and pray for them which despitefully use you”. Even Apostle Paul agrees with that in Romans 12:14: “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and CURSE NOT.” His statements about “James, Cephas (Peter), and John, WHO SEEMED to be pillars” in the church ( Galatians 2:9), borders on arrogance. I feel like telling him: “Paul, get a life; THEY WERE THE PILLARS OF THE CHURCH while you were persecuting it!” True, they were simple fishermen, not trained at the feet of Gamaliel like you, but they had spent three and a half years at the feet of Jesus: The Greatest Teacher of all times. And, not only that, on the Day of Pentecost they received the power of the Holy Spirit: to preach, to teach and heal. Yes, Paul was a great apostle, but Apostle John was a giant: he was not only trained by Jesus and wrote the Gospel and the Epistles that bear his name, but he received countless visions from Him and wrote the Book of Revelation. And Apostle Peter, he was entrusted with “taking care of His sheep” by Jesus Himself. Also, Paul’s boldness expressed towards Apostle Peter, was uncalled for: “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed” ( Galatians 2:11). Basically he was blaming Peter for the troubles in Galatia. Too bad Peter had no chance to defend himself. I’m wondering how much did Paul’s criticism of Peter, help those churches… But what really takes the cake, is his advice (good advice though) in Galatians 5:13 “For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.’ 15 But IF YE BITE AND DEVOUR ONE ANOTHER, take heed that ye are not consumed one of another.” Sometimes it’s good to take seriously our own advice...
If you want to understand what Paul is saying in this letter, you can’t read just one chapter and expect to fairly evaluate the whole Book. Please read all six chapters; they make up the whole letter, intended to be read by the congregation in Galatia. By doing that, you will find the following:
1. In the first chapter, Paul is presenting his credentials, and describes what the problem was, without “spelling it out”;
2. Beginning with the second chapter we learn exactly what the problem was: the teaching by “some”; including Apostle Peter ( Galatians 2:11), that in order to be saved you need to be circumcised, plus other “works of the flesh” described in Galatians 5:19-21;
3. Throughout his letter Paul mentions “circumcision” many times: Galatians 2:3, 7-9, 11; 3:3; 5:2, 3, 6, 11; 6:12, 13, 15;
4. In order to combat this false teaching, he expounds on the fact that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by keeping of the Ceremonial Law, which was fulfilled in Him.
By reading only parts of Galatians, many Christians reach the wrong conclusion that Paul is against keeping the Ten Commandments. That cannot be further from the truth. Here is what Paul declares: “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law … Wherefore, the law is holy and the commandment holy, and just, and good…” Romans 7:7, 12.
Since John 17:3, Philippians 3:8-10, Matthew 7:21-23, verse 9 covered by a thick cloud, Jeremiah 29:13 that the people might hear when I speak with you, and believe you forever. John 6:17-8; 8:12. Jesus marveled in Matthew 8:10. Is there a greater marvel elsewhere? Is the only disease (BELEVING A LIE) caused by either Deception, or Pride. 1 Corinthians 4:7 there is only One God Who cannot lie, Hebrews 13:8. Who says there are no absolutes? The statement is an absolute, humble unselfish FATHER already knows everything, and is the answer, yet humanity is so wrapped up in their shallow little plans they miss the mark. His Glory Revelation 4:11, Galatians 2:20-21, Genesis 15:1, Philippians 3:12 Came here to understand this veiled verse 19:13 but got sidetracked. Sound unfamiliar 2 Corinthians 3:18, Ephesians 4:13.
To Terry: All is needed is faith in Jesus Christ. As you read and meditate upon his word daily, He will produce the work in you by His Holy Spirit. Now rest in Him and watch Him work through you. He is the author and finisher of your faith. He gives you peace and the mind to follow and obey Him. Don't worry. All of His paths are peace. It is so sweet and easy when He does the work. It's a burden you try to do it. God bless you. Enjoy your walk with the Lord as you live by Him.
Today the law does not justify a person's existence, nor does it give justification of a person's birth into this world. Christ, who died for us, however, is the justification why we exist in this world today possessing all the rights to reach salvation. For in order for us humans to be justified by the law, we must either be equal to it or above it. Example: Adam and Eve, before they sinned, were living above the law, therefore justified that their existence was righteous. But when they sinned, became under the law having to live up to it with no hope of salvation unless they were justified. Thus, something or someone greater (WILLING to pay the price) must had to either be made equal or inferior to them/us so they/we may yet again have a justified reason to live above the law and be restored to their/our first nature. While Adam and Eve's/our sinful, limited, and preoccupied mind could not even come close to think up a reason to justify their/our existence, God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, had already placed in action the plan that would permanently justify Adam and Eve's/our existence fully restoring once and for all their/our rights to live eternally. Now, definition of "justified" as specified by Merriam Webster Online dictionary is: 1. To prove or show to be just, right, or reasonable 2. To qualify (oneself) as a surety by taking oath to the ownership of sufficient property. 3. To judge, regard, or treat as righteous and worthy of salvation. 4. To qualify as bail or surety. That said, which of these definitions does Christ not fit?... Not only did Christ didn't consider leaving His throne, but also was concious of the humiliation He was put through as He was made inferior than humankind becoming the ultimate sacrifice to restore salvation to us all.
In this chapter I believe is the splitting off of the church from the Jewish religion. All of the Apostles were Jewish for Jesus was of that religion. Paul through revelation formulated these new ideas, that there was no salvation possible except through Faith or belief in the resurrection as a realized condition in which we become present with the Lord, on earth by gravity but spiritually in heaven with the Father. Before the resurrection their was only the righteousness of arc of the convenant. But the Jews were stiffnecked and always erred in their heart. So God in his mercy sent his Son, or himself in human form, as a living proof that God is alive in humans and to serve God is the way to please God. To please God is to receive his mercy. To be in that state with certainty is God realization , heaven, peace, fulness, bliss, happiness, and Rest.
To Terri's comment on verse 16:
To properly understand to what Paul is referring here, you don't need to know the greek. The answer itself lies in his rebuke of Peter. Peter thought it okay to eat with the Gentiles at first, but when "certain came from James", (which refers to the Jewish Christians sent by James from the Jerusalem church), Peter withdrew himself from eating with the Gentiles because to eat with the Gentiles violated the Jews' kosher standards. The scripture says that Peter dissimulated from the Gentiles because he feared them which "were of the circumcision". (the Jews from Jerusalem)
However, Paul rebuked him for this because God had brought through Peter and Paul both the gospel to the Gentiles, and while Peter believed that the Gentiles were saved, he was hypocritical when the Jews showed up. Paul admonishes that the Gentiles were saved by faith in Jesus Christ, not by the works of circumcision, which was a part of the old mosaic tradition. This in no way infers that he was saying that we should not exemplify good works in our life, but that we are not justified by becoming Jews after the old traditions of Mosaic law. Hope that helps!
krista-- If you still need help on verse 6 I think I can help you. JESUS is using the children as an example because as christian we are children of GOD.GOD is our FATHER just as he was JESUS'S FATHER. Chrildren are a blessing from GOD PSALM 127:3-5, galatians 2: 5-9. What will GOD do for us if we stay true HIM? Read HEBREWS: 5-18
Good question Anonymous, but please note that the sacrifices were for the Jews. And yes they are bad worshipers if they are not still fulfilling the law as God gave it to them. With one exception, Jesus, you see Jesus came to fulfill the Law for everyone that will believe.
Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
So to all the children of God who have professed faith in Christ the law is completed, by faith.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Now how about you are you worshiping the Creator in faith believing that Christ died for your sins or will you try keeping the Law.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Hunh........... I guess Eph 2:8-9 must have been a type O then.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ones works are insufficient: Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as FILTHY RAGS; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Romans 3:10
As it is written, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, no, not one:
Good works are a manifestation of a born again spirit to be sure. But they did not save anyone. That would mean that Christ's death alone on the cross was not sufficient.
2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are SUFFICIENT of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;
2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is SUFFICIENT for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
One cannot earn God's favor (Grace) it is freely given. We only need to believe.
Romans 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be JUSTIFIED in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
Romans 3:24
Being JUSTIFIED freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Romans 3:28
Therefore we conclude that a man is JUSTIFIED by faith without the deeds of the law.
Romans 4:2
For if Abraham were JUSTIFIED by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God.
Romans 5:1
Therefore being JUSTIFIED by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now JUSTIFIED by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Romans 8:30
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also JUSTIFIED: and whom he JUSTIFIED, them he also glorified.
1 Corinthians 4:4
For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby JUSTIFIED: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not JUSTIFIED by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be JUSTIFIED by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be JUSTIFIED.
Galatians 2:17
But if, while we seek to be JUSTIFIED by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
Galatians 3:11
But that no man is JUSTIFIED by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 3:24
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be JUSTIFIED by faith.
Galatians 5:4
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are JUSTIFIED by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, JUSTIFIED in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Titus 3:7
That being JUSTIFIED by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
When verses in scripture seem to contradict each other you must do three things.
1. Find out what the rest of scripture tell us about the subject. *scripture interprets scripture*
2. Know the meaning in the original language as some does not translate well from its original. ( 1 John 3:6 and 3:9 are perfect examples) its says one born again is sinless; we know that not to be true it is impossible. A better translation would be to say; anyone born again will not continue in their sinful life style.)
3. Look at the historical context in which the subject was being written about.
Conclusion: Man has no part in his salvation, it is truly a gift to them that believe.
Have been a believer for 8+ years and am just now beginning to understand the freedom from guilt and bondage that these words yruly represent. Thank you Father God.
I think the gift of God, is so awesome,The Grace he has for us is so unconditional, if we just repent and believe his words,I myself know i was born a sinner,but by Gods grace his son the Lord Jesus Christ paid for my sins on the Cross. There is nothing i could possibly do to earn that," amen"
There are so many ways humans attempt to frustrate
: to make ineffectual : bring to nothing the grace of God by false doctrine. We can do nothing to earn salvation. It is God who saves us and keeps us saved. Otherwise grace is not grace. If someone gives you a gift and afterwards throws in terms and conditions then it ceases to become a gift anymore. How often does someone get their paycheck and say thank you for this wonderful gift? It works both ways. If it's without strings it's a gift and anything else added to it makes it wages. Our righteousness is like filthy dirty disgusting rags. Christ did not die for us so we can say thanks but I got this. How offended would you be if you gave someone a gift and they pulled out their wallet and attempted to pay you for it.
Now imagine to purchase that gift you had traded your only child for it. Now they want to pay you and what they hand you is a a tissue they blew their nose on. Is it any wonder that someone attempting to get into Heaven by their own merits hears to depart into the lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Those on the outside were not able to stand such a concept and therefore just had to throw stuff on top of grace to bring people into bondage. Today you hear, "oh that's easy believism" How hard do you want God to make it? The door is wide open and if you don't take it, don't blame God. He did everything he could and gave everything he had to pay your debt. He is the only one that can. Let Him, and take your hands off the wheel.
1. In the first chapter, Paul is presenting his credentials, and describes what the problem was, without “spelling it out”;
2. Beginning with the second chapter we learn exactly what the problem was: the teaching by “some”; including Apostle Peter ( Galatians 2:11), that in order to be saved you need to be circumcised, plus other “works of the flesh” described in Galatians 5:19-21;
3. Throughout his letter Paul mentions “circumcision” many times: Galatians 2:3, 7-9, 11; 3:3; 5:2, 3, 6, 11; 6:12, 13, 15;
4. In order to combat this false teaching, he expounds on the fact that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not by keeping of the Ceremonial Law, which was fulfilled in Him.
By reading only parts of Galatians, many Christians reach the wrong conclusion that Paul is against keeping the Ten Commandments. That cannot be further from the truth. Here is what Paul declares: “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law … Wherefore, the law is holy and the commandment holy, and just, and good…” Romans 7:7, 12.
To properly understand to what Paul is referring here, you don't need to know the greek. The answer itself lies in his rebuke of Peter. Peter thought it okay to eat with the Gentiles at first, but when "certain came from James", (which refers to the Jewish Christians sent by James from the Jerusalem church), Peter withdrew himself from eating with the Gentiles because to eat with the Gentiles violated the Jews' kosher standards. The scripture says that Peter dissimulated from the Gentiles because he feared them which "were of the circumcision". (the Jews from Jerusalem)
However, Paul rebuked him for this because God had brought through Peter and Paul both the gospel to the Gentiles, and while Peter believed that the Gentiles were saved, he was hypocritical when the Jews showed up. Paul admonishes that the Gentiles were saved by faith in Jesus Christ, not by the works of circumcision, which was a part of the old mosaic tradition. This in no way infers that he was saying that we should not exemplify good works in our life, but that we are not justified by becoming Jews after the old traditions of Mosaic law. Hope that helps!
PSALM 127:3-5, galatians 2: 5-9. What will GOD do for us if we stay true HIM? Read HEBREWS: 5-18
Romans 10:4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth.
So to all the children of God who have professed faith in Christ the law is completed, by faith.
Romans 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
Romans 10:10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Now how about you are you worshiping the Creator in faith believing that Christ died for your sins or will you try keeping the Law.
Galatians 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:
9Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Ones works are insufficient: Isaiah 64:6
But we are all as an unclean [thing], and all our righteousnesses [are] as FILTHY RAGS; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.
Romans 3:10
As it is written, THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, no, not one:
Good works are a manifestation of a born again spirit to be sure. But they did not save anyone. That would mean that Christ's death alone on the cross was not sufficient.
2 Corinthians 3:5
Not that we are SUFFICIENT of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency [is] of God;
2 Corinthians 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is SUFFICIENT for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
One cannot earn God's favor (Grace) it is freely given. We only need to believe.
Romans 3:20
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be JUSTIFIED in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin.
Romans 3:24
Being JUSTIFIED freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
Romans 3:28
Therefore we conclude that a man is JUSTIFIED by faith without the deeds of the law.
Romans 4:2
For if Abraham were JUSTIFIED by works, he hath [whereof] to glory; but not before God.
Romans 5:1
Therefore being JUSTIFIED by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now JUSTIFIED by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
Romans 8:30
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also JUSTIFIED: and whom he JUSTIFIED, them he also glorified.
1 Corinthians 4:4
For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby JUSTIFIED: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.
1 Corinthians 6:11
And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
Galatians 2:16
Knowing that a man is not JUSTIFIED by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be JUSTIFIED by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be JUSTIFIED.
Galatians 2:17
But if, while we seek to be JUSTIFIED by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
Galatians 3:11
But that no man is JUSTIFIED by the law in the sight of God, [it is] evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
Galatians 3:24
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster [to bring us] unto Christ, that we might be JUSTIFIED by faith.
Galatians 5:4
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are JUSTIFIED by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
1 Timothy 3:16
And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, JUSTIFIED in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
Titus 3:7
That being JUSTIFIED by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
When verses in scripture seem to contradict each other you must do three things.
1. Find out what the rest of scripture tell us about the subject. *scripture interprets scripture*
2. Know the meaning in the original language as some does not translate well from its original. ( 1 John 3:6 and 3:9 are perfect examples) its says one born again is sinless; we know that not to be true it is impossible. A better translation would be to say; anyone born again will not continue in their sinful life style.)
3. Look at the historical context in which the subject was being written about.
Conclusion: Man has no part in his salvation, it is truly a gift to them that believe.
: to make ineffectual : bring to nothing the grace of God by false doctrine. We can do nothing to earn salvation. It is God who saves us and keeps us saved. Otherwise grace is not grace. If someone gives you a gift and afterwards throws in terms and conditions then it ceases to become a gift anymore. How often does someone get their paycheck and say thank you for this wonderful gift? It works both ways. If it's without strings it's a gift and anything else added to it makes it wages. Our righteousness is like filthy dirty disgusting rags. Christ did not die for us so we can say thanks but I got this. How offended would you be if you gave someone a gift and they pulled out their wallet and attempted to pay you for it.
Now imagine to purchase that gift you had traded your only child for it. Now they want to pay you and what they hand you is a a tissue they blew their nose on. Is it any wonder that someone attempting to get into Heaven by their own merits hears to depart into the lake of fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Those on the outside were not able to stand such a concept and therefore just had to throw stuff on top of grace to bring people into bondage. Today you hear, "oh that's easy believism" How hard do you want God to make it? The door is wide open and if you don't take it, don't blame God. He did everything he could and gave everything he had to pay your debt. He is the only one that can. Let Him, and take your hands off the wheel.