Latest Commentaries

Abraham gained right standing with God through his faith, not by the law (which didn’t exist at the time God made His promise to Abraham). God’s promise to Abraham, that his descendants would number the stars and that all nations would be blessed through him was about faith. Therefore, all who believe in Jesus are Abraham’s offspring (and this faith is available to all people of all nations).

Paul is extremely upset that the Galatians have so easily fallen away from the gospel message that he recently preached to them. In two rhetorical questions, Paul demonstrates how foolish it is for them to think that they can gain a right standing with God through obeying the law rather than by faith.

Paul continues his public rebuke, and reminds Peter of the truth of the Gospel. Obeying the law does not justify anyone before God. Only faith in Jesus justifies us before God. If anyone calls us sinners because we no longer obey the law, that does not mean we are sinning.

The harmony of the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15 did not last long. Soon thereafter, the Apostle Peter (Cephas) shows favoritism to Jewish believers who teach that Gentiles must obey the law, which is a serious misrepresentation of the Gospel. Paul rebukes Peter in front of everyone for his hypocrisy.

The apostles and elders in Jerusalem affirmed Paul’s teaching of the gospel of grace. God was working through all of them; those in Jerusalem preached to the Jews, while Paul and his team preached to the Gentiles. There was agreement that Jews would continue to follow Jewish religious practice, but the Gentiles would be free of such practice.

Paul went to Jerusalem to discuss the Gospel with the apostles there. They all agreed that Gentiles did not have to be circumcised to be saved, in opposition to some who argued that believers must follow the law. The law imprisons us, but Jesus frees us.

Paul is still establishing his authority and the authenticity of the gospel he preaches.

Paul discusses his past and how he came to believe the true gospel. He also begins to cite his actions after receiving his commission from Jesus, cementing the fact that his authority comes directly from God, and that he is not subordinate to any body of men.

Paul did not receive the gospel from men, but from God. Paul’s authority is from God, and his ministry’s goal is solely to please God.

The Galatians are being led astray by a gospel other than the gospel preached by Paul. Paul resists the false messengers and wants them to be accursed for leading the Galatian believers astray.

Galatians 1:3-5 clearly explains the true gospel that the Galatians have fallen away from.

Paul starts his address to the churches of Galatia by showing that his qualifications are given by God and not men.

We should live righteously, harmoniously together through faith because we will soon be with God. Paul has shown us how we should live and is now telling us to live this way because the day is approaching—the day of our glorification when we come to the presence of God. 

The Pauline Author ends his letter with a prayer on their behalf and an encouragement to pay attention to the words he wrote to them. 

We ought to submit to those in leadership over us. 

We have the opportunity to offer up sacrifices better than animals to God, through our praise. 

The Pauline Author compares the Old Covenant sacrifices with the new. This leads us to follow the example of Christ and suffer His reproach in this world.

he Pauline Author encourages his readers to imitate their leaders and not be led astray by false teachings.

The Pauline Author gives specific examples of how believers ought to be living in order to please God.

Refusing to listen to God is a very bad idea. Loving in gratitude and serving Him in reverence in awe is a very good idea. Because, our God is a consuming fire.