and that the three great apostles Peter, James, and John, had taught those doctrines. Perceiving therefore how great an obstacle these impositions would be to the conversion of the Gentiles, Paul in this Epistle, which is supposed to have been written about A. D. 53, strenuously vindicates the liberty of the Gospel, that is, its freedom from Jewish rites: and shews, that in point of authority he was in no respect inferior to other apostles; he also treats of justification by faith, of the temporary use, and of the abolition of the Mosaic law; and shews that faith in Christ alone, without the Jewish ceremonies, is sufficient to obtain everlasting life; and finally he exhorts the Galatians to persevere in their Christian liberty, but to use it rightly; and not either by licentiousness, or superstition, neglect the important duties of Christianity. Questions. From whom were the Galatians descended? When is this Epistle supposed to have been written? What was their character ? What does it vindicate and show? THE EPISTLE OF PAUL, THE APOSTLE, TO THE GALATIANS. CHAP. I. & He wondereth that they have so soon left him and the Gospel, 11 which he learned not of men, but of God. men, PAUL, an apostle, (not of neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead,) 2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Gala'tia: 3 Grace be to you, and peace, from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: 5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 6 I marvel, that ye are so soon removed from him, that called you into the grace of Christ, unto another Gospel: 7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the Gospel of Christ. 13 For ye have heard of my conversation? in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it; 14 And profited in the Jews' religion, above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood: 17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Ara'bia, and returned again unto Damascus. 18 Then, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. 19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save3 James the Lord's brother. 20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God I lie not. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel unto 21 Afterwards I came into the reyou, than that which we have preach-gions of Syr'ia and Cili'cia ;4 ed unto you, let him be accursed. 22 And was unknown by face unto 9 As we said before, so say I now the churches of Jude'a which were again, If any man preach any other in Christ: Gospel unto you, than that ye have received, let him be accursed. 10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I certify you, brethren, that the Gospel, which was preached of me, is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.1 1 By the revelation, &c. The false teachers had endeavoured to lessen Paul's authority with the Galatians by teaching, that he was 23 But they had heard only, that he which persecuted us in times past, now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me. Questions. How was Paul taught the gospel which he preached? Which of the apostles had Paul seen during the first years of his ministry? not an apostle of Jesus Christ; but that he had been intrusted only by the other apostles, and that he had even departed from their doctrine. 2 Conversation, conduct or behaviour. CHAP. II.* 1 He sheweth when he went up again to Jerusalem, and why. 14 Of justification by faith, and not by works: 20 They that are so justified live not in sin. THEN, fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. cumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles ;) 9 And when James, Ce'phas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the should go unto the heathen, and they right hands of fellowship, that we unto the circumcision. remember the poor: the same which 10 Only they would that we should I also was forward to do. 11 But when Peter was come to An'tioch I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. 2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that Gospel, which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 12 For before that certain came 3 But neither Titus, who was with from James, he did eat with the Genme, being a Greek, was compelled to tiles; but when they were come, he be circumcised: withdrew, and separated himself, fear4 And that because of false brethren ing them which were of the circumunawares brought in, who came in cision. privily to spy out our liberty, which 13 And the other Jews dissembled we have in Christ Jesus, that they likewise with him; insomuch that might bring us into bondage :4 Bar'nabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the Gospel might continue with you. 6 But of these, who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me; God accepteth no man's person;) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me :5 7 But, contrariwise, when they saw that the Gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the Gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter: 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the cir 1 I should run, &c. I should labour, or had laboured in vain. 2 But neither, &c. However, not even Titus, although a Greek, &c. 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly, according to the truth of the Gospel, 1 said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? 15 W who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 8 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. 17 But if, while we seek to be jus3 Our liberty, our freedom from the buthen-tified by Christ, we ourselves also are some and painful rites of Moses. 4 Into bondage, under the ceremonies of the la w. 5 In conference added, &c. communicated nothing, no part of the Gospel, neither knowledge, spiritual gifts, nor authority. 6 The Gospel of the uncircumcision; the preaching of the Gospel to the Gentiles. 7 The Gospel of the circumcision, the preaching of the Gospel to the Jews. N. B. It may here be remarked, that circumcision, because it was one of the distin guishing and peculiar rites of the Israelites, frequently signifies the Jews; and uncircumcision the Gentiles. found sinners, is, therefore, Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. which I destroyed, I make myself a 18 For if I build again the things transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20 I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which 8 Not sinners, &c. not idolatrous Gentiles. *In the four first verses of this chapter Paul tells the Galatians that his was the true Gospel of Jesus Christ, which his enemies denied, and that it did not require Gentiles to observe the rites of the Jewish law; and as evidence of it, he says, that the apostles at Jerusalem did not disapprove of it, nor did they compel Titus, who was a Gentile convert, to be circum cised, not withstanding the presence of false brethren, who were zealous for the support of the Jewish rites. I now live in the flesh I live by the 12 And the law is not cf faith; but, faith of the Son of God, who loved! The man that doeth them shall live in me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God; for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain. Questions. Why did Paul reprove Peter ? lived? CHAP. III. 1 He asketh what moved them to leave the faith, and depend on the law. 6 They that believe are justified, 9 and blessed with Abraham.' them.7 13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us, for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree : 14 That the blessing of Abraham might conie on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth,10 or addeth there to. 16 Now, to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is O FOOLISH Gala'tians, who hath bewitched that you, should not obey ye the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, Christ.' crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith 22 3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain. 5 He, therefore, that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.3 7 Know ye, therefore, that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham, 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the Gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. 9 So then, they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 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. 1 By the works of the law, on account of performing the works, or observing the ceremonies of the law of Moses. 2 By the hearing, by the obedience of faith. 3 Abraham believed God, &c. Paul here alludes to Gen. xv. 5. 4 Saying, Gen. xii. 3. 5 It is written, Deut. xxvii. 26. 6 The just shall live by faith; this sentence is sometimes translated, The just by that was confirmed before of God in 17 And this I say, that the covenant, Christ, the law, which was four hundisannul, that it should make the prodred and thirty years after, cannot mise of none effect. law, it is no inore of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 18 For if the inheritance be of the It was added because of transgres- tor of one, but God is one.11 21 Is the law then against the prohad been a law given, which could mises of God? God forbid; for if there have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. 22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith faith, that is, those, who have the justifying faith of Abraham, shall live. See Rom. iii. 28. ments and ordinances of God, mentioned Lev. 7 The man that doeth them, &c. the judgxviii. 8 Being made a curse for us; nothing more is here meant, than that Christ was treated as an accursed person; for although he was not and ignominiously crucified. a transgressor, he was numbered with them, of justification by faith, promised to Abra9 The blessing of Abraham, the blessing ham. 10 Disannulleth, abolisheth or setteth aside. 11 Now a mediator is not employed between parties, who are of one sentiment, or in friendship; but God is one of the parties, and in friendship only with the righteous; therefore God was not in friendship with the other party, which was the Israelites, who were a rebellious race. of Jesus Christ might be given to them ly elements,3 whereunto ye desire that believe. again to be in bondage? 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. ( 24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. 10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain. 12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are 4 ye have not injured me at all. 13 Ye know how, through infirmity of the flesh, I preached the Gospel unto you at the first. 14 And my temptation, which was in my flesh, ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that,. if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. 16 Am I, therefore, become your Questions. Who are the children of Abra-enemy, because I tell you the truth? ham? NOW I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; 17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.6 18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, until Christ be formed in you, 20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you. 21 Tell me, ye that desire to be un2 But is under tutors and governors, der the law, do ye not hear the law? until the time appointed of the father. 22 For it is written, that Abraham 3 Even so we, when we were chil-had two sons; the one by a bond maid, dren, were in bondage under the ele- the other by a free woman. ments of the world.1 4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 To redeem them that were under! the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And, because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts; crying, Abba,2 Fa ther. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them, which by nature are no gods. 9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggar 1 By the elements of the world Paul meant the law of Moses, and the superstitions of heathen nations. 2 Abba, & Syriac word, signifying father. 23 But he who was of the bond wo man was born after the flesh; but he of the free woman was by promise. 24 Which things are an allegory ;7 third of this chapter. 4 Be as I am, &c. be friendly to me, as I am really so to you. 5 My temptation which was in my flesh; this was probably what Paul, 2 Cor. xii. 7. calls the thorn in his flesh, with which, after flicted, lest he should have been exalted above his rapture into the third heaven, he was af measure. 6 They zealously, &c. Your false teachers pretend to love you ardently, but they do not honourably; for they wish to exclude either you from the Christian covenant, or me from your affection, that you may love them the more exclusively. 7 Which things are an allegory, that is, the bond-maid and the free woman figuratively represent the two covenants, or dispensations of religion; A'gar, the bond-maid, represents the covenant of the law, given to the Jews on mount Si'nai; and since Agar was a Islave, and of course her children born-slaves, for these are the two covenants; the 4 Christ is become of no effect unto one from the mount Sinai, which gen-you, whosoever of you are justified by dereth to bondage, which is Agar. the law; ye are fallen from grace. 25 For this A'gar is mount Sinai in 5 For we through the Spirit wait Ara'bia, and answereth to Jerusalem for the hope of righteousness by which now is, and is in bondage with faith. her children. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith, which worketh by love. 7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you, that ye should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion' cometh not of him that calleth you. 9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.2 10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded; but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. 11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. 12 I would they were even cut off,3 which trouble you. 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 neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one sumed one of another. 1 He moveth them to stand in their li-another, take heed that ye be not conberty, 3 and not to observe circumcision, 13 but rather love. 19 The works of the flesh, 22 and fruits of the Spirit. STAND fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, That if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust 16 This I say then, Walk in the of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary the one to the other; so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19 Now, the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, or brought forth in bondage or slavery; so the Jews under the covenant of the law, were enslaved by the law, and bound to observe all its numerous, painful, and expensive rites. This, 21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, Paul says, is Jerusalem, which now is, and is revellings, and such like; of the which in bondage with her children; but Sarah, whose children were by promise, not slaves, I tell you before, as I have also told but free-born, represents the Gospel dispensa- you in time past, that they which do tion, the Jerusalem from above, whose children we all are, who believe, and are free from the bondage of the ceremonial law. 8 Cast out the bond-woman and her son, that is, let the covenant of the law with its enslaving rites, be abolished, and the more mild, free, and gracious dispensation of the Gospel every where prevail. 1 This persuasion you entertain, concerning the law and its efficacy to salvation, &c. 2 A little leaven, that is, the errors of one teacher are sufficient to corrupt the whole church. 3 Cut off, excommunicated. 4 In one word, by obeying one precept. |
