Galatians 2:19
Verse
Context
Paul Confronts Cephas
18If I rebuild what I have already torn down, I prove myself to be a lawbreaker.19For through the law I died to the law so that I might live to God.20I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Sermons
Derek Prince
Dennis Kinlaw
Andrew Murray
Miles J. Stanford
John Nelson DarbyJohn Nelson Darby
T. Austin-SparksSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For I through the law am dead to the law - In consequence of properly considering the nature and requisitions of the law, I am dead to all hope and expectation of help or salvation from the law, and have been obliged to take refuge in the Gospel of Christ. Or, probably the word νομος, Law, is here put for a system of doctrine; as if he had said, I through the Gospel am dead to the law. The law itself is consigned to death, and another, the Gospel of Christ, is substituted in its stead. The law condemns to death, and I have embraced the Gospel that I might be saved from death, and live unto God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Here Paul seems to pass from his exact words to Peter, to the general purport of his argument on the question. However, his direct address to the Galatians seems not to be resumed till Gal 3:1, "O foolish Galatians," &c. For--But I am not a "transgressor" by forsaking the law. "For," &c. Proving his indignant denial of the consequence that "Christ is the minister of sin" (Gal 2:17), and of the premises from which it would follow. Christ, so far from being the minister of sin and death, is the establisher of righteousness and life. I am entirely in Him [BENGEL]. I--here emphatical. Paul himself, not Peter, as in the "I" (Gal 2:18). through the law--which was my "schoolmaster to bring me to Christ" (Gal 3:24); both by its terrors (Gal 3:13; Rom 3:20) driving me to Christ, as the refuge from God's wrath against sin, and, when spiritually understood, teaching that itself is not permanent, but must give place to Christ, whom it prefigures as its scope and end (Rom 10:4); and drawing me to Him by its promises (in the prophecies which form part of the Old Testament law) of a better righteousness, and of God's law written in the heart (Deu 18:15-19; Jer 31:33; Act 10:43). am dead to the law--literally, "I died to the law," and so am dead to it, that is, am passed from under its power, in respect to non-justification or condemnation (Col 2:20; Rom 6:14; Rom 7:4, Rom 7:6); just as a woman, once married and bound to a husband, ceases to be so bound to him when death interposes, and may be lawfully married to another husband. So by believing union to Christ in His death, we, being considered dead with Him, are severed from the law's past power over us (compare Gal 6:14; Co1 7:39; Rom 6:6-11; Pe1 2:24). live unto God-- (Rom 6:11; Co2 5:15; Pe1 4:1-2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I through the law am dead to the law,.... The apostle further replies to the objection against the doctrine of justification, being a licentious one, from the end of his, and other believers, being dead to the law: he owns he was dead unto it, not in such sense as not to regard it as a rule of walk and conversation, but so as not to seek for life and righteousness by it, nor to fear its accusations, charges, menaces, curses, and condemnation: he was dead to the moral law as in the hands of Moses, but not as in the hands of Christ; and he was dead to it as a covenant of works, though not as a rule of action, and to the ceremonial law, even as to the observance of it, and much more as necessary to justification and salvation: and so he became "through the law"; that is, either through the law or doctrine of Christ; for the Hebrew word to which answers, signifies properly doctrine, and sometimes evangelical doctrine, the Gospel of Christ; see Isa 2:3 and then the sense is, that the apostle by the doctrine of grace was taught not to seek for pardon, righteousness, acceptance, life, and salvation, by the works of the law, but in Christ; by the doctrine of the Gospel, which says, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved; he became dead to the law, which says, do this and live: or through the books of the law, and the prophets, the writings of the Old Testament, which are sometimes called the law, he learnt that righteousness and forgiveness of sins were only to be expected from Christ, and not the works of the law; things, though manifested without the law, yet are witnessed to by the law and prophets: or through the law of his mind, the principle of grace formed in his soul, he became dead to the power and influence of the law of works, he being no longer under the bondage of that, but under grace, as a governing principle in his soul: or the word law, here twice used, may signify one and the same law of works; and the meaning be, either that through Christ's fulfilling the law in his room and stead, assuming an holy human nature the law required, and yielding perfect obedience to it, and submitting to the penalty of it, he became dead to it; that is, through the body of Christ, see Rom 7:4 and through what he did and suffered in his body to fulfil it; or through the use, experience, and knowledge of the law, when being convinced of sin by it, and seeing the spirituality of it, all his hopes of life were struck dead, and he entirely despaired of ever being justified by it. Now the end of his being dead unto it, delivered from it, and being directed to Christ for righteousness, was, says he, that I might live unto God; not in sin, in the violation of the law, in neglect and defiance of it, or to himself, or to the lusts of men, but to the will of God revealed in his word, and to his honour and glory; whence it most clearly follows, that though believers are dead to the law, and seek to be justified by Christ alone, yet they do not continue, nor do they desire to continue in sin, or indulge themselves in a vicious course of living, but look upon themselves as under the greater obligation to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:19 when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me: Attempting to gain acceptance with God through keeping the law inevitably leads to sin (5:2-4; see Rom 7:5, 8-11), whereas living by the Spirit leads away from sin (Gal 5:16, 22-24). • I died to the law: The NLT adds an explanation that this means I stopped trying to meet all its requirements. Those who trust in Christ participate in his death (2:20); they are no longer under the law’s judgment (see Rom 6:2, 10-11; 7:2-6), and they stop seeing the law as a means of their salvation. Instead, Christians live for God in a new relationship with God through Christ (Gal 3:23–4:11; see Rom 6:10-11; 14:7-8; 2 Cor 5:15).
Galatians 2:19
Paul Confronts Cephas
18If I rebuild what I have already torn down, I prove myself to be a lawbreaker.19For through the law I died to the law so that I might live to God.20I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Delivered Through the Cross
By Derek Prince4.4K1:17:17CrossPSA 19:12MAT 6:33ROM 3:20ROM 4:5GAL 2:19EPH 2:8PHP 2:3In this sermon, the preacher discusses the mindset of focusing on temporal things and how it hinders believers from realizing their deliverance from the present evil age. He points out that television, being a medium of instant gratification, has influenced the church to adopt this mindset. The preacher emphasizes the need for believers to be delivered from this evil age, as it is controlled by the enemy who blinds people's minds to the gospel. He concludes by highlighting the importance of faith in God's righteousness rather than relying on a set of rules for righteousness.
Characteristics of the Mind of Christ
By Dennis Kinlaw2.0K58:11Mind of ChristJHN 3:15JHN 3:17GAL 2:19GAL 2:21PHP 2:5PHP 4:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of grumbling and complaining, emphasizing that it goes against the teachings of Scripture. He highlights four characteristics of a person who has the mind of Christ, two of which are mentioned before a hymn and two after. These characteristics include avoiding selfish ambition and vain conceit, refraining from complaining and arguing, and embracing the cross and despising shame. The speaker reflects on how Jesus exemplified these characteristics and challenges listeners to strive for a selfless mindset. Additionally, the speaker shares personal anecdotes and observations about complaining and finding contentment in one's circumstances.
A Testimony & an Epilogue
By Andrew Murray0The CrossPrayer and ObedienceISA 53:3GAL 2:19HEB 1:3REV 5:12Andrew Murray emphasizes the profound significance of the cross in the life of a believer, illustrating that true fellowship with Christ requires taking the lowest place, just as He did. He urges Christians to embrace their own crosses, understanding that victory and spiritual power come from this deep connection with the crucified Lord. Murray warns against the dangers of neglecting prayer and the need for a spirit of surrender and immediate obedience to God's will, highlighting that spiritual warfare is fought through persistent prayer. He calls for a collective commitment to reclaim the power of believing prayer, which is essential for both personal and congregational growth. Ultimately, Murray's message is a call to action for believers to fully engage in their faith and support one another in the journey of prayer and obedience.
Stand Your Ground!
By Miles J. Stanford0ROM 6:14ROM 7:6ROM 8:2GAL 2:19GAL 3:12GAL 5:4EPH 2:8COL 2:16HEB 8:6Miles J. Stanford preaches about the contrast between the law and grace, emphasizing how the law can break a person while grace can make them whole. He discusses the complexity of walking in separation from religious systems of the past and future, highlighting the importance of being guided by the Spirit of God and the Word of God. Stanford challenges the misconception that Jesus was merely an introduction to Moses and that believers must keep the law to maintain their position, instead emphasizing that true faith leads to a natural walk of privilege and relationship with Christ.
Letter: 24f 48 G v Wigram, Lausanne, January, 1842
By John Nelson Darby0The Resurrection of ChristGrace vs. LawROM 7:4GAL 2:19John Nelson Darby emphasizes the distinction between being under the law and living in grace, explaining that Christ's death and resurrection freed believers from the law's condemnation. He argues that while the law reveals our responsibility, it does not define our relationship with God, as we are united with Christ who fulfilled the law. Darby warns that many Christians mistakenly place themselves under the law, which hinders their peace and understanding of redemption. He also reflects on the Epistle to the Philippians, highlighting the apostle's afflictions and the importance of grace in the church's struggles. Ultimately, he encourages believers to grasp the significance of Christ's resurrection to fully enjoy their new life in Him.
A Reading on Galatians 2:19-21
By John Nelson Darby0Identity in ChristFreedom from the LawGAL 2:19John Nelson Darby expounds on Galatians 2:19-21, emphasizing the relationship between the law, the cross, and the life of Christ within believers. He explains that the law reveals our inability to achieve righteousness and condemns us, but through Christ's crucifixion, we are freed from condemnation and can live a new life empowered by Him. Darby highlights the importance of recognizing our identity in Christ, being dead to sin and alive to God, and living by faith in the Son of God. He contrasts the teachings of Romans, Ephesians, and Colossians to illustrate the believer's new position and the fullness of life found in Christ. Ultimately, he encourages believers to focus on their new identity and the power of Christ in their lives.
Abraham and the Law of Life
By T. Austin-Sparks0FaithFriendship with GodROM 8:2GAL 2:19T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the significance of faith in the life of Abraham, illustrating how true life in Christ is intrinsically linked to faith. He explains that coming to resurrection ground, as exemplified by Noah, leads to a life of faith, where all natural influences must be set aside to fully embrace God's purpose. The sermon highlights Abraham's journey of faith, including the challenges of ambition and the divine use of delay and contradiction, ultimately revealing that true friendship with God is found in letting go of earthly ambitions and trusting Him completely. Sparks encourages believers to seek God Himself as their ultimate goal, rather than the blessings He can provide, to experience the fullness of life.
Free-Born
By Miles J. Stanford0JHN 1:14GAL 2:19GAL 5:11JN 2:8Miles J. Stanford preaches about the believer's freedom from the law through death on the Cross, emphasizing that the Law does not give life but rather governs life. He highlights the believer's union with Jesus, who is full of grace and truth, and how God's commands are in accordance with the new nature received through Christ. Stanford explains that God's commands are not meant to be fulfilled in human strength but to lead believers to rely on Him for strength and guidance, rejecting legalism and emphasizing the liberty found in Christ.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
For I through the law am dead to the law - In consequence of properly considering the nature and requisitions of the law, I am dead to all hope and expectation of help or salvation from the law, and have been obliged to take refuge in the Gospel of Christ. Or, probably the word νομος, Law, is here put for a system of doctrine; as if he had said, I through the Gospel am dead to the law. The law itself is consigned to death, and another, the Gospel of Christ, is substituted in its stead. The law condemns to death, and I have embraced the Gospel that I might be saved from death, and live unto God.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Here Paul seems to pass from his exact words to Peter, to the general purport of his argument on the question. However, his direct address to the Galatians seems not to be resumed till Gal 3:1, "O foolish Galatians," &c. For--But I am not a "transgressor" by forsaking the law. "For," &c. Proving his indignant denial of the consequence that "Christ is the minister of sin" (Gal 2:17), and of the premises from which it would follow. Christ, so far from being the minister of sin and death, is the establisher of righteousness and life. I am entirely in Him [BENGEL]. I--here emphatical. Paul himself, not Peter, as in the "I" (Gal 2:18). through the law--which was my "schoolmaster to bring me to Christ" (Gal 3:24); both by its terrors (Gal 3:13; Rom 3:20) driving me to Christ, as the refuge from God's wrath against sin, and, when spiritually understood, teaching that itself is not permanent, but must give place to Christ, whom it prefigures as its scope and end (Rom 10:4); and drawing me to Him by its promises (in the prophecies which form part of the Old Testament law) of a better righteousness, and of God's law written in the heart (Deu 18:15-19; Jer 31:33; Act 10:43). am dead to the law--literally, "I died to the law," and so am dead to it, that is, am passed from under its power, in respect to non-justification or condemnation (Col 2:20; Rom 6:14; Rom 7:4, Rom 7:6); just as a woman, once married and bound to a husband, ceases to be so bound to him when death interposes, and may be lawfully married to another husband. So by believing union to Christ in His death, we, being considered dead with Him, are severed from the law's past power over us (compare Gal 6:14; Co1 7:39; Rom 6:6-11; Pe1 2:24). live unto God-- (Rom 6:11; Co2 5:15; Pe1 4:1-2).
John Gill Bible Commentary
For I through the law am dead to the law,.... The apostle further replies to the objection against the doctrine of justification, being a licentious one, from the end of his, and other believers, being dead to the law: he owns he was dead unto it, not in such sense as not to regard it as a rule of walk and conversation, but so as not to seek for life and righteousness by it, nor to fear its accusations, charges, menaces, curses, and condemnation: he was dead to the moral law as in the hands of Moses, but not as in the hands of Christ; and he was dead to it as a covenant of works, though not as a rule of action, and to the ceremonial law, even as to the observance of it, and much more as necessary to justification and salvation: and so he became "through the law"; that is, either through the law or doctrine of Christ; for the Hebrew word to which answers, signifies properly doctrine, and sometimes evangelical doctrine, the Gospel of Christ; see Isa 2:3 and then the sense is, that the apostle by the doctrine of grace was taught not to seek for pardon, righteousness, acceptance, life, and salvation, by the works of the law, but in Christ; by the doctrine of the Gospel, which says, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved; he became dead to the law, which says, do this and live: or through the books of the law, and the prophets, the writings of the Old Testament, which are sometimes called the law, he learnt that righteousness and forgiveness of sins were only to be expected from Christ, and not the works of the law; things, though manifested without the law, yet are witnessed to by the law and prophets: or through the law of his mind, the principle of grace formed in his soul, he became dead to the power and influence of the law of works, he being no longer under the bondage of that, but under grace, as a governing principle in his soul: or the word law, here twice used, may signify one and the same law of works; and the meaning be, either that through Christ's fulfilling the law in his room and stead, assuming an holy human nature the law required, and yielding perfect obedience to it, and submitting to the penalty of it, he became dead to it; that is, through the body of Christ, see Rom 7:4 and through what he did and suffered in his body to fulfil it; or through the use, experience, and knowledge of the law, when being convinced of sin by it, and seeing the spirituality of it, all his hopes of life were struck dead, and he entirely despaired of ever being justified by it. Now the end of his being dead unto it, delivered from it, and being directed to Christ for righteousness, was, says he, that I might live unto God; not in sin, in the violation of the law, in neglect and defiance of it, or to himself, or to the lusts of men, but to the will of God revealed in his word, and to his honour and glory; whence it most clearly follows, that though believers are dead to the law, and seek to be justified by Christ alone, yet they do not continue, nor do they desire to continue in sin, or indulge themselves in a vicious course of living, but look upon themselves as under the greater obligation to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:19 when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me: Attempting to gain acceptance with God through keeping the law inevitably leads to sin (5:2-4; see Rom 7:5, 8-11), whereas living by the Spirit leads away from sin (Gal 5:16, 22-24). • I died to the law: The NLT adds an explanation that this means I stopped trying to meet all its requirements. Those who trust in Christ participate in his death (2:20); they are no longer under the law’s judgment (see Rom 6:2, 10-11; 7:2-6), and they stop seeing the law as a means of their salvation. Instead, Christians live for God in a new relationship with God through Christ (Gal 3:23–4:11; see Rom 6:10-11; 14:7-8; 2 Cor 5:15).