Galatians 5:2
Verse
Context
Freedom in Christ
1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.2Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.3Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.
Sermons
Robert Traill
G.W. North
F.B. MeyerSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If ye be circumcised - By circumcision you take on you the whole obligation of the Jewish law, and consequently profess to seek salvation by means of its observances; and therefore Christ can profit you nothing; for, by seeking justification by the works of the law, you renounce justification by faith in Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Behold--that is, Mark what I say. I Paul--Though you now think less of my authority, I nevertheless give my name and personal authority as enough by itself to refute all opposition of adversaries. if ye be circumcised--not as ALFORD, "If you will go on being circumcised." Rather, "If ye suffer yourselves to be circumcised," namely, under the notion of its being necessary to justification (Gal 5:4; Act 15:1). Circumcision here is not regarded simply by itself (for, viewed as a mere national rite, it was practiced for conciliation's sake by Paul himself, Act 16:3), but as the symbol of Judaism and legalism in general. If this be necessary, then the Gospel of grace is at an end. If the latter be the way of justification, then Judaism is in no way so. Christ . . . profit . . . nothing-- (Gal 2:21). For righteousness of works and justification by faith cannot co-exist. "He who is circumcised [for justification] is so as fearing the law, and he who fears, disbelieves the power of grace, and he who disbelieves can profit nothing by that grace which he disbelieves [CHRYSOSTOM].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, I Paul say unto you,.... The apostle proceeds to give some reasons and arguments to enforce the above exhortation and dissuasion: the first of which is introduced with a note of attention, "behold"; what he was about to say being matter of great moment and importance; and also mentions himself by name, as the assertor of it; and that, either because his name was well known to them, and the rather because of his apostolical authority; and to show his full assurance of this matter, and his intrepidity, and that he was no ways ashamed of it, they might, if they pleased, say it to whomsoever they would, that Paul the apostle affirmed, that if ye be circumcised Christ shall profit you nothing: he speaks of circumcision, not as when it was an ordinance of God, but as it was now abolished by Christ; and that got as singly performed on some certain accounts for he himself circumcised Timothy for the sake of the Jews; but as done in order to salvation, or as necessary unto it; which was the doctrine the false apostles taught and these Galatians were ready to give into: now circumcision submitted to on this consideration, and with this view rendered Christ unprofitable, made his death to be in vain, his sacrifice of no effect, and his righteousness useless: besides, Christ is a whole Saviour, or none at all; to join anything with him and his righteousness, in the business of justification and salvation, is interpreted by him as a contempt and neglect of him, as laying him aside, and to such persons he is of no profit; and if he is not, what they have, and whatsoever they do, will be of no advantage; wealth and riches, yea, the whole world could it be gained, their works and righteousness, whatever show they make before men, God has declared shall not profit them; and trusting to these renders Christ unprofitable to them. This is directly contrary to the notions of the Jews, who think they shall be saved for their circumcision, and that that will secure them from hell; they say (m) no circumcised person goes down to hell, and that whoever is circumcised shall inherit the land; but there is none shall inherit the land, save a righteous person; but everyone that is circumcised is called a righteous man (n); so that circumcision is their righteousness, on account of which they expect heaven and happiness. (m) Shemot Rabba, sect. 19. fol. 104. 4. (n) Zohar in Exod. fol. 10. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:2-6 The Judaizers taught that keeping the law would earn God’s favor (cp. Acts 15:1), but that path actually leads to alienation from God. Real righteousness comes to those who live in Christ by the power of the Spirit. 5:2 Paul reminded the Galatians of who was talking to them: the apostle of Christ who represented the Lord to the Gentiles and who had first proclaimed the Good News to them.
Galatians 5:2
Freedom in Christ
1It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.2Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.3Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Christ Did Not Die in Vain
By Robert Traill0JHN 1:17ROM 3:20ROM 8:3GAL 2:21GAL 3:10GAL 3:21GAL 5:2HEB 7:18HEB 9:15Robert Traill preaches on the significance of not seeking righteousness through the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that seeking righteousness through the law frustrates the grace of God and renders Christ's death meaningless. Traill delves into the impossibility of attaining righteousness through the law due to the law's condemnation of sin and the inability of man to fulfill its requirements. He highlights the necessity and purpose of Christ's death in fulfilling God's decree, covenant, and scriptures, bringing everlasting righteousness and purchasing grace and glory for believers.
The Cross and Circumcision
By G.W. North0The CrossLegalism vs. GraceGAL 5:2G.W. North emphasizes the significance of the cross in relation to circumcision, arguing that the Judaizers' insistence on circumcision undermines the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice. He expresses Paul's vehement rejection of any practice that detracts from the glory of salvation being attributed solely to Christ, warning against the subtlety of adding works to faith. North highlights the danger of religious practices becoming substitutes for true faith, illustrating that true circumcision is a matter of the heart, not merely a physical act. He urges believers to reject any form of legalism that distracts from the grace of God and to embrace the transformative power of the cross in their lives. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the core message of the gospel, free from the trappings of religious tradition.
The Sign of the Covenant
By F.B. Meyer0Covenant RelationshipFriendship with GodGEN 17:22CH 20:7ISA 41:8MAT 5:8JHN 15:152CO 6:17GAL 5:2PHP 3:3COL 2:11JAS 2:23F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound relationship between God and Abraham, highlighting Abraham's status as 'the friend of God' and the significance of the covenant established through circumcision. Meyer illustrates that this friendship is not unique to Abraham but is available to all believers through Jesus Christ, who calls us friends. He outlines three essential conditions for enjoying this divine friendship: separation from sin, purity of heart, and obedience to God's commands. The sermon encourages believers to engage in open communication with God, sharing their burdens and joys, and to recognize the spiritual significance of their relationship with Him. Ultimately, Meyer calls for a deeper appreciation of the privileges of being friends with God and the transformative power of His grace.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If ye be circumcised - By circumcision you take on you the whole obligation of the Jewish law, and consequently profess to seek salvation by means of its observances; and therefore Christ can profit you nothing; for, by seeking justification by the works of the law, you renounce justification by faith in Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Behold--that is, Mark what I say. I Paul--Though you now think less of my authority, I nevertheless give my name and personal authority as enough by itself to refute all opposition of adversaries. if ye be circumcised--not as ALFORD, "If you will go on being circumcised." Rather, "If ye suffer yourselves to be circumcised," namely, under the notion of its being necessary to justification (Gal 5:4; Act 15:1). Circumcision here is not regarded simply by itself (for, viewed as a mere national rite, it was practiced for conciliation's sake by Paul himself, Act 16:3), but as the symbol of Judaism and legalism in general. If this be necessary, then the Gospel of grace is at an end. If the latter be the way of justification, then Judaism is in no way so. Christ . . . profit . . . nothing-- (Gal 2:21). For righteousness of works and justification by faith cannot co-exist. "He who is circumcised [for justification] is so as fearing the law, and he who fears, disbelieves the power of grace, and he who disbelieves can profit nothing by that grace which he disbelieves [CHRYSOSTOM].
John Gill Bible Commentary
Behold, I Paul say unto you,.... The apostle proceeds to give some reasons and arguments to enforce the above exhortation and dissuasion: the first of which is introduced with a note of attention, "behold"; what he was about to say being matter of great moment and importance; and also mentions himself by name, as the assertor of it; and that, either because his name was well known to them, and the rather because of his apostolical authority; and to show his full assurance of this matter, and his intrepidity, and that he was no ways ashamed of it, they might, if they pleased, say it to whomsoever they would, that Paul the apostle affirmed, that if ye be circumcised Christ shall profit you nothing: he speaks of circumcision, not as when it was an ordinance of God, but as it was now abolished by Christ; and that got as singly performed on some certain accounts for he himself circumcised Timothy for the sake of the Jews; but as done in order to salvation, or as necessary unto it; which was the doctrine the false apostles taught and these Galatians were ready to give into: now circumcision submitted to on this consideration, and with this view rendered Christ unprofitable, made his death to be in vain, his sacrifice of no effect, and his righteousness useless: besides, Christ is a whole Saviour, or none at all; to join anything with him and his righteousness, in the business of justification and salvation, is interpreted by him as a contempt and neglect of him, as laying him aside, and to such persons he is of no profit; and if he is not, what they have, and whatsoever they do, will be of no advantage; wealth and riches, yea, the whole world could it be gained, their works and righteousness, whatever show they make before men, God has declared shall not profit them; and trusting to these renders Christ unprofitable to them. This is directly contrary to the notions of the Jews, who think they shall be saved for their circumcision, and that that will secure them from hell; they say (m) no circumcised person goes down to hell, and that whoever is circumcised shall inherit the land; but there is none shall inherit the land, save a righteous person; but everyone that is circumcised is called a righteous man (n); so that circumcision is their righteousness, on account of which they expect heaven and happiness. (m) Shemot Rabba, sect. 19. fol. 104. 4. (n) Zohar in Exod. fol. 10. 2.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:2-6 The Judaizers taught that keeping the law would earn God’s favor (cp. Acts 15:1), but that path actually leads to alienation from God. Real righteousness comes to those who live in Christ by the power of the Spirit. 5:2 Paul reminded the Galatians of who was talking to them: the apostle of Christ who represented the Lord to the Gentiles and who had first proclaimed the Good News to them.