1Paul sheweth for what purpose after many years he went to Jerusalem; 3that Titus, who went with him, was not circumcised, and that on purpose to assert the freedom of the Gentile converts from the bondage of the law; 6that no new knowledge was added to him in conference with the three chief apostles, but that he received from them a public acknowledgement of his divine mission to the Gentiles; 11that he openly withstood Peter for dissimulation with respect to Gentile communion, 14expostulating with him, why he, who believed that justification came by the faith of Christ, acted as though it came by the works of the law; 21which was in effect to frustrate the grace of God.
1THEN 1fourteen years after I 2went up 3again toa Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took 4Titus with me also.
1 Namely, besides the three years which he was in Arabia, Gal. 1:18, being seventeen years after his conversion; and the fifty-first year after Christ’s birth.
2 Thus the Scripture speaks when they travel towards Jerusalem, because it was situated high upon hills; as on the contrary they, who came from Jerusalem, are said to come or go down. See Mark 3:22; Acts 18:22.
3 After his conversion the apostle went a number of times to Jerusalem; first when he was come again out of Arabia after three years, Acts 9:26; Gal. 1:18, afterward with Barnabas bringing the collection to Jerusalem, Acts 11:30; 12:25, and when he was sent by the congregation of Antioch with Barnabas to the Synod of Jerusalem, Acts 15:2, again Acts 18:18, and finally because of his vow, and to bring the collection there, when he was apprehended there, Acts 21:15. It seems that the apostle here speaks of the journey, when he was sent to the Synod, which was held in the seventeenth year after his conversion.
a Acts 15:2.
4 See of him, Titus 1:3. He seems to have taken Titus with him, being yet uncircumcised, in order to show in him before the false brethren the freedom from the ceremonial law.
2And I went up 5byb revelation, and 6communicated 7unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but 8privately to them which were of 9reputation, lest by any means I should 10run, or had run, 11in vain.
5 Namely, of God, Who by His Spirit and in visions always revealed to Paul where He would make use of his service. See Acts 13:2; 16:7, 10; 18:9; 19:21; 22:17; 23:11.
b Acts 19:21.
6 The Greek word signifies to relate any matter to one with mutual communication.
7 Namely, to the apostles and teachers who were at Jerusalem. This was done publicly before all.
8 Namely, so to have the better opportunity to understand my doctrine from me, and to testify their agreement with me.
9 Namely, by reason of their gifts and repute in the congregation, age, or otherwise; and consequently were the most qualified to judge thereof. These are named in verse 9.
10 That is, fulfill the ministry of the Gospel. A similitude from those who contend running a race to win the prize, 2 Tim. 4:7.
11 That is, without producing any fruit among the Gentiles, which would have so been if he had not hereby confuted and brought to nothing the slanders of the false brethren.
3Butc neither Titus, who was with me, being 12a Greek, was 13compelled to be circumcised:
c Acts 16:3; 1 Cor. 9:21.
12 That is, born of Gentile parents, and uncircumcised.
13 Namely, by the apostles, who were at Jerusalem, seeing they also understood that circumcision was now abolished. Yet, why nevertheless Paul caused Timothy to be circumcised, see Acts 16:3.
414Andd that because of 15false brethren unawares 16brought in, who came 17in privily 18to spy out 19our liberty which we have 20in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us 21into bondage:
14 The apostle here gives a reason why he would not let Titus be circumcised, in order that the false brethren, who held circumcision still necessary to salvation Acts 15:1, might not be hardened in their error, but to be better acquainted with christian liberty.
d Acts 15:24.
15 That is, bearing indeed the name of brethren and believers, but really being enemies of the saving doctrine.
16 That is, they who had resorted to the congregation of the faithful with deceit and dissimulation.
17 That is, with feigned humility and profession slipped privily into the congregation.
18 Namely, for evil, to observe privily if they could not find any occasion to reproach us.
19 Namely, from the ceremonial law, among which also was circumcision, to take occasion from this to reproach us.
20 That is, obtained for us through Christ, as it was portrayed through the ceremonies, is fulfilled in Him, and through Him, Col. 2:17.
21 That is, that we, forsaking the christian liberty, would subject ourselves to the yoke of ceremonies as necessary unto salvation.
5To whom we 22gave placee23by subjection, no, 24not for an hour; 25that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
22 A similitude taken from combatants or wrestlers, who strongly resist their opponent, and do not give ground. See the truth of this saying, Acts 15:1, 2, etc.
e give way, yield*
23 That is, that we would be subject to them, or subject ourselves to them in observing the ceremonies.
24 The apostles yielded to the weak Jews for a time in observing the ceremonies to gain them, 1 Cor. 9:20, 22, and by degrees to bring them to the knowledge of christian liberty; but they would not in the least give or yield to these false brethren that they might not harden in their errors and stubbornness.
25 That is, this we have not done out of stubbornness or desire for contention, but to defend the purity of the doctrine of the Gospel against them, and maintain it in the congregations, especially of Galatia.
6But of 26these who seemed to be somewhat, (27whatsoever they were, it 28maketh no matter to me: 29Godf accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference 30added nothing to me:
26 That is, the other apostles, who are by rights in great esteem with the congregations.
27 That is, what they were before they were called to be apostles. Or, what advantages they had before me, before I was called to be an apostle.
28 That is, it matters not much to me. Or, I regard it not. Or, this differs not from my doing and teaching.
29 Of this expression see Mat. 22:16; Acts 10:34. That is, in matters of truth God respects not any outward advantages or esteem of those who teach the truth, but only the matters itself.
f Deut. 10:17; 2 Chron. 19:7; Job 34:19; Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9; Col. 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17.
30 Namely, as concerning the doctrine of the Gospel, that I would have learned something from them, which the Lord Christ Himself would not have revealed to me.
7But 31contrariwise, when 32they saw that the gospel 33of the uncircumcision 34was committed unto me, as the gospel 35of the circumcision was unto Peter;
31 That is, they did not only reprehend nothing in my doctrine, but also, on the contrary, acknowledged the same to be good and upright.
32 That is, acknowledged, understood, as verse 9.
33 That is, of the Gentiles, who are uncircumcised, verse 8. See Rom. 2:26; 3:30; 4:12, namely, to preach the same mainly among them.
34 Namely, by Christ Himself and God the Father, as Gal. 1:1.
35 That is, of the circumcised Jews, to preach the same amongst them. See Rom. 3:30; 15:8.
8 (36For 37he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, theg same was mighty 38in me 39toward the Gentiles:)
36 The apostle here shows whereby the apostles saw and acknowledged that the Gospel was committed unto him, namely, by the powerful working of God through his preaching for the conversion of the Gentiles.
37 Namely, the Lord Christ, Who accompanied the ministry of Peter with the powerful operation of His Spirit.
g Acts 9:15; 13:2; 22:21; Gal. 1:16; Eph. 3:8.
38 Or, by me, that is, by my ministry.
39 Namely, unto their conversion.
9And when 40James, 41Cephas, and 42John, who seemed to be 43pillars, perceived 44the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas 45the right hands of fellowship; that 46we should go unto the heathen, and 47they 48unto the circumcision.
40 See of him, Gal. 1:19.
41 That is, Peter. See of this name, Mat. 16:18; John 1:43.
42 Namely, the son of Zebedee, a brother of James the great, who was beheaded by Herod, Acts 12. See of him Mat. 4:21; 10:2; 17:1.
43 Namely, of the society of the apostles, as well as of the congregation, because they, by their ministry, steadfastly defended and maintained the truth of the Gospel, and were especially in great esteem with the congregation, as an ornament of the same. See Jer. 1:18; Rev. 3:12.
44 Namely, of the apostleship, Rom. 1:5. Or, the operations and fruits of grace. Or, the gifts, such as were speaking with foreign languages, prophecy, miracles and the like.
45 Namely, for a sign and assurance that they acknowledged that we had communion with them, in the ministry of the apostleship as well as in the purity of the doctrine of the Gospel.
46 Namely, I and Barnabas.
47 Namely, Peter and the other two apostles.
48 That is, unto the circumcised Jews. See verse 7.
10Only they would that we should remember 49the poor; the same whichh I also was 50forward to do.
49 Namely, to take care for a collection for them among the congregations of the Gentiles.
h Acts 11:30; 24:17; Rom. 15:25; 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 8:1; 9:1.
50 This appears everywhere, also in his epistles, and especially in Rom. 15:27; 1 Cor. 16:1; 2 Cor. 9:1.
11But when Peter was come to 51Antioch, I withstood him 52to the face, because he was to be 53blamed.
51 See of this city, Acts 11:19.
52 That is, in the presence of him and of all, as is declared in verse 14. See also 2 Cor. 10:1.
53 That is, deserved to be reproved.
12For before that certain came 54from James, he 55did eat 56with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he 57withdrew and separated himself, 58fearing 59them which were of the circumcision.
54 Why James had sent these to Antioch is uncertain. Some think to be permitted to learn about the state of the congregation there, or to give notice of something to the apostles.
55 Namely, all kinds of meat, even what was forbidden in the Old Testament, following Christian liberty, whereof he was assured by an heavenly vision, Acts 10, so that he did well therein.
56 Namely, who were converted to Christ, and had never been subject to the yoke of the ceremonial law.
57 That is, he would no more eat with the believing Gentiles, thereby feigning as if he understood that the eating of all kinds of meat was unlawful for Christians, wherein he did very ill, as appears in what follows.
58 That is, fearing that he would thereby give those Jews occasion to speak evil of him. See the like Acts 11:2.
59 That is, the Jews who were converted to the Christian religion, and yet observed the difference of meats according to the ceremonial law, not being yet fully informed of the abrogation thereof.
13And 60the other Jews 61dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that 62Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
60 Namely, who have become Christians, and who had somewhat learned and used Christian liberty.
61 The apostle mentions this deed of Peter twice in this verse a dissimulation, which is, when anyone does or speaks otherwise than he thinks in his heart or mind; which is never lawful to do. These Jews did this likewise, being deceived by the example of Peter.
62 Of him see Acts 11:22, 30; 13:1, 2; 15:2.
14But when I saw that they walked 63not uprightly 64according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter 65before them all, Ifi thou, being a Jew, livest 66after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why 67compellest thou the Gentiles to live 68as do the Jews?
63 Gr. set not their feet right, that is, as it were halted, went not straight forward to come to the purpose and main end of the Christian doctrine, 1 Kings 18:21; Heb. 12:13.
64 That is, according to the purity; according to the true doctrine of the Gospel, concerning Christian liberty.
65 Namely, forasmuch as he sinned, and gave offense openly and before all, 1 Tim. 5:20.
i Acts 10:28.
66 That is, has eaten all kind of meats heretofore, as the Christians, converted from among the Gentiles, do also, following Christian liberty, verse 12.
67 Namely, by your evil example, which must necessarily move them to imitate it; or, because you seem to acknowledge them for no true Christians, if they, even as you, do not subject themselves to the ceremonial law.
68 Namely, to observe the ceremonial law; which the Jews did in the Old Testament, and was still permitted for a time to the converted Jews who did not yet understand Christian liberty, as an indifferent thing for the sake of edification. But as concerning those who were converted from among the Gentiles, it was decreed at the Synod of Jerusalem that they should not be burdened with it. See Acts 15:10, 28.
1569We who are 70Jews by nature, and 71not sinners of the Gentiles,
69 Or, we, Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing, etc. We, namely, I and also you, Peter. For, the apostle relates here yet how he spoke to Peter.
70 That is, by descent and birth, Rom. 2:17, 28, and for this cause born under the ceremonial law.
71 That is, not of Gentile descent, who were idolaters and great sinners, strangers from the covenant of God. See Eph. 2:11. The apostle wants to say, forasmuch as we apostles, who are Jews, seek not our justification in the works of the law, but in the faith of Christ, much less must one teach or constrain the Gentiles to seek their righteousness in the observation of the law, Rom. 3:9.
1672Knowingj that 73a man is not 74justified by the works 75of the law, 76but 77by the faith of Jesus Christ, 78even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: 79fork by the works of the law shall 80no 81flesh be justified.
72 That is, because we certainly know it.
j Acts 13:38; Rom. 3:28; 8:3; Heb. 7:18.
73 Who, or how holy so ever he might be.
74 What it is to be justified, see in the annotation on Rom. 3:20.
75 Namely, of Moses, moral as well as ceremonial.
76 Or, except, as Mat. 12:4; 1 Cor. 7:17; Gal. 1:7; Rev. 21:27. That is, only by faith, as the following words clearly indicate this.
77 That is, when we receive by a true and lively faith the righteousness of Christ, Rom. 3:24, 28.
78 That is, this is the cause, why we, apostles, have received Christ by a true faith. For, had we been able to be justified by the law, we would not have needed to go to Christ.
79 This proof is taken out of the Scripture of the Old Testament, Psalm 143:2.
k Rom. 3:20; Gal. 3:11.
80 Gr. all flesh shall not be justified, that is, no flesh; an Hebrew phrase, as Psalm 143:2; Rom. 3:20.
81 That is, person. See Gen. 6:12; Isa. 40:6.
1782But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found 83sinners, 84is therefore Christ 85the minister of sin? 86God forbid.
82 Here now the apostle speaks further to the Galatians, and answers an objection which they might cast forth against the doctrine previously mentioned; namely, that the same makes men careless, leads them to sin, and that as such Christ would harden a man in sin. Of this objection see also, Rom. 3:31; 6:1, 2, 3.
83 That is, sin yet daily.
84 That is, it will not follow from this that then Christ, etc.
85 That is, that this doctrine of man’s justification without the works of the law, only by faith in Christ, shall serve and give man occasion to sin more at liberty.
86 See the annotations on Rom. 6:2.
18For if I 87build again the things 88which I destroyed, I make myself a 89transgressor.
87 Namely, by a doctrine which would make such admonitions of none effect, and stir up men to sin.
88 Namely, by my earnest and continual admonitions to flee from sin.
89 Namely, of God’s command, and of the laws of uprightness, which ought to be in a faithful teacher.
1990Forl I through 91the law am dead 92to the law, thatm I might live 93unto God.
90 That this doctrine of the apostle does not of itself stir men up to sin, he proves by his own example, passing by the examples of others, because it may happen that this doctrine may indeed be abused by some thereto. Yet what he says of himself, this is also true in all true believers.
l Rom. 7:4.
91 That is, by the ministry of the law.
92 That is, I have learned by the law that I am a great sinner, according to the law subject to the curse and death, and that the righteousness which the law requires is not in me, and consequently that the law leaves me in death.
m Rom. 14:7; 2 Cor. 5:15; 1 Thes. 5:10; Heb. 9:14; 1 Peter 4:2.
93 That is, might lead a new and holy life that is pleasing to God, according to His commandments; and for this cause not unto sin. See Rom. 6:11.
20I am crucified 94with Christ: nevertheless 95I live; yet 96not I, 97but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live 98in the flesh 99I live by the faith of the Son of God, whon loved me, and 100gave himself for me.
94 How this is to be understood, see Rom. 6:6, where the same is said, and further expounded.
95 Namely, now truly a spiritual life.
96 Namely, such as I was before my conversion and regeneration.
97 Namely, by His Holy Spirit, by Whom He leads me in the ways of God, and makes me fruitful unto good works.
98 That is, in this my natural life; which he distinguishes from the spiritual.
99 That is, although I have mine infirmities in that same flesh, yet I believe and trust that the Son of God has satisfied for the same by His death; Who also quickens me by His Spirit.
n Gal. 1:4; Eph. 5:2; Titus 2:14.
100 Namely, unto death, Rom. 4:25.
21I do not 101frustrate 102the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead 103in vain.o
101 This occurs when one does not believe that Christ is perfectly our Righteousness.
102 Namely, which is done in me through Christ, whereof he spoke in the previous verse.
103 Or, for nought, that is, without cause, reason, need or fruit, John 15:25.
o Heb. 7:11.