The
Book of Galatians

The book of Galatians was probably written from Macedonia A.D.
57 - A.D. 58. A large part of the letter is taken up with proofs of the
apostle's Divine authority. The major portion, however, is devoted to refuting
the teaching of such as would lead back the Galatians to bondage, for many of
them desired to be under the Law. Paul taught the Galatians that there is no
difference between Jew and Gentile before God. The Jews for the most part wanted
the gentiles to become Jewish and keep the law of Moses in order to be saved.
Paul, and the book of Galatians changed all that. The book of Galatians became
the cornerstone of the Protestant Reformation. "The salvation by grace through
faith," was the theme for the reformers. Martin Luther (German professor of
theology), lectured on the book of Galatians and was widely read among the
common people. Lets forget the old Jewish law and see how God opens salvation up
to the gentiles and all who believe.
Galatians 1
1Paul,
an apostle, (not of
men, neither by man,
but by Jesus Christ,
and God the Father,
who raised him from
the dead).
Paul
was called to the
ministry by God
Himself (struck
blind), on the road
to Damascus. He was
not called by any
man or group. (Acts
9:6). God appoints
His own to work in the ministry; if you are not called by God to serve in His
work, just keep doing what you are doing.
2And
all the brethren
which are with me,
unto the churches of
Galatia.
The
collection of the
saints (those
working with Paul), giving order
to the Galatians. (I
Corinthians 16:1).
3Grace
be to you and peace
from God the Father,
and from our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Peace
and blessings to you
from the Heavenly
Father and our Lord
Jesus Christ.
4Who
gave himself for our
sins, that he might
deliver us from this
present evil world,
according to the
will of God and our
Father.
Through the will of
God the Father,
Christ died for our
sins to rescue us
from this evil world
in which we live. He
died for the sins of
the world. (I John
2:2).
5To
whom be glory for
ever and ever. Amen.
All the Glory to God
through the ages of
eternity.
6I
marvel that ye are
so soon removed from
him that called you
into the grace of
Christ unto another
gospel.
Turning away from
the ways of Christ
and following
traditions of men
and another gospel.
Look at all the
beliefs going on in
today's world. No
two family members
can worship together
anymore; one follows
this denomination,
another follows
teachings of cults,
and others don't
care at all. (They
have their own gay
agendas and could
care less).
7Which
is not another; but
there be some that
trouble you, and
would pervert the
gospel of Christ.
You
are being fooled and
listen to those who
twist and change the
Gospel of Christ.
(II Corinthians
11:4, Acts 15:1).
Churches today will
follow anything that
keeps people coming
and filling their
baskets. (What ever
makes you feel good
we will teach).
8But
though we, or an
angel from heaven,
preach any other
gospel unto you than
that which we have
preached unto you,
let him be accursed.
This
word "angel" here is
("aggelos" Strong's
Greek G32, a
messenger by
implication a
pastor). Let anyone
be "cursed" that
teaches you another
Gospel, other than
the Gospel of Christ
that we have
preached to you. (I
Corinthians 16:22).
Stick to God's Word
and forget the fairy
tail teaching.
9As
we said before, so
say I now again, if
any man preach any
other gospel unto
you than that ye
have received, let
him be accursed.
Paul warns
them again. Preach
any other Gospel
other that you have
received, "you will
be cursed.
(Deuteronomy 4:2,
12:32, Revelation
22:18).
10For
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.
I am
not trying to sweet
talk you to please
you. I am trying to
please God. If any
man tries to please
you with false
teachings and
traditions of men,
he is not a servant
of Christ. (James
4:4).
11But
I certify you,
brethren, that the
gospel which was
preached of me is
not after man.
Paul is
telling the
brethren, I teach
the truth of the
word, not mans
version.
12For
I neither received
it of man, neither
was I taught it, but
by the revelation of
Jesus Christ.
My message comes
from Jesus Christ
Himself who taught
me. (Ephesians
3:3-6). "Right from
the teachings of
Christ." However,
things have not
changed. If Christ
was here today, many
people would still
not listen. They
would still follow
their priest or
pastor.
13For
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.
You know how I
followed the Jewish
religion before and
persecuted
Christians
mercilessly trying
to get rid of them.
(Acts 8:3). Paul was
on the other side in
the beginning of his
life till He seen
the light.
14And
profited in the
Jews' religion above
many my equals in
mine own nation,
being more
exceedingly zealous
of the traditions of
my fathers.
I was
very zealous in the
Jewish religion.
(Philippians 3:6),
following the
traditions of my
fathers. (Jeremiah
9:14).
15But
when it pleased God,
who separated me
from my mother's
womb, and called me
by his grace.
Paul was ordained
and chosen by God
even before he was
born to serve in the
ministry. He "just
didn't get it" till
later in his life. (Jeremiah
1:5, Acts 9:15).
16To
reveal his Son in
me, that I might
preach him among the
heathen; immediately
I conferred not with
flesh and blood.
It was God
who revealed His Son
the Christ to Paul,
just as he did
Peter. (Matthew
16:17). Paul's
purpose to serve was
to bring the Good
News about Jesus to
the gentiles. God
wanted everyone to
have a chance at
salvation, not just
a select few or one
type of people.
17Neither
went I up to
Jerusalem to them
which were apostles
before me; but I
went into Arabia,
and returned again
unto Damascus.
Paul went
to Arabia first and
then came back to
Damascus.
18Then
after three years I
went up to Jerusalem
to see Peter, and
abode with him
fifteen days.
After
three years of
teaching the
gentiles, then he
went to stay with
Peter for a while.
19But
other of the
apostles saw I none,
save James the
Lord's brother.
The
only other Apostle
Paul met at the time
was James, the
brother of Jesus.
20Now
the things which I
write unto you,
behold, before God,
I lie not.
Paul
was explaining to
the Apostles that he
was converted during
this time and was no
longer an enemy to
the Christians. It
took them a while to
trust Paul, but they
finally would give
in.
21Afterwards
I came into the
regions of Syria and
Cilicia.
At the time Saul
(Paul), went to
Syria and Cilicia,
the apostles were
still afraid of him.
(Acts 9:30). Well,
maybe not so much
afraid, but rather a
little sceptical.
22And
was unknown by face
unto the churches of
Judaea which were in
Christ.
The Christians in
Judea didn't even
know what he looked
like at that time.
23But
they had heard only,
That he which
persecuted us in
times past now
preacheth the faith
which once he
destroyed.
All
they knew was that
people were saying;
"Our former enemy is
now preaching the
same faith he tried
to destroy."
24And
they glorified God
in me.
They
gave glory to God
because of Paul's
conversion and the
truth he was
teaching. It might
of took a while, but
they finally caught
on to Paul's
teachings and knew
he was on their
side.
Galatians 2
1Then
fourteen years after
I went up again to
Jerusalem with
Barnabas, and took
Titus with me also.
Paul
went back to
Jerusalem with two
witnesses to confer
with the other
brethren about
teaching to the
gentiles. (Acts
15:2).
2And
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.
Paul
conferred with them
in private to see if
what he was teaching
was right. Always
good to have one or
two witnesses
thinking the same
way you do.
3But
neither Titus, who
was with me, being a
Greek, was compelled
to be circumcised.
They agreed with
Paul about the
circumcision not
being necessary to
teaching of the
gentiles.
(Christianity is not
about flesh, its a
reality of the
spirit within).
4And
that because of
false brethren
unawares brought in,
who came in privily
to spy out our
liberty which we
have in Christ
Jesus, that they
might bring us into
bondage.
Their were false
brethren present
that did not like
the freedom that was
being taught in
Jesus
Christ. They wanted
everyone tied up in
all their rules,
regulations, and
traditions. Just
like many churches
do today. They are
like cults putting
their members in
bondage under their
control. We are to
be free from bondage
in Jesus Christ.
Christianity is
"real life," not
religion. "If you
attend a church with
a bunch of rules and
regulations to
follow, your in a
cult!"
5To
whom we gave place
by subjection, no,
not for an hour;
that the truth of
the gospel might
continue with you.
But
they didn't listen
to the
traditionalists.
Paul didn't want the
gentiles to be
confused into
thinking that
salvation can be
earned by being
circumcised and
obeying Jewish laws.
Salvation comes to
whom ever will by
believing in Jesus
Christ and His
teachings. (John
3:16).
6But
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.
The
so called great
leaders of the
church who were
present had nothing
to add to what Paul
was teaching. It
would not have made
any difference to
Paul anyway how
great they thought
they were, because
everyone is the same
in God's eyes.
"These guys were
just puffed up on
religion." (You know
the ones and how
they act).
7But
contrariwise, when
they saw that the
gospel of the
uncircumcision was
committed unto me,
as the gospel of the
circumcision was
unto Peter.
They
seen that Paul was
committed to
teaching the
Gentiles, just as
much as Peter was in
preaching to the
Jews.
(Paul was the one
who brought the
freedom of
Christianity to us
(the gentiles),
through the
teachings of Jesus
Christ.
8(For
he that wrought
effectually in Peter
to the apostleship
of the circumcision,
the same was mighty
in me toward the
Gentiles:).
God had used Paul in
winning over the Gentiles
just as He used
Peter to winning
over the
Jews. (Peter was one
of the Jews who some
how got tied in with
the papacy in their
eyes, making him the
head of their
religion). It was
Paul and others such
as Martin Luther (a
German Scholar), who
brought the freedom
of Christianity to
all believers in
Jesus Christ.
9And
when James, Cephas,
and John, who seemed
to be pillars,
perceived the grace
that was given unto
me, they gave to me
and Barnabas the
right hands of
fellowship; that we
should go unto the
heathen, and they
unto the
circumcision.
God
had given all of
them their special
gifts of teaching
and they encouraged
each other to
continue their works
with the Jews and
the Gentiles. "We
are all given
special gifts of God
in serving Him, and
we should find out
where we fit in and
utilize them."
10Only
they would that we
should remember the
poor; the same which
I also was forward
to do.
They
were all in
agreement in helping
the poor. (The poor
in spirit). We are
to fish for the lost
souls (those who are
of the wrong spirit
and bring them
towards the light).
11But
when Peter was come
to Antioch, I
withstood him to the
face, because he was
to be blamed.
Paul
had to oppose Peter
when Peter came to
Antioch for what he
was doing. (Peter
was kind of puffed
up when it came to
the law of the
Jews).
12For
before that certain
came from James, he
did eat with the
Gentiles: but when
they were come, he
withdrew and
separated himself,
fearing them which
were of the
circumcision.
He
ate with the
Gentiles who did not
obey the Jewish laws
until some of the
Jewish legalists
showed up and then
he would not eat
with them anymore.
He was worried what
the legalists would
say. (He was kind of
being a hypocrite).
You don't need to
worry what man
thinks, listen to
God and what He
thinks.
13And
the other Jews
dissembled likewise
with him; insomuch
that Barnabas also
was carried away
with their
dissimulation.
Barnabas and the
other Jewish
Christians with
Peter also became
hypocrites and left.
14But
when I saw that they
walked not uprightly
according to the
truth of the gospel,
I 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?
They
weren't being honest
about what they
really believed.
Believe the truth of
the Gospel when the
gentiles were around
and believe the
Jewish laws when the
Jews were around.
"That's playing
church and being a
hypocrite."
15We
who are Jews by
nature, and not
sinners of the
Gentiles.
Jews by birth only.
Not born like the
sinner Gentiles
according to the
Jewish laws. "They
forgot, we are all
sinners in Gods
eyes."
16Knowing
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.
They
knew as Jewish
Christians that they
could not have
salvation by obeying
Jewish laws. They
could only be right
with God by having
faith in Jesus
Christ. They knew
this but they were
not practicing it.
(Acts 13:38-39,
Romans 1:17, Romans
8:3). Still goes on
today in most
denominations.
17But
if, while we seek to
be justified by
Christ, we ourselves
also are found
sinners, is
therefore Christ the
minister of sin? God
forbid.
God
forbid that we think
that trusting in
Christ is wrong and
that we cannot be
saved except we obey
the Jewish laws.
18For
if I build again the
things which I
destroyed, I make
myself a
transgressor.
We
would be sinners if
we go back to the
old way of trying to
be saved by keeping
the laws. Get real
people; "the law
will never save
you," only Christ
can do the saving.
19For
I through the law am
dead to the law,
that I might live
unto God.
It is
through the
scriptures that we
realize we cannot
find favor with God
by keeping the law.
Acceptance with God
comes by believing
in Christ. (Romans
6:14, Hebrews 9:14).
20I
am crucified with
Christ: nevertheless
I live; yet not I,
but Christ liveth in
me: and the life
which I now live in
the flesh I live by
the faith of the Son
of God, who loved
me, and gave himself
for me.
Paul
was explaining that
his old self was
crucified with
Christ; and now
Christ lives within
him by accepting
Christ and believing
in Him. (Romans 6:6,
II Corinthians
5:15). This is what
baptism is all
about. Symbolically
being buried with
Christ and
resurrecting to a
new person with
Christ living within
you.
21I
do not frustrate the
grace of God: for if
righteousness come
by the law, then
Christ is dead in
vain.
Don't
treat Christ's death
meaningless. If you
could be saved by
keeping the law,
then there was no
need for Christ to
die. (Hebrews 7:11).
Christ paid an
awesome price with
His life so that we
can all have a
chance of
everlasting life.
(John 3:16). Follow
man and the ways of
the world and your
chances will
diminish.
Galatians 3
1O
foolish Galatians,
who hath bewitched
you, that ye should
not obey the truth,
before whose eyes
Jesus Christ hath
been evidently set
forth, crucified
among you?
What
magician (false
teacher), has
deceived you. You
used to see the
meaning of Christ's
death as clearly as
a picture.
2This
only would I learn
of you, Received ye
the Spirit by the
works of the law, or
by the hearing of
faith?
Did
you receive the Holy
Spirit by keeping
the law, or after
you heard about
Jesus Christ? (Acts
2:38). "The law will
never save you, only
Jesus can do the
saving."
3Are
ye so foolish?
having begun in the
Spirit, are ye now
made perfect by the
flesh?
If
the law never gave
you spiritual life
before, why do you
think it will now?
Get with it; forget
the old laws and
regulations and get
into the spirit. The
new testament law of
salvation through
faith.
4Have
ye suffered so many
things in vain? if
it be yet in vain.
You
suffered so much for
the Gospel of
Christ, now you just
want to throw it
overboard. (Don't
fall into traditions
of men).
5He
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?
Does
God give you the
power of the Holy
Spirit by obeying
the laws? Not at
all; It is when you
believe in Christ
and fully trust in Him.
Then the power of
the spirit will come
upon you.
6Even
as Abraham believed
God, and it was
accounted to him for
righteousness.
God declared Abraham
fit for heaven
because he believed
God's promises, not
just the law.
7Know
ye therefore that
they which are of
faith, the same are
the children of
Abraham.
The
real children of
Abraham are the men
of faith who truly
trusted God. Do you
trust in Jesus, or
some man?
8And
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.
The scriptures told
us of the gentiles
in the future that
would be saved
through their faith.
"I will bless those
in every nation who
trust in me."
(Genesis 12:1-3).
God loves all His
children the same,
he does not play
fovorites.
9So
then they which be
of faith are blessed
with faithful
Abraham.
All
who trust in Christ
receive the same
blessing that
Abraham did.
(Christianity is not
for one race, it is
for all people who
believe).
10For
as many as are of
the works of the law
are under the curse:
for it is written,
Cursed is every one
that continueth not
in all things which
are written in the
book of the law to
do them.
Those
who still depend on
the law to save them
are under God's
curse, because the
scriptures tell us
very clearly,
"Cursed is everyone
who at any time
breaks a single one
of these laws."
(Deuteronomy 27:26,
Jeremiah 11:3). No
man, woman, or child
can keep all the
laws. That is why
salvation can only
come through faith.
11But
that no man is
justified by the law
in the sight of God,
it is evident: for,
The just shall live
by faith.
No
one can wins God's
favor by trying to
keep the old Jewish
laws. Habakkuk says
it best: "The
man who finds life
will find it through
trusting God."
(Habakkuk 2:4,
Hebrews 10:38).
"Faith is trusting
God."
12And
the law is not of
faith: but, The man
that doeth them
shall live in them.
You
can either live by
all the old laws
that no one can
keep, or you can
live by faith in
Jesus Christ.
13Christ
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.
Christ has brought
us out from under
the curse for our
wrongdoing upon
Himself. It is
written that anyone
hanged on a tree is
cursed. (Deuteronomy
21:23). Jesus broke
the curse by dying
on the cross for the
sins of the world.
14That
the blessing of
Abraham might come
on the Gentiles
through Jesus
Christ; that we
might receive the
promise of the
Spirit through
faith.
Now
because of what
Christ has done, God
can bless the
Gentiles too, with
the same blessing He
promised to Abraham.
(Romans 4:9). We can
all as Christians
have the promise of
the Holy Spirit
through this faith.
(Isaiah 32:15, 44:3,
Ezekiel 11:19, Joel
2:28).
15Brethren,
I speak after the
manner of men;
Though it be but a
man's covenant, yet
if it be confirmed,
no man disannulleth,
or addeth thereto.
This covenant
(Testament), from
our Heavenly Father
cannot be changed.
It is like a written
contract that is
signed, sealed and
delivered.
16Now
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 Christ.
We are all
one family under God
through Christ. (I
Corinthians 12:12).
The problem is, its
one family that
can't seem to get
along. (Kind of like
all families in
today's world).
17And
this I say, that the
covenant, that was
confirmed before of
God in Christ, the
law, which was four
hundred and thirty
years after, cannot
disannul, that it
should make the
promise of none
effect.
This
law could not be
changed even 430
years later when God
gave the ten
commandments.
(Romans 4:13-14).
18For
if the inheritance
be of the law, it is
no more of promise:
but God gave it to
Abraham by promise.
Abraham gained favor
with God through
faith, not by
keeping the Jewish
laws. (Romans 4:14,
8:17).
19Wherefore
then serveth the
law? It was added
because of
transgressions, till
the seed should come
to whom the promise
was made; and it was
ordained by angels
in the hand of a
mediator.
Then
why were the laws
given? They were
added after the
promise was given,
to show men how
guilty they are of
breaking God's laws.
(I Timothy 1:9).
(Given as examples
of sin). This system
of the law was to
only last until the
coming of Christ.
Now Christ is our
mediator (our
lawyer), for all the
law and for all sin
through faith in
Him. In the Old
Testament when the
law was given, the
angels were the
mediator between God
and Moses, and Moses
the mediator between
God, the angels, and
the people.
(Exodus 20:19,
Deuteronomy 5:5).
20Now
a mediator is not a
mediator of one, but
God is one.
God
gave His promise to
Abraham, He did it
by Himself alone,
without angels or
Moses as
go-betweens. He is
the God of the Jews
and the Gentiles.
(Romans 3:29).
21Is
the law then against
the promises of God?
God forbid: for if
there had been a law
given which could
have given life,
verily righteousness
should have been by
the law.
Are
God's laws and God's
promises against
each other? Not at
all... We still have
the law of the
commandments. Christ
came to fulfill the
law not to do away
with it. (Matthew
5:17-18). The ten
commandments still
stand together with
faith in Jesus
Christ. If you
believe in Jesus
Christ; you will do
your best to obey
the ten
commandments.
22But
the scripture hath
concluded all under
sin, that the
promise by faith of
Jesus Christ might
be given to them
that believe.
If we
could have been
saved by the law,
God would not have
given us another way
out through faith in
Jesus Christ. (Man
can never obey all
the laws; that is
why we have Jesus
Christ for a chance
at salvation).
23But
before faith came,
we were kept under
the law, shut up
unto the faith which
should afterwards be
revealed.
Before Christ came
we were prisoners to
the law. (Until we
could believe in the
coming of the
Savior). Many still
prefer to be
prisoners to laws
and traditions.
24Wherefore
the law was our
schoolmaster to
bring us unto
Christ, that we
might be justified
by faith.
The
Jewish laws were our
teacher and guide
until Christ came to
give us right
standing with God
through faith. (Just
as the ten
commandments are
still a guide to
righteous living).
25But
after that faith is
come, we are no
longer under a
schoolmaster.
Now
that Christ has
come, we do not need
those laws to guard
us and lead us to
Him.
26For
ye are all the
children of God by
faith in Christ
Jesus.
We
are all Children of
God (both Jew and
Gentile), through
faith in Jesus
Christ. (John 1:12).
27For
as many of you as
have been baptized
into Christ have put
on Christ.
We
that have been
baptized into union
with Christ are
enveloped by Him.
28There
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.
We
are all Christians
and now all one in
Christ. (Romans
10:12, John 10:16,
17:21).
29And
if ye be Christ's,
then are ye
Abraham's seed, and
heirs according to
the promise.
If we
are of Christ, then
we are true
descendants of
Abraham, and all of
the promises to him
belong to us also.
(Romans 8:17, 9:7,
Hebrews 11:18). No
favored people here,
God loves all His
children who come to
the light through
faith in Jesus
Christ. However, if
you follow the ways
of the world and
Satan, you may lose
favor with God.
Galatians 4
1Now
I say, That the
heir, as long as he
is a child,
differeth nothing
from a servant,
though he be lord of
all.
If a father dies and
leaves his wealth to
his little son, that
child is not better
off than the son of
a servant until he
grows up, even
though he owns
everything his
father had.
2But
is under tutors and
governors until the
time appointed of
the father.
He
still has to listen
and do what his
guardians tell him,
until he reaches
whatever age his
father has set for
him to take charge.
3Even
so we, when we were
children, were in
bondage under the
elements of the
world.
We were the same way
before Christ came.
We were slaves to
Jewish laws and
rituals because we
thought they could
save us. (Colossians
2:8, Hebrews 9:10).
4But
when the fulness of
the time was come,
God sent forth his
Son, made of a
woman, made under
the law.
When the right time
came, God sent His
Son, born of woman,
under the law.
(Genesis 49:10, John
1:14, Hebrews 2:14).
But Christ did not
come to destroy the
law, but to fulfill
the law. (Matthew
5:17). Much of the
law still stands.
(The ten
commandments for
example).
5To
redeem them that
were under the law,
that we might
receive the adoption
of sons.
Christ came so that
we could be free
from the law and
adopt us as His very
own sons. (Matthew
20:28, I Peter 1:18,
John 1:12).
6And
because ye are sons,
God hath sent forth
the Spirit of his
Son into your
hearts, crying,
Abba, Father.
Because we are His
sons, God has sent
the "Spirit" of His
Son into our hearts,
so we can call God
our Father. What
Spirit are we
talking about here?
"The Holy Spirit."
Its your choice, you
can have the holy
spirit (the good
side), or you can
have the evil spirit
within (the bad
side). "That was the
devils choice."
7Wherefore
thou art no more a
servant, but a son;
and if a son, then
an heir of God
through Christ.
We
are now "children of
God" and everything
He has belongs to us
if we believe.
(Romans 8:16).
"Notice the
condition of
believing." However,
you must get to know
Christ through the
Word before you can
believe in Him. Did
you ever try to
believe in someone
you don't even know?
8Howbeit
then, when ye knew
not God, ye did
service unto them
which by nature are
no gods.
Before you Gentiles
knew God, you were
slaves to false gods
that did not even
exist. (Ephesians
2:12, Romans 1:25, I
Thessalonians 1:9).
"Many still believe
in false gods."
9But
now, after that ye
have known God, or
rather are known of
God, how turn ye
again to the weak
and beggarly
elements, whereunto
ye desire again to
be in bondage?
Now
you know God, but
yet you want to go
back and become
slaves trying to get
to heaven by obeying
the old laws again.
"Many still try to
gain salvation by
keeping the law."
10Ye
observe days, and
months, and times,
and years.
Your
trying to gain favor
with God by keeping
certain religious
holidays. "Do you
really think
celebrating a
holiday will keep
you right with God?"
(Some thing just
going to church once
in a while is all it
takes).
11I
am afraid of you,
lest I have bestowed
upon you labour in
vain.
Paul is saying that
all his work was
wasted teaching them
the truth. "They
just didn't get it."
(Many just don't get
it today). "They
think all is well
and they are so
blessed with their
everyday worldly
lives."
12Brethren,
I beseech you, be as
I am; for I am as ye
are: ye have not
injured me at all.
I am
free from these
chains as you used
to be. You did not
despise me when I
first preached you
these things, but
now you are slipping
from the truth.
13Ye
know how through
infirmity of the
flesh I preached the
gospel unto you at
the first.
Even
though I was sick, I
brought you "The
Good News" of
Christ. (I
Corinthians 2:3-5).
14And
my temptation which
was in my flesh ye
despised not, nor
rejected; but
received me as an
angel of God, even
as Christ Jesus.
My
sickness was
revolting to you,
but you took me in
and cared for me as
if I was an angel of
God.
15Where
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.
Where
is the spirit you
had before when we
were together. You
would have given me
sight if you could
have back then with
your own eyes. (This
is talking about
when Paul was struck
down and blinded on
the road to
Damascus).
16Am
I therefore become
your enemy, because
I tell you the
truth?
Now I
have become your
enemy because I tell
you the truth. (You
either accept all
the truth or none of
the truth). You
can't take a little
truth here and a
little false
teaching there
because they won't
mix. STICK TO THE
TRUTH!
17They
zealously affect
you, but not well;
yea, they would
exclude you, that ye
might affect them.
Those
false teachers want
to win your favor so
you will pay more
attention to them.
(False teachers will
always come around
with something new
to draw you from the
truth). They make
promises they can't
keep, and feed you
teachings they can't
back up. (But it
make you feel so
holy and above
everyone else that
you fall for it
hook, line and
sinker).
18But
it is good to be
zealously affected
always in a good
thing, and not only
when I am present
with you.
It's
good when people are
nice to you, but not
just when I am with
you. (Beware of
phony's and
hypocrites).
19My
little children, of
whom I travail in
birth again until
Christ be formed in
you.
Your hurting me,
longing for the time
when you will
finally be filled
with Christ.
20I
desire to be present
with you now, and to
change my voice; for
I stand in doubt of
you.
I
wish I could be with
you now and not have
to reason with you
like this.
21Tell
me, ye that desire
to be under the law,
do ye not hear the
law?
Find
out what these laws
really mean before
you think you can be
saved by them. (Do
the research).
22For
it is written, that
Abraham had two
sons, the one by a
bondmaid, the other
by a freewoman.
One
son by his
slave-wife (Hagar),
and one son by his
free-born wife
(Sarah). (Genesis
16:15, 21:2).
23But
he who was of the
bondwoman was born
after the flesh; but
he of the freewoman
was by promise.
Nothing unusual
about the birth of
the slave wife's
baby. But, the baby
of the free-born
wife was born only
after God had
promised he would
come. (Romans 9:7-8).
24Which
things are an
allegory: for these
are the two
covenants; the one
from the mount
Sinai, which
gendereth to
bondage, which is
Agar.
This
is an illustration
by God to show two
ways of helping
people. He gave the
ten commandments on
Mount Sinai (Mount
Hagar).
25For
this Agar is mount
Sinai in Arabia, and
answereth to
Jerusalem which now
is, and is in
bondage with her
children.
Abraham's slave wife
"Hagar" represents
Jerusalem, "the
mother city of the
Jews" who were
always trying to
please God by trying
to obey the
commandments. The
Jews trying to
follow that system,
are her slave
children.
26But
Jerusalem which is
above is free, which
is the mother of us
all.
But
our mother-city is
the "Heavenly
Jerusalem" and she
is not a slave to
Jewish laws. (Isaiah
2:2, Hebrews 12:22,
Revelation 3:12,
21:2).
27For
it is written,
Rejoice, thou barren
that bearest not;
break forth and cry,
thou that travailest
not: for the
desolate hath many
more children than
she which hath an
husband.
That
was what was
prophesied by
Isaiah. "Shout with
joy childless woman
who never before had
a child." I am going
to give you many
children, even more
than the slave-wife
has. (Isaiah 54:1).
28Now
we, brethren, as
Isaac was, are the
children of promise.
We
are now all children
that God promised,
just as Isaac was.
(Romans 4:16).
29But
as then he that was
born after the flesh
persecuted him that
was born after the
Spirit, even so it
is now.
We
who are born of the
"Holy Spirit" are
persecuted by those
who want us to keep
the Jewish laws.
Just as Isaac the
child of promise was
persecuted by
Ishmael the
slave-wife's son.
(Genesis 21:9).
30Nevertheless
what saith the
scripture? Cast out
the bondwoman and
her son: for the son
of the bondwoman
shall not be heir
with the son of the
freewoman.
The
scriptures say that
God told Abraham to
send away the
slave-wife and her
son, so that the
slave-wife's son
could not inherit
Abraham's home and
land along with the
free-woman's son.
(Galatians 3:8, John
8:35).
31So
then, brethren, we
are not children of
the bondwoman, but
of the free.
We
are not children in
bondage by the law.
"We are children of
the free-woman,
acceptable to God by
our faith." Do
not fall into
bondage by some
church or cult
trying to control
your lives. Learn
and study God's Word
and it will set your
free. "Your a free
agent in the eyes of
God, so start acting
like one."
Galatians 5
1Stand
fast therefore in
the liberty
wherewith Christ
hath made us free,
and be not entangled
again with the yoke
of bondage.
Christ has made us
free. (John 8:32).
Make sure you stay
free and don't get
all tied up in the
chains of slavery to
the Jewish laws and
ceremonies. (Acts
15:10). Not only
Jewish laws, but don't get
tied up under
bondage to any
religion,
organization, or
traditions of men.
Any religious organization that has you restricted to their church doctrine,
rules and regulation, is a cult.
2Behold,
I Paul say unto you,
that if ye be
circumcised, Christ
shall profit you
nothing.
If
you depend on
physical
circumcision and
keeping the laws and
traditions to make
you right with God,
then Christ cannot
save you. No church
doctrine, catechism,
or door to door
soliciting will give
you salvation. Its
the freedom of true
Christianity that
sets you free from
bondage.
3For
I testify again to
every man that is
circumcised, that he
is a debtor to do
the whole law.
If
you think your going
to find favor with
God by just being
circumcised, you are
wrong. You will need
to obey every other
Jewish law then or
perish. No one could
ever keep all the
laws in the bible,
Jew or Gentile, that
is why Christ came
to fulfill the law.
He gives us a new
covenant that
supersedes the old
law. "The law of
salvation through
faith."
4Christ
is become of no
effect unto you,
whosoever of you are
justified by the
law; ye are fallen
from grace.
Christ is useless to
you if you are
counting on the laws
to save you, and you
are lost from God's
grace. (Romans 9:31,
Hebrews 12:15).
5For
we through the
Spirit wait for the
hope of
righteousness by
faith.
As
Christians, with the
help of the "Holy
Spirit" are counting
on Christ's death to
clear our sin and
make us right with
God. We are saved by
hope. (Romans 8:24).
6For
in Jesus Christ
neither circumcision
availeth any thing,
nor uncircumcision;
but faith which
worketh by love.
We as
Christians don't
need to depend on
the law and
traditions. All we
need is faith
working through love
in Christ. Our faith
and good works is
what we should be
striving for. (I
Thessalonians 1:3,
James 2:18). "Faith
and good works go
hand in hand."
7Ye
did run well; who
did hinder you that
ye should not obey
the truth?
You
were all doing so
good and getting
along so well. Who
has interfered to
hold you back from
the truth? (Beware
of false teachers,
new doctrines, and
traditions of men).
Their is a strong
evil force in the
world today that is
pulling many away
from the truth. You
know who he is and
this is his world to
control for now.
"Yes, I'm talking
about the Satan."
8This
persuasion cometh
not of him that
calleth you.
It
wasn't God who did
this. He is the one
who called you to
freedom through
Christ. (Never blame
God for all the evil
in the world).
9A
little leaven
leaveneth the whole
lump.
It
only takes one wrong
person to infect all
the others. You see
it in every day life
among none believers
and those who are
ignorant of the
truth of the Word.
If you let them,
they will have you
believing or acting
like them. "Stay
true to the Word of
God."
10I
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.
I am
trusting in the Lord
to bring you back to
the truth of the
Word. As for the
person who has been
deceiving you with
false teachings and
traditions of men;
God will deal with
them. "All you false
priests, pastors,
and teachers will
all be in for a
unwanted surprise."
JUDGMENT BEGINS AT
THE PULPIT!
11And
I, brethren, if I
yet preach
circumcision, why do
I yet suffer
persecution? then is
the offence of the
cross ceased.
Some
people try to accuse
me for teaching
circumcision, Jewish
laws, and that traditions
are necessary for
salvation. If that
were true, I would
not be persecuted
like I am. This
proves that I am
still teaching
salvation through
faith in the cross
of Christ, is the
only true way to
eternal life.
12I
would they were even
cut off which
trouble you.
I
wish these foolish
teachers would just
leave you alone.
Those who try to
teach circumcision
as the only way to
salvation. (Acts
15:1). Get away from
those who are always
trying to con you
with mans doctrine
by twisting the word
to make you feel
comfortable. Believe
me, as long as you
keep handing over
the cash, they will
feed you what you
want to hear.
13For,
brethren, ye have
been called unto
liberty; only use
not liberty for an
occasion to the
flesh, but by love
serve one another.
You
have been given your
freedom through
Christ, but not
freedom to do wrong.
You are to do what is
right.
14For
all the law is
fulfilled in one
word, even in this;
Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as
thyself.
The
law can be summed up
in one command.
"Love others as you
love yourself."
(Leviticus 19:18).
If people would only
treat others like
they want to be
treated, this would
be a much better
world.
15But
if ye bite and
devour one another,
take heed that ye be
not consumed one of
another.
When
you are critical and
catty among each
other, you need to
watch out! Watch so
you don't ruin each
other by talking
behind peoples back.
"Remember, Satan
controls social
media."
16This
I say then, Walk in
the Spirit, and ye
shall not fulfil the
lust of the flesh.
Listen to the Holy
Spirit, then you
will not want to
follow the lust of
the flesh. (Romans
6:12).
17For
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.
Our
flesh always wants
to do wrong and what
is the opposite or
against the Holy
Spirit. Just as the
Holy Spirit wants to
do what is right and
what is the opposite
or against the
flesh. (Romans 7:15,
7:23). You will
always have one
battling against the
other, go to the
light, listen to the
spirit, control the
flesh. "It takes
discipline."
18But
if ye be led of the
Spirit, ye are not
under the law.
When
you are guided by
the Spirit, there is
no need to obey the
old law. "The Holy
Spirit will always
guide you to
righteousness, truth
and salvation.
19Now
the works of the
flesh are manifest,
which are these;
Adultery,
fornication,
uncleanness,
lasciviousness.
When
you follow your way
of the flesh you
produce evil
results. Impure
thoughts and
eagerness for
lustful pleasures
and shameless acts.
20Idolatry,
witchcraft, hatred,
variance,
emulations, wrath,
strife, seditions,
heresies.
Idolatry, spiritism,
hatred, fighting,
jealousy, anger,
constant effort to
get the best for
yourself, feeling
that everyone else
is wrong except
those in your own
little group. You
can see this in many
churches today who
are suppose to be
Christians. What we
believe is right and
everyone else is
wrong. Wake up
people; no one man,
woman, church or
ministry, has all
the right answers.
If they say that
they do, they are
lying to you and
setting themselves
up to be gods of
their own cult. Only
Jesus Christ and the
Heavenly Father have
all the answers.
"All truth will be
revealed at the
proper time."
21Envyings,
murders,
drunkenness,
revellings, and such
like: of the which I
tell you before, as
I have also told you
in time past, that
they which do such
things shall not
inherit the kingdom
of God.
Envy,
murder (Criminal
homicide),
drunkenness,
partying all the
time and never
caring about God. Those who do
these things all the
time will not
inherit the Kingdom
of God. (Revelation
22:14-15).
22But
the fruit of the
Spirit is love, joy,
peace,
longsuffering,
gentleness,
goodness, faith.
When
the Holy Spirit
controls our lives
we will produce good
fruit. Love, joy,
peace, kindness,
patience,
faithfulness. We
will bring people to
the truth and out of
bondage from false
teaching and
traditions of men.
23Meekness,
temperance: against
such there is no
law.
Gentleness,
self-control. With
these actions, there
is no conflict with
the law. What law?
The ten commandments
is a good start. Not
one of these actions
is against any of
the ten
commandments, or any
other laws of
God. (The
commandments are
good, they keep us
on the right track
to salvation).
24And
they that are
Christ's have
crucified the flesh
with the affections
and lusts.
Those
who belong to Christ
have nailed their
natural evil desires
to the cross and
crucified them
there. (Colossians
6:8-10). Well, we
would all like it to
be that easy, but
your are always
going to mess up
along the way. (That
is why we have
repentance). When we
go wrong, we repent
to the Heavenly
Father directly.
"You don't need some
man to repent to,
they can't do
anything for you."
25If
we live in the
Spirit, let us also
walk in the Spirit.
If we
claim to live in the
Spirit, let us try
our best to follow
the spirit in every
way. "Talk the talk,
walk the walk."
26Let
us not be desirous
of vain glory,
provoking one
another, envying one
another.
Don't
look for honors,
titles, and
popularity, which
only lead to
jealously, self
pride, and hard
feelings. "Mans
rewards are
worthless." (Stay
humble and true to
the Word and God
will reward you
later).
Galatians 6
1Brethren,
if a man be
overtaken in a
fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore
such an one in the
spirit of meekness;
considering thyself,
lest thou also be
tempted.
If
another Christian
brother or sister is
overcome by some
sin, you as
Christians should
help them back onto
the right path when
possible. The next
time it could be you
who is in the wrong
and you may need
help getting back on
the right path.
2Bear
ye one another's
burdens, and so
fulfil the law of
Christ.
Share
each others problems
obeying the Lord's
command. (Its good
to talk about your
problems at times if
you find the right
person to listen).
3For
if a man think
himself to be
something, when he
is nothing, he
deceiveth himself.
If
anyone thinks they
are to good to stoop
to this level, they
are fooling
themselves. "They are
really a nobody."
4But
let every man prove
his own work, and
then shall he have
rejoicing in himself
alone, and not in
another.
Let
everyone be sure
they are doing their
very best, giving
them personal
satisfaction of work
well done. Then they
won't need to
compare themselves
to someone else. (II
Corinthians 13:5).
The only one you
need to please is
your Heavenly
Father, and He loves
it when you try your
best to do good
works.
5For
every man shall bear
his own burden.
We
all must bear our
own burdens. None of
us our perfect.
(Romans 2:6). (Quit
putting the blame on
everyone else when
you do something
wrong).
6Let
him that is taught
in the word
communicate unto him
that teacheth in all
good things.
Nevertheless, the
one who receives
instruction in the
word should share
all good things with
their instructor.
(Let Jesus Christ be
your instructor; He
loves when you share
your opinions with
Him).
7Be
not deceived; God is
not mocked: for
whatsoever a man
soweth, that shall
he also reap.
You
can't fool God. You
will reap what you
sow. Do good and
good things will
happen to you. Do
evil and expect
trouble coming your
way.
8For
he that soweth to
his flesh shall of
the flesh reap
corruption; but he
that soweth to the
Spirit shall of the
Spirit reap life
everlasting.
If
you search out
doctrine or material
things to please
your flesh, you will
reap a harvest of
spiritual decay and
death. But, if you
search and plant
good sound doctrine
and truth in the
Word (good things of
the spirit), then
you will reap the
everlasting life
which the Holy
Spirit offers.
9And
let us not be weary
in well doing: for
in due season we
shall reap, if we
faint not.
Don't
get tired or
discouraged of doing
what is right,
because if you hang
in there (endure
till the end), you
will receive a
harvest of
blessings. (Matthew
24:13). "Never give
up doing the work of
the Lord."
10As
we have therefore
opportunity, let us
do good unto all
men, especially unto
them who are of the
household of faith.
Whenever it is
possible, we should
be kind to everyone,
especially to our
Christian brothers
and sisters.
Remember, "if they
are believers," they
are part of the many
member body of
Christ.
11Ye
see how large a
letter I have
written unto you
with mine own hand.
I
Paul wrote this
large letter to you
in my own hand. Paul
had plenty to say in
his teachings
because he loved the
Galatians.
12As
many as desire to
make a fair shew in
the flesh, they
constrain you to be
circumcised; only
lest they should
suffer persecution
for the cross of
Christ.
Those
false teachers of
yours are trying to
convince you to do
what is wrong so
they can be popular
and avoid the
persecution. The
flack they
would get by
teaching that the
cross of Christ can
save you alone.
(Philippians 3:18).
They are enemies of
the cross of Christ.
(Beware of new and popular doctrine
among churches and
ministries today).
Keep in mind that
only Christ does the
saving; "not any
man, woman, or
specific
denomination.
13For
neither they
themselves who are
circumcised keep the
law; but desire to
have you
circumcised, that
they may glory in
your flesh.
They
can't keep their
laws themselves, but
they expect you to
so they can boast
that you are their
disciples. (Do as I
say, not as I do).
14But
God forbid that I
should glory, save
in the cross of our
Lord Jesus Christ,
by whom the world is
crucified unto me,
and I unto the
world.
Paul
is saying here; God
forbid that I should
boast about anything
except the cross of
our Lord Jesus
Christ. The things
of the world are
dead in me. And the
worlds interest in
me are dead also.
Paul was not caught
up in all the
worldly matters, he
stuck to teaching
truth, and was hated
by many for doing
so. (If you teach
the truth, even your
own family members
will ignore you).
15For
in Christ Jesus
neither circumcision
availeth any thing,
nor uncircumcision,
but a new creature.
It
makes no difference
whether we are
circumcised or not;
what counts is
whether we have been
changed into a new
person in Christ.
(II Corinthians
5:17).
Its the circumcision
of the heart that
counts; purge out
the evil knowledge
and fill your cup
with the knowledge
of God. (Anything
good comes from
God).
16And
as many as walk
according to this
rule, peace be on
them, and mercy, and
upon the Israel of
God.
May
God's mercy be upon
those who live by
this principle and
upon those who are
really God's own.
17From
henceforth let no
man trouble me: for
I bear in my body
the marks of the
Lord Jesus.
So,
from now on don't
argue with me about
these things. I am
marked as a slave to
Christ by carrying
the whippings and
wounds by the
enemies of Christ.
(Colossians 1:24).
Paul was persecuted
by many for teaching
the truth in Christ;
so if you teach the
truth, be ready to
be made fun, put
down, or ignored, by
much of the world.
18Brethren,
the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be
with your spirit.
Amen.
May
the grace of our
Lord Jesus Christ be
with you all. Teach
the truth, hand till
the end, and Christ
will always be with
you. "Even through
the tough times
ahead." click here to
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Keep The Faith,
Bart
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