FocusCircumcision and falling from grace
Connection to the wholePaul warns that seeking justification through the law abandons the proper ground of confidence in Christ, urging the readers to resist the teaching troubling them.
interpretation Galatians 5:11
KJVAnd I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
Read it in context
Stand in liberty
Start reading at Galatians 5:1 (Galatians 5:1 to Galatians 5:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul warns that seeking justification through the law abandons the proper ground of confidence in Christ, urging the readers to resist the teaching troubling them.
- 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
- 5:2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
- 5:3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
- 5:4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
- 5:5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
- 5:6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
- 5:7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
- 5:8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
- 5:9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
- 5:10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
- 5:11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
- 5:12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the author, with the brethren who are with him included in the greeting. Biblical references: Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:2. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Galatians 5:1–6:18): Paul instructs the Galatian believers about liberty, love, walking in the Spirit, restoring an erring believer, and mutual responsibility. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The churches of Galatia, including Gentile converts being pressed about circumcision and observance of the law. Whether the destination is northern or southern Galatia remains debated. Biblical references: Galatians 1:2; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? Stand in liberty. Read Galatians 5:1 through Galatians 5:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul warns that seeking justification through the law abandons the proper ground of confidence in Christ, urging the readers to resist the teaching troubling them. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter responds to an active dispute affecting the Galatian churches. Its modern dating depends in part on identifying the visit and communities under discussion. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The churches of Galatia are addressed. Jerusalem, Antioch, Arabia, and other places occur in Paul's account; the precise location of writing is not explicitly stated. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in Stand in liberty (Galatians 5:1 to Galatians 5:12). Start reading at Galatians 5:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul argues from Christ's giving of Himself, redemption, and the promise to Abraham. He rejects reliance on the law as the basis of justification while calling the readers to walk in the Spirit. See Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Defend the gospel without using liberty as an occasion for the flesh. Keep the letter's calls to faith working through love and perseverance in doing good alongside its rejection of boasting in the law. interpretation
Cited: Galatians 5:1, Galatians 5:12, Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself, and notes writing in his own hand.
Galatians 1:1Galatians 6:11
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
What is debatedThe destination, north or south Galatia, is debated, which affects the date.
Related passages
- if Gal 2:3 Acts 16:3
- why Gal 4:29 Gal 6:12,17 Acts 21:21,28 Acts 22:21-22 Acts 23:13-14 1 Cor 15:30 2 Cor 11:23-26
- the offence Isa 8:14 Rom 9:32-33 1 Cor 1:18,23 1 Pet 2:8-9
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 5
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Galatians 1:1 Galatians 1:2 Galatians 1:6 Galatians 3:27 Galatians 5:16
Walk in the Spirit
Galatians 5:13–26FocusLove, works of the flesh, and fruit
Connection to the wholeLiberty is directed toward serving in love, and the contrast between flesh and Spirit includes a warning about inheriting the kingdom.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Galatians
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Galatians 1:1 Galatians 1:2 Galatians 1:6 Galatians 3:27 Galatians 5:16
The gospel and Paul's commission
Galatians 1:1–2:21FocusAuthority, fellowship, and justification
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ.
interpretation Promise and the law
Galatians 3:1–4:31FocusAbraham, sonship, and freedom
Connection to the wholePaul reasons from Scripture and the readers' experience, explaining the relation of promise, law, and their identity in Christ.
interpretation FocusLove, holiness, and mutual responsibility
Connection to the wholeThe practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.