Galatians 2:15

Jews by nature. That is, literal descendants of Abraham. It is not altogether clear whether vs. 15-21 are part of Paul’s public censure of Peter at Antioch or whether Paul again addresses the Galatian churches directly. It is reasonable to consider the absence of any obvious transition as indicating that Paul here repeats in substance what he said to Peter, rephrased and addressed to the Christians in Galatia. Verses 15, 16 in particular seem to be addressed to Jewish Christians, but whether in Antioch or in Galatia is not certain. The fact that v. 14 speaks of Jewish Christians in Antioch may imply that Paul is still quoting what he said to them.

Sinners of the Gentiles. Or, “Gentile sinners,” probably a common Jewish term reflecting a certain measure of contempt for the unregenerate Gentiles as being a lesser breed, without the law. Paul admitted that there were certain advantages in being a Jew (see Rom. 3:1,2; 9:4, 5), but when it came to their standing before God, all were sinners in need of salvation (see ch. 3:9). The Gentiles were, in a sense, at a disadvantage, for they had not enjoyed all the benefits that had been accorded the Jews. Nevertheless, Gentiles are without excuse (see Rom. 1:20).