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Galatians 2:15-21

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”
— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

15. We [who are] Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16. Knowing 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. 17. But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. 18. For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. 20. I 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. 21. I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Galatians 2:15-21 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on Galatians 2:15

Theological / Devotional

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).

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