Galatians 5:1-12

Galatians 5:1-12

Paul begins to summarize his arguments in this passage showing that without Christ we are without hope. Verse 1 would be better attached to the last verse of chapter 4. Galatians 5:1 has often been taken out of context and used as a political proof text, for political sermons, about political freedom. This is not at all a political or national freedom of which Paul speaks. In Christ we are free but in keeping the law a person is a slave to the law. So what does it mean to return to the law?

First the redemptive work of Christ is set-aside in an attempt to be saved by the law. Second it means that accepting one part of the law a person must also keep the entire law. If there is anything less than perfect obedience to every part and aspect of the Law then the law does not save, it only condemns. Third, those who have decided to return to the law as their hope of salvation have severed themselves from Christ. The word severed here means to make it inert or powerless. If we want to be justified by keeping the law we have taken ourselves out of the realm where Christ has any impact or influence. What a terrible state to have fallen from grace.

Paul also put circumcision in its place. For those who trust in Christ, the reality of circumcision or non-circumcision is of no effect. This distress about circumcision didn’t come from Christ. Nor did it come from Paul. If Paul still taught circumcision, he would not be persecuted by the Jews and would have protection from Roman pressure as well. No, this business didn’t come from Christ or Paul. Ultimately this attempt to crossbreed Christianity and Judaism would fail. In verse 12 Paul makes a strong and somewhat humorous point, suggesting the Judaizers should castrate themselves. Since they seem to be so interested in surgery on men’s private parts, they ought to take it to the next level. In doing so they would keep themselves from reproducing literally as well as metaphorically. There were numerous cults that practiced castration of their priests. Perhaps to Judaizers, with all the talk about circumcision, they should prove their commitment is just as strong. Paul here shows us that sometimes we can teach by making fun of dumb ideas.

“Lord, forbid that I would attempt to justify myself by good works. AMEN”