GALATIANS

By Jim Hollingsworth

No one can be considered truly educated if they have not made a serious study of the Bible. The Bible is the world's standard for truth. Although the Bible does not answer every possible question about life and the world around us, it always guides us in the right direction to find the truth if we truly want it.

The book of Galatians was written for people who somehow thought that if they just worked hard enough, God would have to bless them. The writer makes it clear in verse after verse that salvation is solely the work of God in saving the sinner. There is simply no work that can earn our salvation.

This commentary on the book of Galatians is written for the sinner who wants to know the truth. It is written for the Christian who wants to know more about what the Bible actually says and who wants to grow in his/her understanding of what the text stands for.

The Greek words are first presented with the various renderings and then some commentary to help the reader better understand what the words actually mean.

It is the hope of the author that the reader will undertake a serious study of all of the Bible, not just what is covered in this short text. Our prayer is that you will find the study very rewarding.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798888519134

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Introduction

The Greek Alphabet

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Credits

About the Author

GALATIANS

Jim Hollingsworth

ISBN 979-8-88851-914-1 (Hardcover)

ISBN 979-8-88851-913-4 (Digital)

Copyright © 2024 Jim Hollingsworth

All rights reserved

First Edition

All biblical citations were taken from the King James Version of the Holy Bible unless otherwise indicated.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Introduction

Galatians is one of the most important books of the New Testament as far as walking with Christ. Along with the book of Romans, Galatians deals with the tendency to want to do something to earn our salvation. Much effort is spent pointing out the weakness of the law—that the law of Moses taught how to live but did not save anyone. The contrast is made between the Old Testament law and the new freedom enjoyed in Christ. Throughout the book, terms like circumcision and uncircumcision are used in place of Jew and Gentile.

Abraham believed God, and He counted that for righteousness. But the apostle makes it clear that Abraham believed (see Genesis 15:6) long before he was ever circumcised. It was the writer’s way of explaining that circumcision had nothing to do with salvation or justification by faith. There is a better way, and that way is made clear in the book of Galatians.

Just a word about the plan of the book: First, the Greek words are given and the English meanings based upon what the translators of the King James Bible used. After giving the various Greek words, there are some comments or commentary, which makes an attempt to apply what the verse is actually saying.

Many English words are not exact equivalents of the original Greek word. Thus, there are variations in how it is translated. To help the reader better understand the meaning of the Greek word, we chose other verses that used that same word. That is not true for all words. For instance, a tree is a tree in both Greek and English. But many words have various meanings, and those meanings are brought out in the verses quoted.

Galatians is a book that mainly explains itself and needs to be read more than once.

The Writer

The writer: Paul, an apostle (Galatians 1:1)

Date written: Sometime between AD 55 and 57 while on his third missionary journey.

Written from: Rome or Ephesus.

How did Paul know the Galatians? Paul started churches in the region of Galatia, probably in the fall of 47 or as late as 49.

Galatia is a region of Asia Minor, what is now the country of Turkey.

Key Themes

Paul wanted to concentrate on the work that Christ did on the cross of Calvary (Galatians 6:14).

Paul emphasized the importance of avoiding legalism—not blessed by keeping the law of Moses (Galatians 3:14–26).

The writer makes it clear that the Gospel was not just for the Jews but for all people: Jew and Gentile, circumcision and uncircumcision, Greek, male and female, bond and free—all can be saved by trusting in Christ for salvation (Galatians 3:28, 5:6, 6:15).

Key theme: Justification by faith, based on the faith of Abraham (Genesis 15:6; Galatians 2:16, 3:6–9)

The contrast between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23)

Key Verse

Key Text: Avoid Judaism (Galatians 5)

The Greek Alphabet

With English Equivalents

With most of the commentaries, one English letter is used for more than one Greek letter. We have chosen a revised alphabet with only one Greek letter for each English letter or combination (two letters). This makes it easier to find the original word in the various lexicons.

Some combinations with English equivalents:

(You may notice that some words begin with the letter h. This is because of a rough breathing mark at the beginning of the word, a small symbol, something like (‘).

Some Greek letters were taken from the Rapid Tables:

https://www.rapidtables.com/math/symbols/greek_alphabet.html

Chapter 1

Writer and Date

Galatia was a province of Asia Minor. It was between Pontus on the east, Bithynia and Paphlagonia on the north, with Cappadocia and Phrygia on the south, and Phrygia also on the west.

The writer is the Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:1).

Paul called himself an apostle, one born out of due time (1 Corinthians 15:8, 1 Corinthians 9:1).

He was not numbered with the twelve who had walked with Jesus but took training after he was converted (Galatians 1:11–18).

Gal 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

Exposition

The word for Paul is paulos and means Paul.

The word for apostle is apostolos and means apostle.

The word for men is anthrōpos and means man.

The word for neither is oude and means neither, nor.

The word for Jesus is iēsous and means Jesus.

The word for Christ is christos and means Christ.

The word for God is theos and means God.

The word for Father is patēr and means father.

The word for who raised is egeirō and means arise, raise.

The words for from are ek, ex and mean of, from, by, off, with.

The word for dead is nekros and means dead.

Commentary

Paul begins this Letter by making sure they know who he is and why he has the authority to write to them in this manner. He will spend quite a little time explaining why he is at times unhappy with them and what they need to do to correct the matter.

As we saw in the introduction to the book, Paul was not one of the twelve called by Jesus but was one born out of due time. He was saved on the road to Damascus. He made a dramatic turnaround and spent time specifically with Jesus, being trained.

Gal 1:2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

Exposition

The words for all are pas, pasa, pan which mean all, every.

The word for brethren is adelphos and means brother.

The word for with is sun and means with.

The word for churches is ekklēsia and means assembly, church.

Commentary

The word all is often modified, or is limited in some way. Here it is the brethren who were with Paul at the time he was writing this Letter.

The word brethren is a collective noun and includes everyone—man and woman, brother and sister, boy and girl.

The word church means a group of people. It is not a building but the people who meet in the building—an assembly of people.

Gal 1:3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,

(Words in italics are words that were not in the original text but were supplied by the translators to make the meaning clearer.)

Exposition

The word for grace is charis and means grace.

The word for peace is eirēnē and means peace.

Commentary

Paul begins each of his Letters with the same expression: grace and peace. The only exceptions are the Letters he wrote to Timothy and Titus, in which he said, Grace mercy and peace. As younger pastors, he may have felt they needed more mercy. Grace is unmerited favor (from God), and mercy is grace in action.

Peace is a common theme in Scripture. We find it in the Old Testament.

They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace. (Jeremiah 6:14)

The angel who announced the birth of Jesus mentioned peace on earth (Luke 2:14).

There is the peace of God (Philippians 4:7).

There is peace with God (Romans 5:1).

There is the God of peace (Romans 16:20).

The resurrected Christ promised peace (John 14:27, 20:19).

We are to live in peace (Hebrews 12:14).

Gal 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:

Exposition

The word for who gave is didōmi and means give, bring forth, yield.

The words for himself are heautou, heatō, heaton and means himself, itself, herself, themselves.

The word for sins is hamartia and means sin.

The word for might deliver is exaireō and means deliver.

The word for evil is ponēros and means evil, wicked, malicious, grievous.

The word for world is aiōn and means age, world, ever.

The word for according to is kata and means according to, in, against, after, by, through, pertaining.

The word for will is thelēma and means will.

Commentary

The word aiōn means age, but more often than not, it is translated world. It is true that we live in an evil world, but the apostle was talking about the character of this present age, that it is evil. That was over two thousand years ago, and the age is even more evil than it was then. The only way to be released from the effects of this evil age is by trusting in the work of Christ on the cross of Calvary.

The word will means the personal will. It is not a future tense verb, as in I will go to the store tomorrow. But it is the will of God. It is His will that folk be saved.

Gal 1:5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Exposition

The word for glory is doxa and means glory.

The word for ever is aiōn and means ever. The meaning is to the ages.

The word for Amen is amēn and means amen, verily.

Commentary

The point is that God gets the glory forever.

Gal 1:6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Exposition

The word for marvel is thaumazō which means marvel, wonder.

The word for so soon is tacheōs and means so soon, quickly, shortly.

The word for removed is metatithēmi and means removed, changed.

The word for that called is kaleō and means called.

The word for grace is charis and means grace.

The word for another is heteros and means another, different.

The word for gospel is euaggelion and means gospel, good news.

Commentary

The apostle is surprised; he wonders, he marvels at what has happened with these Galatians.

The word so soon simply represents a short period of time, quickly or shortly.

The word removed really means that they had changed what was good news into something else.

The word called has a lot of meanings.

It is used for giving someone a name.

And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21)

(Underlined words are the same words translated from the Greek.)

It is used for calling someone to come to you.

Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, enquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. (Matthew 2:7)

We have a holy calling.

Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling [klēsis], not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (2 Timothy 1:9)

We are called sons of God.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. (1 John 3:1)

The word grace means unmerited favor. This is the key to the Gospel: we do not earn salvation, but it is given freely based on His grace alone.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8–9)

The word another means a different. We will see in the next verse the contrast. It is called a different gospel, which is really not good news at all.

The word gospel means good news. It is the good message that Christ died for sinners. The Gospel is the power of salvation.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

Gal 1:7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.

Exposition

The word for another is allos which means another, same.

The word for that trouble is tarassō and means to be troubled.

The word for would is thelō and means will, would.

The word for pervert is metastrephō and means to turn, pervert. The word is used only here, in Acts 2:20, and in James 4:9 in the New Testament.

Commentary

Trouble seems to be a common theme in the Christian life.

Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution [diōkō]. (2 Timothy 3:12)

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. (John 14:1)

The word pervert actually means to turn.

Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. (James 4:9)

Most Christians have grown up in homes where they were taught to show a little kindness to other people. Thus, it is often hard for them to realize that there are actually evil people in the world dedicated to doing them harm. We give them the benefit of the doubt, but we are careful to watch for their arrows. This point is important on an international scale. It is important for free nations to keep this in mind if they want to remain free.

Gal 1:8 But 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.

Exposition

The word for angel is aggelos which means angel.

The word for heaven is ouranos which means heaven, air, sky.

The words for preach gospel are euaggelizō, euaggelizomai which mean preach the gospel.

The word for accursed is anathema which means cursed, accursed.

Commentary

The word angel means messenger. We usually think of angels in a special, heavenly, spiritual role, but they are actually messengers carrying news, usually good news.

But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child’s life. (Matthew 2:19–20)

Heaven is where God lives, but heaven has a special role in revelation.

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork. (Psalm 19:1)

The preaching was to proclaim good news, the good news about the coming of the Savior.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. (Luke 2:10)

For the Jew, the worst thing you could do to another is to cause him to be cursed.

If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha. (1 Corinthians 16:22)

Gal 1:9 As 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.

Exposition

The word for said before is proereō and means to say before. This is the spoken word, not the written word.

The word for say is legō which means say.

The word for now is arti which means now.

The word for again is palin and means again.

The word for any is tis which means certain, one, any.

The word for have received is paralambanō and means receive, take.

The word for accursed is anathema and means cursed, accursed.

Commentary

It was true in the time of the Apostle Paul: There were many preaching a false gospel. It is also true today. Many use what God has given to us in His Word to work against that same freedom of religion. They would turn that against us. Our Constitution and the Bill of Rights protect freedom of religion, but it does not protect false religions. Now we have folk who worship witches claiming the First Amendment. We need to keep our eyes open to understand the truth by comparing what happens or what is said with the Word of God.

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil. (Hebrews 5:14)

Paul had very strong words for those who would preach a false gospel. He knew he was speaking the truth, and he was concerned that they pay attention.

It is true that the Bible teaches that we ought not to judge another person (see Matthew 7:1). Still we are to judge the fruit of others and compare what they say and what they do to what the Bible clearly teaches.

Our freedoms have been protected for us by the great sacrifices of Americans in the past, and we need to be careful to maintain that protection. We will see this theme more perfectly later in Galatians. (See Galatians 5:1.)

Gal 1:10 For 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.

Exposition

The word for now is arti and means now. The word means right now.

The words for persuade are peithō, pepoitha which mean persuade, confidence, trust.

The word for men is anthrōpos and means man, men. The word is found three times in this verse.

The word for God is theos and means god, God.

The word for yet is eti and means yet.

The word for to please, pleased is areskō and means to please.

The word for servant is doulos and means servant, bond slave.

Commentary

Paul is not trying to convince God, but he is saying that it is God who would persuade men. His authority in making these statements is simply the