Galatians 3:10-14 Notes

Commentators agree on two things regarding this passage: it is crucial to Paul’s argument, and it is very difficult! Part of the difficulty of this passage is that Paul has a tendency to speak in very concise, densely-structured phrases, and we are left wondering how to fill in the gaps. 

To a large extent, how this section is interpreted depends on what presuppositions we bring to the text. Since the time of Martin Luther, this passage has been interpreted in very individualistic terms to mean that no one can keep the Law perfectly, and therefore justification is by faith. However, I don’t think that is Paul’s point in this passage. Let me be clear - the Bible plainly teaches that we are saved by grace and through faith, not as a result of works (Ephesians 2:8-9). There is no amount of merit any sinner can accumulate to earn God’s favor.

But that is not what Galatians 3:10-14 is about, in my opinion. The typical Lutheran approach to the passage fails in two ways. First, the Mosaic covenant was not a system based on perfect lawkeeping. The Jews very well understood that God’s election was a matter of grace (Deut. 7:6-9). Further, the Law contained provisions for dealing with human imperfection in the form of the sacrificial system. Israelites were not required to be sinlessly perfect. They could make offerings for sins and be forgiven, as Leviticus 1-6 repeatedly states.

Notes on Galatians 3:1-9

This section is one of the richest sections of Paul’s writings, and consists of two basic moves:

-The argument from experience (3:1-5). Paul will argue from what the Galatians experienced at their conversion and afterwards to argue for the sufficiency of Christ.

-The argument from Scripture (3:6-14). Paul will argue that it was always God’s intention to save Jew and Gentile alike through faith by the work of Jesus.

In many respects Paul’s arguments in this chapter are similar to those made at the Jerusalem Conference in Acts 15.

-Paul and Barnabas argued from experience, the signs and wonders performed among the Gentiles (Acts 15:12). Peter also argued from what was experienced by Cornelius and his household (Acts 15:7).

-Peter also argued that it was God’s will that both Jew and Gentile be saved by faith (15:9, 11), and that the Jews had historically failed to keep the Law (15:10).

-James argued that the prophets had foreseen the day when the Gentiles would come in to the family of God (15:15-17).

Notes on Galatians 2:11-21

11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, 

It isn’t clear when this happened, but Acts 12:17 says that Peter had to leave Jerusalem and go to “another place.”

I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 

Paul’s language expresses a “depth of feeling and outrage” (Dunn 117).

Notes on Galatians 2:1-10

This section continues Paul’s delicate effort to pay respect to the apostles in Jerusalem while at the same time distancing himself from any perceived submission to Jerusalem (the source of the agitators).

1 Then after fourteen years

This could refer to 14 years from the first trip to Jerusalem mentioned at the end of chapter 1, or it could be 14 years from his conversion. I prefer the former.

Notes on Galatians 1:11-24

The first two chapters of Galatians consist of a review of Paul’s own life story, especially his past as a Jew, his conversion, and the early years of his apostleship. But why does Paul begin with such a personal argument?

• Some have suggested that Paul’s opponents were attacking his apostleship. And while it is true that he did have many personal critics, I am not sure that is the point in Galatians.
• It could also be that Paul is simply defending his understanding of the gospel versus that of the Judaizers, and in order to do so he must begin with the origin of his understanding of the gospel message.
• If anything, Paul’s critics would have argued that he is not a true apostle because he does not preach a true gospel, rather than the reverse. It was his practice that created this controversy (Acts 15:1).

Notes on Galatians 1:6-10

In these first two chapters Paul makes it clear that his gospel is independent from:

• Man (1:6-17)
• The churches of Judea (1:18-24)
• The pillars in Jerusalem (2:1-10)
• Peter (2:11-21)

Normal conventions of letter writing in the first century included a prayer for the readers (as in nearly all of Paul's other letters). Paul departs from that in striking fashion.

Notes on Galatians 1:1-5

In these first two chapters Paul makes it clear that his gospel is independent from:

• Man (1:6-17)
• The churches of Judea (1:18-24)
• The pillars in Jerusalem (2:1-10)
• Peter (2:11-21)

1 Paul, an apostle—