A Commentary

Galatians demonstrates that the adherent is no longer under the law but is saved by confidence (faith) alone. Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free (Galatians 5:1). The "law" is that section of God's Word found in the first five books of Moses (Genesis-Deuteronomy) by which every phase of Israel's life was to be guided.

Instructors of the law had followed Paul, teaching salvation by works-claiming that even if Christianity were true, Christians should still be circumcised and keep all the works of the law. These teachers explained that Paul had not taught the Galatians this because he was not a true missionary and had learned his doctrines from others. This troubled the new converts. Circumcision was the initial ceremony of the Jewish religion.

It has been said that Judaism was the cradle of Christianity, and almost its grave. God raised up Paul as the Moses of the Christian Church to deliver them from this bondage. This Epistle has done more than any other book in the New Testament to free our Christian faith from Judaism (law) and from the burden of salvation by works taught by so many false cults, which has undermined the simple good news of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The question of the Philippian jailer-What must I do to be saved?-is the question multitudes ask. The answer is always the same: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved (Acts 16:31).

The Epistle of Galatians is the Christian's Declaration of Independence. Our battle cry is "Christus Liberator."

Paul speaks of the freedom we have "in Christ" (2:4), for where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Corinthians 3:17). This is the great mystery of true freedom.

This is the freedom revealed in this book-so take hold of Galatians, and let Galatians take hold of you. In Galatians, we are not servants working for wages, but children living in relationship. Learn what it means to be free in Christ!

Christ said, I call you not servants, but friends (John 15:15).

Reverend Dr. John Thomas Wylie