17 But if, while we seek to be justified in Christ [by faith], we ourselves are found to be sinners, does that make Christ an advocate or promoter of our sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I [or anyone else should] rebuild [through word or by practice] what I once tore down [the belief that observing the Law is essential for salvation], I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the Law I died to the Law and its demands on me [because salvation is provided through the death and resurrection of Christ], so that I might [from now on] live to God. 

20 I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. 21 I do not ignore or nullify the [gracious gift of the] grace of God [His amazing, unmerited favor], for if righteousness comes through [observing] the Law, then Christ died needlessly. [His suffering and death would have had no purpose whatsoever.]”

Galatians 2:17-21 (AMP) 中文

Pure Gospel of Jesus

Paul in this letter is strongly correcting a false gospel that teaches salvation by faith in Christ plus Jewish traditions and OT laws. Paul addresses this fatal failure sternly. In this history section of the letter, he shares his personal testimony as an expert in the law and traditions and former persecutor of the Way. This qualifies him to bring judgment on this false gospel. He adds details of his early ministry and intentional isolation from other leaders of the faith. This shows that his gospel was only from Christ; not influenced by men (Gal 1:12). He’s now in the process of confronting Peter about his failure in this regard.

Who failed?

In the process of rebuking Peter, Paul here points out how Peter indeed believes in salvation by Christ alone but has reverted back, due to fear of these Jews from James (v12).  [I believe, as the NASB, that Paul’s quote extends to v21 meaning all this argument is toward Peter.] He somewhat  rhetorically asks if someone believes in Christ but sins, does that make Christ a sinner? That would be like suggesting that if a virtuoso pianist played  Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 in E flat major op. 73 and failed in a few points, that Beedthovan is at fault. So here, Peter, though an apostle, failed. But that does not mean Christ failed.

Repossessed

Then Paul presents one of his most oft-quoted verses. The AMP version helps elaborate the thinking. And this quote from Dave Guzik captures the key point. “Paul realized that on the cross, a great exchange occurred. He gave Jesus his old, try-to-be-right-before-God-by-the-law life, and it was crucified on the cross. Then Jesus gave Paul His life – Christ came to live in him. So Paul’s life wasn’t his own anymore, it belonged to Jesus Christ! Paul didn’t own his own life (that life died); he simply managed the new life Jesus gave him.” (enduringword.com)

We’ll continue this passage tomorrow.

RЯeflection

• Have we realized that to be followers of Christ, we too have exchanged our sinful life for Christ’s life of righteousness? We, likewise, belong to Christ now, not to ourselves. We are stewards of this divine life of Christ.
• If you are not certain you are in a right relationship with God, click here.