BOOK OF GALATIONS

STUDY

By David Rose
Paul was writing to the people of Central Turkey known as the Galatians.
Many believe this was Paul’s first epistle. He addresses many issues in this
book. One is Jewish Laws that are extra biblical and burdensome (Talmud).
The Talmuds were rabbinic extensions added to the word to earn salvation.
These rabbinic extensions were an accumulation of extra laws and rules that
had collected for centuries. These where known as the Babylonian and
Jerusalem Talmuds.

Galatians 1:1-24
1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and
God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
2
And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
3
Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord
Jesus Christ,
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:
5
To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
6
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the
grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7
Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would
pervert the gospel of Christ.

Paul is here warning the Church that they are getting caught up in other
belief’s that are leading them away from simple faith in Christ. There are
people bringing a perverted gospel that is bringing people into bondage, not,
freedom.
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.
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.
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.
11
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me
is not after man.
12
For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the
revelation of Jesus Christ.
Paul tells us that no man had taught him, but that he had a direct revelation
from Jesus Christ. It was God that called him from his mothers womb to be
an Apostle for the Lord Jesus Christ. These people were not all Jewish
believers, most of them had been pagans.

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia says under “Origin of the

name ‘Galatia; : The name was introduced into Asia after 278-277 BC, when
a large body of migrating Gauls (Galatia in Greek) crossed over from
Europe at the invitation of Nikomedes, king of Bithynia…The Galatia soon
adopted the country religion, alongside of their own; the latter they retained
at least as late as the 2nd century after (Messiah), but it was politically
important for them to maintain and exercise the powers of the old
priesthood…” Galatia

These priest would mix their customs and traditions with the Law of God
and add to it. By doing this they made the teachings of God a burden that
was to heavy to bear. The Gaul’s came from France and Belgium and were
Celtic (pagan). This is where Rome got all her ideas for extra rules to earn
their salvation.
13
For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews'
religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and
wasted it:
14
And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own
nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
15
But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb,
and called me by his grace,
16
To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen;
immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17
Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before
me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
18
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode
with him fifteen days.
19
But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
20
Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
21
Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
22
And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in
Christ:
23
But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past
now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
24
And they glorified God in me.

Paul had once persecuted his fellow brothers in the faith because he was
blind to the truth of the gospel. After the Lord Jesus appeared to him, and he
spent the next three years getting revelation with the Lord Jesus Christ. It
was then that he went to spend time with Peter. After that he made himself
known to the rest of his brothers and sisters in Christ and worked with them
to further the gospel.

Galatians 2:1-21
2 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with
Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
2
And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel
which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of
reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
3
But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to
be circumcised:
4
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in
privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they
might bring us into bondage:
5
To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the
truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it
maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who
seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
7
But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision
was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto
Peter;
8
(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the
circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
9
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars,
perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and
Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the
heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

Here is the evidence that proves that Paul went primarily to the gentiles, not
the Jews. Most of the Jews that Paul runs into are those that are under the
bondage of man’s laws and traditions. He also has to deal with the Jewish
believers that are trying to push the rules of the Talmud’s on the people.
These are the extra rules and regulations that the Priest gave to the people to
help keep them from sinning and to help them earn salvation with Christ.
10
Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I
also was forward to do.
11
But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face,
because he was to be blamed.
12
For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles:
but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing
them which were of the circumcision.
13
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that
Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
14
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth
of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew,
livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why
compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Paul rebukes Peter because he was still living by the principles of the Jewish
traditions and not what the gospel teaches. Peter was acting like there was
still a partition between the Jews and Gentiles. This is what the Talmud
teaches. The Jewish Talmud’s were full of extra laws for every thing. There
is no wall between the Jews and Gentiles in Christ Jesus. We are one.
15
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the
faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we
might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law:
for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

The first question that needs to be asked here is what is meant by “works of
the law”? This term is found also in: Rom. 9:32, Gal.3:2,5,10
Now if Paul was referring to the Law of God this would cause a conflict in
Paul’s preaching because in Rom. 2:13, he tells us that it is “…not the
hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be
justified.” This would mean that in Galatians, Paul says doers won’t be
justified, and in Romans they are? There are no contradictions in the Bible
only bad interpretations. He can not be referring to the same law.
Paul was actually referring to the extra biblical laws that men had made. We
have proof for this found in the dead sea scrolls. This scroll is MMT. The
MMT, stands for “Miqsat Ma’ase Ha-Torah”. Translated to English actually
means, “Works of the Law”? This document was lost for close to two
thousand years. It’s discovery sheds light on Paul’s teaching and confirms
the fact that Paul was not referring to the Laws of God. (Ten
Commandments)
“In short, ma-ase ha-torah is equivalent to what we know in English from
Paul’s letters as ‘works of the law.’ This Dead Sea scroll and Paul use the
very same phrase. The connection is emphasized by the fact that this phrase
appears nowhere in rabbinic literature of the first and second centuries A.D.
– only in Paul and in MMT.
The works of the law that the Qumran text refers to are obviously typified by
the 20 or so religious precepts (halakkah) detailed in the body of the text.
For the first time we can really understand what Paul is writing about. Here
is a document detailing works of the law.” (p. 53, Biblical Archaeological
Review, 11-12/94 issue)

This document “works of the law” are like the Talmud’s, they are full of
extra man made rules that are written to gain favor with God. They added
extra feast days, Sabbaths, and extra rules dealing with entering into the
congregations. Also they had many rules about marriage, eating, washing,
worshiping and that is a small list. They had rules even about getting dressed
in the morning. Jesus and Paul attacked these traditions of men.

Understanding this makes the word clear and we lose any contradictions that
we would have by thinking that Paul was speaking as though the law of God
was bad or done away with. Paul tells us that the Law of God is good and
Holy. (Rom. 7:12 1 Tim. 1:8) The Law is spiritual. (Rom. 7:14) Paul
delighted in the law of God.(Rom.7:22) The law is not made void through
faith, but we actually fulfill it. (Rom.3:31) Paul never preached anything
against the forefathers or the Law of God. (Acts 25:8, Acts 28:17)
17
But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are
found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
18
For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a
transgressor.
19
For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ
liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith
of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
Here Paul warns that if we are seeking to be justified by Christ and yet we
are found to be sinners we have made ourselves transgressors. Transgressors
of what? You can only be a transgressor if there is a law to transgress. You
can not be a sinner if there is no law that says you have transgressed. If there
is no law there is no transgression. No transgression, then no sin. If there is
no sin, then we need no Savior. If we are dead to the law, it is because we
are observant to it. It can’t hurt us. We are free from it’s penalties through
our obedience to it. Just as we do not need to fear going to jail for robbery or
murder because we are law abiding citizens. We don’t fall under the laws
judgments because we don’t break it. If we are crucified with Christ, we live
not for ourselves, but for Christ. We do not live to gratify our flesh, but our
King, Jesus.
21
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the
law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Living Holy is a fruit of our salvation. We cannot become righteous by the
things we do. It does not matter how many religious duties that we may add,
it does not make us any holeyer. Fasting, giving to the poor, praying or any
religious activity will not make us righteous. It is only the blood of Jesus
that can wash our sins away. Then we walk out our faith, by obeying what
we read and hear from the Word. This is a sure sign of the new birth.

Galatians 3:1-29
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey
the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth,
crucified among you?
2
This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of
the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3
Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect
by the flesh?
4
Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
5
He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles
among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of
faith?
6
Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for
righteousness.
Here we see the term “works of the law” again. We know that it is not by
obeying mans rules and traditions that we are saved and made righteous. But
it is by faith in the son of God. Our faith will produce a rich loving
obedience to the true Law of God (10 commandments). We will not observe
them to become saved, rather we obey them because we are saved. This is
the new nature of a man that is born again.
7
Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the
children of Abraham.
8
And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen
through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In
thee shall all nations be blessed.
9
So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
10
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is
written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are
written in the book of the law to do them.
11
But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is
evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12
And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in
them.
13
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse
for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through
Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through
faith.
Here Paul mentions the “works of the law” and he also speaks of the “curse
of the law”. We have already discussed what the “works of the law” are, but
the curse of the law is dealing with those who have disobeyed God’s laws.
This is what Jesus redeemed us from. He redeemed us from the curse, not
the law(10 commandments). When we break or disobey the Word of God we
fall under the curse. If we repent, and trust in Christ, the Word says that
Christ blood will wash us from all unrighteousness and we are then made
free from the curse that comes from disobeying the Word of God. No man is
justified by the law before God, because we have all broken His
commandments. We all stand guilty before our King. Every mouth has been
stopped. We cannot earn our salvation or favor with God by simply trying to
obey the commandments of God through the flesh, because until Christ has
created us new in our spirit it will be a struggle and not natural. A true born
again saint will obey his fathers commands because they have been put on
our hearts. Thus it is not a burden, but a joy to obey. This faith is living and
will show up in our walk and God will send us His Holy Spirit of promise.
So then the curse is for those who disobey the Torah, and blessings for those
who walk in faith and obedience.
15
Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's
covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
16
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not,
And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17
And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in
Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot
disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.

This is referring to the Levitical laws and not God’s laws to His people. It
was the Levitical laws with all their ceremonial rituals and animal sacrifices
that have passed away. They were a shadow of things to come.
18
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God
gave it to Abraham by promise.
19
Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of
transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was
made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.

The Livitical laws were given 430 years after God had already made a
covenant with Abraham. (Gen. 26:4-5) Abraham was declared righteous
because he obeyed God. This is the reason that God made a covenant with
Abraham, was because he obeyed God and kept His commandments. The
law that God added at Mount Sinai was the Levitical priesthood laws. They
were to be temporary for the children of Israel until Christ came. Jesus did
not come to disannul or add to the commands of God, but to fulfill them.
The Livitical laws were added because of our transgressions, until Jesus
came. They consisted of all the ceremonial stuff dealing with animal
sacrifices, which were a shadow of things to come. Jesus was our perfect and
sinless sacrifice. Many people think that the 10 commandments and the
livitical commandments came in at the same time. This is not true. The Bible
speaks of sin before Moses. The word says that sin is a “transgression of the
law” (1 John 3:4) If there was no law to break there could be no
transgression. (Rom. 4:15)
There are many scriptures showing us that the laws of the ten
commandments existed before Mt. Sinai and they were broken.
In Gen. 13:13 we see that the men sinned against the Lord. Remember they
can’t sin where there is no law. Adultery is mentioned in Gen. 20:3-9 and
also again in 39:7-9. It is interesting that adultery is called a great sin then
and today people laugh at it on the sit comes and in life. God punishes Cain
for murder Gen. 4:9-12. God test the Israelites to see if they will honor the
fourth commandment of resting on the Sabbath. (Exodus 16:4) This was
given in Genesis 2:1-3. God even at one time rebuked them for refusing to
keep His commandments and laws. (Exodus 16:28) This also was before Mt.
Sinai.

20
Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
21
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there
had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness
should have been by the law.
22
But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by
faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23
But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the
faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that
we might be justified by faith.

The law can chase us to the Cross. The Law of God shows us our sin, and
convicts us, and causes us to run to Christ for mercy. In the same way the
Livitical laws of the Priest, reminded us of our sinful nature and our need for
a true high Priest after the order of Melchizedek. The animal sacrifices could
only temporarily cover our sins every year. They could not remove them.
25
But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

We are not under a schoolmaster. We no longer need the services of the

Levitical priest. We no longer need them to mediate for us, with all their
sacrifices and oral traditions and works of the laws of the Pharisees.
26
For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on
Christ.
28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is
neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according
to the promise.

Galatians 4:1-31
Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from
a servant, though he be lord of all;
2
But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the
father.
3
Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the
elements of the world:
4
But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son,
made of a woman, made under the law,
5
To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the
adoption of sons.
6
And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into
your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7
Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an
heir of God through Christ.
8
Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which
by nature are no gods.
9
But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God,
how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye
desire again to be in bondage?
10
Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11
I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

Now there are two ways we can interprete these verses. If Paul was speaking
to the Jews in Galatians, it is most likely that he was telling them not to be in
bondage to all the Jewish rules and regulations, through the Talmud or the
“works of the law” (Miqsat Ma’ase Ha-Torah) which had added there own
sabbaths, feastdays and the like. These were the traditions and doctrines of
men and not God. Most likely though it could probably be the fact that the
Galatians were pretty much pagan, before they received the gospel. The fact
that most of them where Celtic, shows us that Paul was most likely warning
them about going back to their pagan practices or mixing them with the
gospel as the Gnostics did. Pagans, have holy days, months, and times also.
These verses have been used to justify those that say God has done away
with his laws. Scriptures show the exact apposite. Jesus told us that he did
not come to destroy or take away the law, but to complete it.

Matthew 5:17
Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come
to destroy, but to fulfil.

12
Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not
injured me at all.
13
Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto
you at the first.
14
And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor
rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

Many people have used this to justify their belief that Paul was sick. But no
where in scripture can we find this. For Paul was healed in the book of Acts
9:18.
Many people will quote 2 Cor. 12:7 as their proof text.
7
And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the
revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of
Satan (here we see it was a messenger of Satan) to buffet (means repeated
blows.) me, lest I should be exalted above measure.
8
For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is
made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my
infirmities, (So what was his infirmities? Was it sickness? No! If we go back
a little further, we find out what it was that he was praying for deliverance
about.) that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
10
Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in
persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I
strong.
In 1 Cor. 11:23 “… in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in
deaths oft.
24
Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one.
25
Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered
shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;
26
In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by
mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils
in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren;
27
In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in
fastings often, in cold and nakedness.
28
Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the
care of all the churches.
29
Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?
30
If I must needs glory, I will glory of the things which concern mine
infirmities (These are Paul’s infirmities. Who would not pray for
deliverance from all these things? Traditions blind us to the truth that is
revieled in the Word.)
15
Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that,
if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and
have given them to me.

The phrase “plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me” was an
idiom like “he would give you a shirt off his own back”. It in no way
insinuates that Paul had an affliction.
16
Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
17
They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you,
that ye might affect them.
18
But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not
only when I am present with you.
19
My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be
formed in you,
20
I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I
stand in doubt of you.
21
Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
22
For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid,
the other by a freewoman.
23
But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of
the freewoman was by promise.
24
Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one
from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.

The Law could not save us. It still can not save us. All it can do is show us
our selves in light of God’s word. Faith in Christ fulfills the Law of God.
The word of God tells us that God’s laws (Torah) are binding in both
covenants. Heb. 8:10 “For this is the covenant that I will make with the
house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their
mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they
shall be to me a people:

There are many teachers out there that are teaching that the Old Testament
(Torah) brings bondage? This is not true. It is the apposite. The Bible tells us
that sin is the transgression of the law. (1 John 3:4) According to scripture it
is sin that brings us into bondage, and the word of God will set us free. (John
8:32). The word of God, or the Law of God is truth. (Psalm 119:142,
Malachi 2:6) If we obey the word of God we will be blessed. (James 1:25)
Jesus warned against the same thing that Paul speaks against. The doctrines
and commandments of men. (Matt. 15:9) We are not in bondage by obeying
God’s word, just the opposite. We are in bondage if we are trying to earn our
way into heaven through the traditions and doctrines of men.

25
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem
which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
26
But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27
For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth
and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more
children than she which hath an husband.
28
Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
29
But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was
born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
30
Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and
her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of
the freewoman.
31
So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the
free.

Galatians 5:1-26
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free,
and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall
profit you nothing.
3
For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor
to do the whole law.
4
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified
by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Once we understand the customs and religious culture of Paul’s day, the
scriptures will take on new meaning. Today most pastors will scream that
you are going into bondage if you even slightly say that you want to obey
the Old Testament. Most religious people are warped into thinking that if
you obey the Torah, that you are in bondage. This is because of wrong
teaching. When you relies that the Pharisees would cause their new converts
to become circumcised as a public commitment that they (the new converts)
were going to keep the whole Torah (This included not only the books of
Moses, but also the Talmud, which were the traditions and doctrines of
men.) it becomes very clear. Paul never spoke against the Torah (Old
Testament). He did however speak against the “works of the law” (man
made traditions and doctrines). Paul never spoke against just being
circumcised. In fact in the book of Acts he circumcises someone.

Acts 16:1-3 Then came he to Derbe and Lystra: and, behold, a certain
disciple was there, named Timotheus, the son of a certain woman, which
was a Jewess, and believed; but his father was a Greek: 2 Which was well
reported of by the brethren that were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Him would
Paul have to go forth with him; and took and circumcised him because of the
Jews which were in those quarters: for they knew all that his father was a
Greek.”

Paul warned these guys not to be entangled again. It could not have been the
Torah, because as we have already shown they were from a Celtic
background not Jewish. They were more familiar with pagan practices than
Jewish. Paul was warning them about either getting caught up in the
Pharisees doctrines and traditions or Pagan practices of observing days,
months and seasons. We follow the commandments of God, not because we
must, but because it is our delight.

5
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor
uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
7
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
8
This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
10
I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none
otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment,
whosoever he be.
11
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer
persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
12
I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
13
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for
an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy
neighbour as thyself.
15
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not
consumed one of another.
16
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the
flesh.

Here Paul tells us that if we walk in the Spirit, we will not fulfill the lust of
the flesh. We will not be under the law or the penalty of that law if we walk
in faith. True faith in Christ fulfills the law. We fall under the law and it’s
penalties when we refuse to be lead by the Spirit. If we are walking in true
faith and love we are walking in the Spirit. True love keeps the
commandments of God. (Rom. 13:8-10) So as Paul says above true love will
fulfill the law of God. (Gal. 5:14) Paul goes on to warn us not to be
deceived, for if we sow to the flesh we will die. (Rom. 8:6,13, Gal. 6:8)
17
For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh:
and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the
things that ye would.
18
But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery,
fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife,
seditions, heresies,
21
Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the
which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they
which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness,
goodness, faith,
23
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections
and lusts.
25
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying
one another.
Paul sums it up in this chapter by saying that those that are Christ have (past
tense) crucified the flesh by the spirit, and have put to death their
disobedience to God’s word. They are now living to please Jesus. Walking
in love, is walking in the spirit.

Galatians 6:1-18
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual,
restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest
thou also be tempted.
2
Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3
For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he
deceiveth himself.
4
But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing
in himself alone, and not in another.
5
For every man shall bear his own burden.
6
Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth
in all good things.
7
Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth,
that shall he also reap.
8
For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he
that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9
And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap,
if we faint not.
10
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,
especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
11
Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
12
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you
to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross
of Christ.
13
For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but
desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

This was Paul’s argument against getting circumcised. It was motive! What
are your motives? Was it to glory in the flesh? There where many in Paul’s
days that were getting circumcised, and yet not obeying the Torah. They
were adding all kinds of man made rules and traditions to it, so that they
could boast of their spiritual accomplishments. We are to obey His word
because we love Him. We are not to add to or subtract from His word either.
Religion is an enemy of the gospel. It makes men think they are right with
God, when they really are not.
14
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus
Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor
uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16
And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and
mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17
From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the
marks of the Lord Jesus.
18
Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Amen.

We are not saved by being circumcised or uncircumcised. Paul is just saying

if we love God we will honor Him by obeying every word of His commands.
We are not saved or not saved by celebrating feast days. We do however
miss out on some awesome blessings of revelation that are hidden in the
teachings of the feast days. God’s moral commands still stand to this day.
Obey them and you will live, disobey them and you will die. Follow Christ
and you will follow them without effort. When one is born again the proof of
his new birth is that he obeys God’s laws.

Matthew 19:17
And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but
one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life,
keep THE COMMANDMENTS.