Understand that this section of Galatians 2:11-21 is about not returning to the law.
Paul had just asked Peter why he wanted the Gentiles to live like Jews in verse 14, when he already knows that living like a Jew (following the Mosaic law of works), does not justify a man. Justification comes by believing in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law, as stated in verse 16.
Now verse 18 poses this: If I (Paul wants Peter to think of himself in this case) act like a Jew by observing the law, and compel non-Jews to also follow the law, even after I have proven that it was abolished by the death of Christ, then I am rebuilding something (reestablishing as necessary for salvation the customs of legal righteousness) that was already destroyed. Paul is saying anyone (Peter) would be in sin (a transgressor) if they made it look like following the law was an obligation. The NLT says, “I am a sinner if I rebuild the old system of law I already tore down.” The new system of faith (in Christ) was established, so why would anyone bring back the old system (of works) that was proven wrong? They would be in sin if they did, as that it is basically saying that Christ’s death was not enough.
I consulted multiple sources and merged them together-hope this helps:)
No comments:
Post a Comment