Galatians 1:4

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3588} gave {G1325} himself {G1438} for {G5228} our {G2257} sins {G266}, that {G3704} he might deliver {G1807} us {G2248} from {G1537} this present {G1764} evil {G4190} world {G165}, according {G2596} to the will {G2307} of God {G2316} and {G2532} our {G2257} Father {G3962}:

Complete Jewish Bible

who gave himself for our sins, so that he might deliver us from the present evil world-system, in obedience to the will of God, our Father.

Berean Standard Bible

who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

American Standard Version

who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us out of this present evil world, according to the will of our God and Father:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 1:4 encapsulates the very heart of the gospel Paul defends: Jesus Christ's voluntary, substitutionary sacrifice for our sins, orchestrated by the sovereign will of God the Father, with the explicit purpose of delivering believers from the pervasive influence and dominion of the present evil age. This foundational truth stands in stark contrast to any false gospel that would add human works or legalistic requirements to the finished work of Christ, asserting the divine origin and complete efficacy of God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 1:4 is embedded within Paul's opening salutation (Galatians 1:1-5), which immediately deviates from his typical practice of including a lengthy thanksgiving. Instead, Paul launches directly into a defense of the gospel, expressing astonishment that the Galatian churches are so quickly deserting the true message for a "different gospel" (Galatians 1:6). This verse, therefore, serves as a concise, yet potent, summary of the authentic gospel that Paul preached—a gospel centered entirely on Christ's redemptive work, not human effort. It establishes the theological bedrock upon which Paul will build his entire argument against the Judaizers who were advocating for circumcision and adherence to the Law as necessary for salvation. By stating the purpose of Christ's death so clearly at the outset, Paul sets the stage for his subsequent arguments regarding justification by faith alone, apart from works of the Law.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The churches in Galatia (likely located in the Roman province of Galatia, encompassing cities like Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe) were facing a significant theological crisis. Jewish Christians, often referred to as "Judaizers," had infiltrated these congregations, teaching that Gentile believers needed to be circumcised and observe aspects of the Mosaic Law in addition to believing in Christ to be truly saved. This teaching directly contradicted Paul's gospel of salvation by grace through faith. The "present evil world" (G165, _aiṓn_) refers not merely to the physical planet, but to the prevailing spiritual and moral order of the age, characterized by sin, idolatry, and rebellion against God, often under the dominion of spiritual forces. This concept was deeply rooted in Jewish eschatology, which anticipated a "Messianic age" or "age to come" that would replace the current evil age. The Judaizers' emphasis on the Law was a way of attempting to navigate or even escape this evil age through human effort, whereas Paul asserts that deliverance comes solely through Christ's work.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several pivotal themes that permeate the entire letter to the Galatians. Firstly, the **Sovereignty of God** is paramount, as Christ's redemptive act is explicitly stated to be "according to the will of God and our Father," underscoring that salvation is God's initiative and plan, not a human contrivance. This theme directly counters any notion that human works could contribute to or initiate salvation. Secondly, the theme of **Justification by Grace Through Faith** is implicitly yet powerfully present; the emphasis on Christ "giving himself for our sins" highlights a completed, substitutionary work that leaves no room for human merit. This concept is further developed in passages like [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith") and [Galatians 3:10-14](/galatians/3-10-14 "Galatians 3:10-14 - Christ Redeems from the Curse of the Law"). Thirdly, the verse introduces the **Radical Deliverance** that salvation brings, freeing believers "from this present evil world." This liberation is not merely from the penalty of sin but from its power and the world's corrupting influence, leading to a transformed life that no longer conforms to worldly patterns, as seen in [Galatians 5:16-25](/galatians/5-16-25 "Galatians 5:16-25 - Living by the Spirit").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **gave (Greek, _dídōmi'_):** This verb signifies a deliberate, voluntary, and complete act of giving or bestowing. In the context of Christ, it emphasizes His willing self-sacrifice, not a coerced or accidental event. It speaks to the active agency of Jesus in His atonement, highlighting the intentionality behind His offering Himself.
* **himself (Greek, _heautoû'_):** This reflexive pronoun underscores the personal and unique nature of Christ's sacrifice. He gave *Himself*—His very being, His life—as the payment for sin. This highlights the substitutionary aspect of the atonement, where no other sacrifice or human effort could suffice.
* **deliver (Greek, _exairéō'_):** This word means "to tear out," "to pluck out," "to rescue," or "to release." It conveys a sense of forceful removal from a dangerous or ensnaring situation. The implication is that humanity is trapped within the "present evil world," and only a powerful, external intervention (Christ's work) can extract them from its grip and dominion.
* **world (Greek, _aiṓn'_):** While sometimes referring to the physical earth, here _aiṓn_ denotes an "age" or "epoch." When qualified by "present" and "evil," it refers to the current spiritual and moral system or order of things, characterized by sin, rebellion against God, and the dominion of evil forces. It signifies the prevailing ethos and values that stand in opposition to God's kingdom, from which believers are rescued.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who gave himself for our sins":** This clause identifies Jesus Christ as the subject and His central act of redemption. The phrase "gave himself" signifies a voluntary, self-sacrificial offering, emphasizing His active participation in the atonement. The preposition "for" (G5228, _hypér_) denotes "on behalf of" or "instead of," clearly indicating a substitutionary act. Christ bore the penalty and consequences of "our sins," which refers to the collective transgressions and rebellion of humanity against God, highlighting the propitiatory nature of His death. This is the foundation of the gospel: a divine exchange where Christ takes our sin upon Himself.
* **"that he might deliver us from this present evil world":** This clause states the primary purpose and effect of Christ's self-giving. The verb "deliver" (G1807, _exairéō_) implies a powerful rescue or liberation from a state of bondage. The object of this deliverance is "this present evil world" (G1764 _enístēmi_ "present" + G4190 _ponērós_ "evil" + G165 _aiṓn_ "world/age"). This "world" is not merely a geographical location but the spiritual and moral system of the current age, characterized by its opposition to God, its values, and its dominion over unredeemed humanity. Christ's work liberates believers from its power, influence, and condemnation, enabling them to live a new life.
* **"according to the will of God and our Father":** This final clause underscores the divine origin and authority of Christ's redemptive work. It clarifies that this entire plan—Christ's sacrifice and our deliverance—is not an arbitrary event or a human invention, but is fully aligned with and executed "according to the will" (G2307, _thélēma_) of the sovereign God. The addition "and our Father" highlights the intimate, relational aspect of God's will, emphasizing His loving, paternal disposition towards humanity in orchestrating this salvation. This divine intentionality provides ultimate assurance of the gospel's truth and efficacy.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his urgent message. The verse functions as a powerful **Summary Statement** or **Thesis Statement** for the entire letter, succinctly encapsulating the core of the gospel he defends. The phrase "gave himself" is a form of **Sacrificial Language**, evoking Old Testament concepts of atonement and sacrifice, but here elevated to the ultimate, perfect offering. The contrast between "our sins" and "this present evil world" highlights the dual nature of Christ's deliverance: from the **Guilt of Sin** and the **Dominion of Sinful Systems**. The phrase "evil world" uses **Descriptive Adjectives** to characterize the spiritual reality from which believers are rescued, emphasizing its corrupting influence. Finally, the concluding phrase "according to the will of God and our Father" serves as an **Authoritative Declaration**, grounding the entire redemptive act in divine sovereignty and purpose, thereby lending indisputable weight to Paul's gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 1:4 is a concise theological powerhouse, encapsulating the essence of God's redemptive plan. It firmly establishes the substitutionary atonement of Christ as the sole means of salvation, emphasizing that His self-giving was not merely an act of love, but a purposeful deliverance from the pervasive spiritual and moral corruption of the fallen world. This deliverance is not a result of human merit or adherence to legal codes, but flows entirely from the sovereign, loving will of God the Father. The verse thus sets the stage for Paul's robust defense of justification by faith alone, highlighting the complete sufficiency of Christ's work and the radical transformation it brings, freeing believers from both the penalty and the power of sin, and from the dominion of an anti-God world system.

* [Titus 2:14](/titus/2-14 "Titus 2:14 - Christ Gave Himself to Redeem Us")
* [Colossians 1:13](/colossians/1-13 "Colossians 1:13 - Delivered from the Domain of Darkness")
* [Romans 8:3-4](/romans/8-3-4 "Romans 8:3-4 - God Sent His Son for Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 1:4 invites profound reflection on the nature of our salvation and its implications for daily living. The truth that Christ "gave himself for our sins" should evoke deep gratitude and humility, reminding us that our standing before God is entirely dependent on His finished work, not our own. This liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor or achieve righteousness through legalistic efforts, allowing us to rest in His grace. Furthermore, the purpose of this sacrifice—"that he might deliver us from this present evil world"—challenges us to critically examine our lives. Are we truly living as those delivered from the world's values, priorities, and systems? This deliverance calls us to a counter-cultural existence, where our allegiance is to Christ alone, and our lives reflect the values of His kingdom. It prompts us to discern and resist the subtle and overt influences of the "evil world" in our thoughts, actions, and desires, living instead in conformity to the will of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's voluntary self-giving for your sins deepen your appreciation for His love and the gospel?**
* **In what specific ways do you see "this present evil world" influencing your life or the lives of those around you?**
* **What practical steps can you take to live more distinctly as one "delivered from this present evil world," aligning your life more fully with God's will?**
* **How does the knowledge that your salvation is "according to the will of God and our Father" provide you with assurance and peace?**

### FAQ

**What does "this present evil world" refer to in Galatians 1:4?**

Answer: In Galatians 1:4, "this present evil world" (Greek: _aiōn_) refers not to the physical planet Earth, but to the prevailing spiritual and moral system or "age" that is characterized by sin, rebellion against God, and opposition to His will. It encompasses the values, philosophies, structures, and influences that are contrary to God's kingdom and are under the dominion of spiritual darkness. Paul uses this phrase to describe the corrupting environment from which Christ's sacrifice delivers believers, enabling them to live according to God's purposes rather than the world's dictates. This concept is distinct from the "age to come," which is ushered in by Christ's redemptive work and will be fully realized at His return. The purpose of Christ's death was to rescue believers from the power and condemnation of this fallen system, as also seen in [1 John 2:15-17](/1_john/2-15-17 "1 John 2:15-17 - Do Not Love the World").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 1:4 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus as the ultimate and perfect sacrifice, fulfilling God's eternal redemptive plan. His "giving himself for our sins" is the very essence of the gospel, echoing the prophetic imagery of the suffering servant in [Isaiah 53:5-6](/isaiah/53-5-6 "Isaiah 53:5-6 - The Suffering Servant"), who was "pierced for our transgressions." This voluntary act, driven by divine love, serves as the singular means by which humanity is reconciled to God, establishing a new covenant in His blood, as Jesus Himself declared at the Last Supper ([Luke 22:20](/luke/22-20 "Luke 22:20 - The New Covenant in My Blood")). Furthermore, Christ's deliverance "from this present evil world" foreshadows His ultimate victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Powers and Authorities")). Through His resurrection and ascension, He inaugurated the "age to come," enabling believers to live in newness of life, no longer enslaved to the corrupting influences of the fallen world but empowered by the Holy Spirit to live according to God's will ([Romans 6:4](/romans/6-4 "Romans 6:4 - Newness of Life")). Thus, Galatians 1:4 points directly to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world and the victorious King who delivers His people from all evil, all "according to the will of God and our Father," revealing the triune God's unified purpose in salvation history.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Matthew 20:28

Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.

Romans 4:25

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Galatians 2:20

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.

1 John 5:19

[And] we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.

1 John 5:20

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, [even] in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.

1 John 2:15

Love not the world, neither the things [that are] in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.

1 John 2:17

And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.