Galatians 2:5

To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

To whom {G3739} we gave place {G1502} by subjection {G5292}, no, not {G3761} for {G4314} an hour {G5610}; that {G2443} the truth {G225} of the gospel {G2098} might continue {G1265} with {G4314} you {G5209}.

Not even for a minute did we give in to them, so that the truth of the Good News might be preserved for you.

We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Commentary

Galatians 2:5 is a foundational verse in Paul's letter to the Galatians, encapsulating his unwavering commitment to the integrity of the gospel message. It reveals his refusal to compromise the truth of salvation by grace, even when facing significant pressure from those who sought to impose legalistic requirements on Gentile believers.

Context

This verse is situated within Paul's defense of his apostleship and the gospel he preached, particularly during his account of a crucial meeting in Jerusalem. Paul, accompanied by Barnabas and Titus, visited Jerusalem to present the gospel he preached to the Gentiles (Galatians 2:2). The primary contention arose from certain "false brethren unawares brought in" (Galatians 2:4) who insisted that Gentile converts, exemplified by Titus, must undergo circumcision to be considered true Christians. This demand directly challenged the core principle of salvation by faith alone, threatening to undermine the very essence of the Christian message.

Key Themes

  • Uncompromising Defense of the Gospel: Paul's declaration, "To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour," highlights his absolute refusal to yield to demands that would corrupt the gospel. He understood that even a momentary concession on the necessity of circumcision for salvation would fundamentally distort the message of God's grace.
  • The Purity of the Gospel's Truth: The phrase "that the truth of the gospel might continue with you" reveals Paul's ultimate motivation. He was not merely defending his personal preferences or methods but safeguarding the authentic, unadulterated message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works of the law. This truth is the cornerstone of Christian faith.
  • Christian Liberty vs. Legalism: This verse stands as a powerful testament to Christian liberty. Paul's refusal to concede to the demand for circumcision protected the freedom of Gentile believers from being burdened by Jewish ceremonial laws that were not essential for salvation. It underscored that salvation is a gift of God's grace, not earned through human effort or ritual adherence.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase for "truth of the gospel" is alētheia tou euangeliou. Alētheia denotes not just factual correctness, but reality, authenticity, and integrity—the unvarnished truth. Paul was fighting for the genuine, uncorrupted reality of the good news. His refusal to give "place by subjection" (Greek: hypotage) signifies his deliberate choice not to submit or yield to the demands of those who sought to impose a false doctrine, emphasizing his firm resolve to protect the spiritual freedom of believers.

Practical Application

Galatians 2:5 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Guard the Gospel's Purity: We are called to be vigilant against any teaching that adds works, rituals, or human traditions as a requirement for salvation, or diminishes the absolute sufficiency of Christ's work on the cross. The core message remains that salvation is by grace through faith, not of works (Ephesians 2:9).
  • Stand Firm in Conviction: Like Paul, believers must have the courage to stand firm for the core truths of the faith, even when facing opposition or pressure to compromise. This requires discernment to identify false teachings and the boldness to oppose them.
  • Embrace Christian Freedom: The verse reminds us of the freedom we have in Christ from legalistic burdens and unnecessary rules. Our focus should be on loving God and neighbor, not on adhering to man-made regulations that detract from the simplicity of devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).

Paul's unwavering stance in Galatians 2:5 serves as a powerful example of defending the gospel's essential truths for the benefit of all future generations of believers.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 4:16

    Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?

  • Galatians 2:14

    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?

  • Colossians 2:4

    ¶ And this I say, lest any man should beguile you with enticing words.

  • Colossians 2:8

    Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

  • Ephesians 1:13

    In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

  • Galatians 3:1

    ¶ 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?

  • Galatians 3:2

    This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
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