Galatians 3:27

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

For {G1063} as many of you as {G3745} have been baptized {G907} into {G1519} Christ {G5547} have put on {G1746} Christ {G5547}.

because as many of you as were immersed into the Messiah have clothed yourselves with the Messiah, in whom

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ did put on Christ.

Commentary

Context

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Galatians, is vehemently defending the doctrine of justification by faith alone, countering the false teaching of Judaizers who insisted Gentile believers must adhere to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, to be truly saved. This verse, Galatians 3:27, immediately precedes his powerful declaration in Galatians 3:28 that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for all are one. Paul uses baptism as a pivotal point to illustrate how believers enter into this new, unified identity in Christ, moving beyond the divisions and limitations of the Old Covenant law.

Key Themes

  • Union with Christ Through Baptism: The phrase "baptized into Christ" signifies more than just a physical ritual; it represents a profound spiritual identification with Jesus. It points to a believer's complete immersion into Christ's person, His death, burial, and resurrection. This union is the foundation of the Christian's new life and standing before God. It's a symbolic act that publicly declares an inward spiritual reality.
  • Putting on Christ: A New Identity: The metaphor "have put on Christ" is incredibly rich. Just as one puts on a garment, believers are said to have clothed themselves with Christ. This means taking on His character, His righteousness, and His very nature as their new spiritual attire. It signifies a complete change of identity and allegiance. No longer defined by their past or by adherence to the Law, believers are now defined by their relationship with Christ. This new identity grants access to all the spiritual blessings and promises found in Him, particularly the righteousness that comes by faith, which Paul champions throughout the letter.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek phrase for "baptized into Christ" is eis Christon (εἰς Χριστόν). The preposition eis (into) implies a movement towards and a resulting union with Christ, suggesting a deep identification with His person and work, rather than merely being immersed in water. It points to the spiritual reality of being united with Him.
  • "Put on Christ" translates the Greek verb enedysasthe (ἐνεδύσασθε), which literally means "to clothe oneself with." This powerful metaphor is used elsewhere by Paul (e.g., Romans 13:14, Colossians 3:12) to describe taking on a new nature, character, or disposition. Here, it means that believers are clothed with Christ's righteousness and are identified with Him, receiving His standing before God.

Practical Application

Galatians 3:27 offers profound implications for believers today:

  1. Affirmation of Identity: This verse reminds every Christian that their core identity is found in Christ. Whatever earthly labels or distinctions might exist, our primary reality is that we belong to Him and are clothed in His righteousness. This truth provides immense security and freedom from striving to earn God's favor.
  2. Call to Consistent Living: Since we have "put on Christ," our lives should reflect His character and teachings. This is not about earning salvation but about living out the transformation that has already occurred. It challenges us to live in a manner worthy of our new identity, as suggested in Ephesians 4:1.
  3. Basis for Unity: Recognizing that all believers have been "baptized into Christ" and have "put on Christ" demolishes barriers of race, social status, or gender within the church. It underscores the profound spiritual unity that should characterize the body of Christ, echoing Paul's emphasis on unity in 1 Corinthians 12:13.
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Cross-References

  • Romans 13:14 (26 votes)

    But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to [fulfil] the lusts [thereof].

  • 1 Corinthians 12:13 (16 votes)

    For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether [we be] Jews or Gentiles, whether [we be] bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.

  • Romans 6:3 (12 votes)

    Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

  • Romans 6:4 (12 votes)

    Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

  • Colossians 3:10 (9 votes)

    And have put on the new [man], which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him:

  • Ephesians 4:24 (9 votes)

    And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

  • 1 Peter 3:21 (9 votes)

    ¶ The like figure whereunto [even] baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: