Galatians 5:1

Commentary on Galatians 5:1 (KJV)

Galatians 5:1 is a pivotal verse in Paul's letter, serving as a powerful exhortation to the believers in Galatia regarding the nature of their salvation and Christian living. It encapsulates Paul's central argument against legalism and his passionate defense of justification by faith alone.

Context

Paul wrote the letter to the Galatians because they were being swayed by "Judaizers"—false teachers who insisted that Gentile converts needed to adhere to Mosaic Law, especially circumcision, in addition to faith in Christ, to be truly saved. This threatened the very core of the Gospel, which proclaims salvation as a free gift of God's grace through faith. Chapters 1-4 establish Paul's apostolic authority and meticulously dismantle the argument for works-based righteousness, showing that the Law was a temporary guardian until Christ came (Galatians 3:24-25). With this verse, Paul transitions from theological exposition to a direct command, urging them to live out the truth they have received.

Key Themes

• Christian Liberty: The "liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free" refers to the profound freedom from the condemnation of sin, the curse of the Law, and the futile attempt to earn salvation through human effort. This freedom is a direct result of Christ's atoning work on the cross, liberating believers from the spiritual slavery to sin and the oppressive burden of legalism. It's a gift, not an achievement.
• The Yoke of Bondage: Paul vividly contrasts this liberty with the "yoke of bondage." This "yoke" primarily refers to the Mosaic Law when it is observed as a means of righteousness or salvation. To return to relying on the Law for justification would be to re-entangle oneself in a system that cannot save, a system of spiritual slavery that Christ has already freed them from. It implies a burdensome and oppressive system that offers no true peace or salvation.
• Standing Fast: The command "Stand fast therefore" is an imperative, urging believers to maintain their position firmly. It's a military term (*stēkete* in Greek) signifying holding one's ground against an attack. Paul calls the Galatians to resolute perseverance in the truth of the Gospel, resisting any temptation to revert to legalistic practices.

Linguistic Insights

• The phrase "stand fast" comes from the Greek word stēkete (στήκετε), which is an emphatic military command meaning "to stand firm," "to hold one's position," or "to remain steadfast." It implies active resistance against external pressures to compromise their freedom.
• "Liberty" is from the Greek eleutheria (ἐλευθερίᾳ), signifying true freedom from slavery or constraint, emphasizing the comprehensive release from the Law's demands as a path to righteousness.
• The "yoke of bondage" is a powerful metaphor derived from the Greek zygō douleias (ζυγῷ δουλείας). A "yoke" was a wooden beam used to harness oxen, symbolizing burdensome labor or servitude. "Bondage" (*douleias*) explicitly means slavery. The phrase starkly illustrates the oppressive nature of legalism compared to the liberating grace of Christ.

Practical Application

Galatians 5:1 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. It serves as a constant reminder to:

• Guard Against Legalism: Be vigilant against any teaching or mindset that adds human works, traditions, or rituals as requirements for salvation or for gaining God's favor. Our standing with God is solely by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.
• Embrace True Freedom: Understand that Christian liberty is not a license to sin, but freedom from sin's dominion and the Law's condemnation. This freedom empowers us to live a life of love and service, guided by the Holy Spirit, as Paul further explains in Galatians 5:13.
• Stand Firm in the Gospel: Actively resist pressures, whether from within or outside the church, that seek to diminish the sufficiency of Christ's work or to impose unnecessary burdens on believers. Our salvation is secure in Christ alone.