Galatians 5:8

KJV

This persuasion [cometh] not of him that calleth you.

KJV (with Strong's)

This persuasion {G3988} cometh not {G3756} of {G1537} him that calleth {G2564} you {G5209}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Whatever means of persuasion he used was not from the One who calls you.

Berean Standard Bible

Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you.

American Standard Version

This persuasion came not of him that calleth you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 5:8 serves as a forceful declaration from the Apostle Paul, directly challenging the false teaching that had infiltrated the Galatian churches. Paul asserts that the deceptive "persuasion" — the insistence on circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for salvation or spiritual perfection — does not originate from God, who graciously called them into fellowship with Christ. This verse underscores the critical importance of discerning the source of spiritual instruction, highlighting that any teaching which undermines the sufficiency of Christ's work and the Gospel of grace is fundamentally antithetical to God's divine initiative.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 5:8 is strategically placed within Paul's fervent defense of Christian liberty and the purity of the Gospel. Immediately preceding this verse, in [Galatians 5:1-7](/galatians/5-1-7 "Galatians 5:1-7 - Christian Liberty and the Danger of Legalism"), Paul passionately urges the Galatians to stand firm in the freedom Christ has secured for them, warning against submitting again to a "yoke of bondage" (specifically, circumcision and the Law). He laments that they were "running well" but had been hindered, implying a departure from the true path. Verse 8, therefore, directly addresses the source of this hindrance, identifying the "persuasion" as alien to God's calling. The subsequent verses in [Galatians 5:9-12](/galatians/5-9-12 "Galatians 5:9-12 - The Leaven of False Teaching") continue this theme, with Paul warning that "a little leaven leavens the whole lump," further condemning those who trouble the church and expressing a strong desire for their removal.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The churches in Galatia, predominantly Gentile converts, were being targeted by "Judaizers." These were Jewish Christians who insisted that Gentile believers must be circumcised and adhere to aspects of the Mosaic Law (such as dietary restrictions and Sabbath observance) to be truly saved or to attain spiritual maturity. This teaching directly contradicted the Gospel Paul preached, which proclaimed salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, apart from works of the Law. The controversy was so significant that it led to the Jerusalem Council recorded in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "Acts 15 - The Jerusalem Council"), where the apostles affirmed that Gentiles were not required to be circumcised or keep the Law for salvation. Paul's letter to the Galatians is a vigorous and often sharp rebuke of this false doctrine, defending the authenticity of his apostleship and the integrity of the Gospel.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several major themes in Galatians. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Justification by Faith Alone**, emphasizing that salvation is a divine act initiated by God's call, not earned through human effort or adherence to legalistic rituals, as highlighted in [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Christian Freedom** in Christ, contrasting the liberating truth of the Gospel with the enslaving demands of the Law, a concept central to [Galatians 5:1](/galatians/5-1 "Galatians 5:1 - Stand Firm in Freedom"). Thirdly, it highlights the crucial theme of **Discerning False Teaching**. Paul's assertion that this "persuasion" does not come from God serves as a foundational principle for evaluating any doctrine: if it contradicts God's gracious calling and the finished work of Christ, it is not from Him, echoing Paul's strong warning against "another gospel" in [Galatians 1:6-9](/galatians/1-6-9 "Galatians 1:6-9 - Paul's Anathema on False Gospels").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Persuasion (Greek, _peismonḗ'_):** Derived from a presumed root related to "to persuade," this noun signifies "persuadableness" or "credulity." In this context, it refers to the specific false teaching that had convinced the Galatians to consider circumcision and legalism. It implies a strong, deceptive influence that has taken hold of their minds, leading them away from the truth. Paul uses this term to describe the *effect* of the Judaizers' arguments on the Galatian believers, highlighting their susceptibility to error.
* **Not (Greek, _ou'_):** This is a primary, absolute negative adverb. Unlike *mē*, which expresses a subjective or conditional negation, *ou* denotes an objective, factual, and emphatic denial. By using *ou*, Paul unequivocally states that the "persuasion" in question has absolutely no divine origin. It is a direct and definitive rejection of the idea that this teaching could in any way be from God.
* **Of (Greek, _ek'_)::** A primary preposition denoting origin, *ek* signifies "from," "out of," or "from the means of." It indicates the source or point from which something proceeds. In Galatians 5:8, *ek* is crucial for establishing the provenance of the "persuasion." Paul's use of *ek* with the negative *ou* (ou... ek) emphatically states that the source of this false teaching is definitively *not* God.
* **Calleth (Greek, _kaléō'_):** This verb means "to call," "to invite," or "to summon." In Pauline theology, *kaléō* frequently refers to God's effectual call to salvation, a sovereign act of grace by which He draws individuals to Himself through Christ. By identifying God as "him that calleth you," Paul reminds the Galatians of the gracious, unmerited nature of their salvation, which stands in stark contrast to the legalistic demands of the Judaizers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This persuasion":** This phrase refers directly to the false teaching that the Galatians were embracing or considering, specifically the insistence on circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law as necessary for salvation or spiritual perfection. It encompasses the entire legalistic system being promoted by the Judaizers, which directly undermined the Gospel of grace.
* **"cometh not":** This is a strong and absolute negation. Paul emphatically states that the origin of this "persuasion" is *not* from God. It highlights the alien nature of the false teaching, declaring it to be entirely outside of God's will, purpose, or truth. It is a clear warning that despite its appearance or the conviction with which it might be presented, it is a human-derived error.
* **"of him that calleth you":** This identifies God as the one who initiated their salvation through His gracious, effectual call. Paul reminds the Galatians of their true spiritual heritage: they were called by God, not by human merit or legalistic performance. The implication is that since God called them by grace through faith, any teaching that adds works or rituals to that calling cannot possibly originate from the same divine source.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices to convey his strong message in Galatians 5:8. The most prominent is **Contrast**, where he sets the false "persuasion" in stark opposition to "him that calleth you" (God). This highlights the fundamental difference between human-devised religious systems and God's gracious, sovereign initiative in salvation. The phrase itself carries significant **Rhetorical Force**, functioning as a direct, authoritative declaration that aims to shock the Galatians into recognizing the grave error they are entertaining. By stating what the persuasion is *not*, Paul powerfully implies what it *is* – a deceptive, human, or even demonic influence. Furthermore, there's an element of **Understatement** or **Litotes** in "cometh not of him that calleth you." While seemingly mild, it is a profound theological rejection, implying that the source is antithetical to God, rather than merely different. This serves to underscore the gravity of the spiritual danger.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 5:8 is a foundational text for understanding the nature of divine truth and the necessity of spiritual discernment. It unequivocally asserts that any teaching which diminishes the sufficiency of Christ's work or adds human requirements to the free gift of salvation by grace is not from God. This principle is vital for the church in every age, serving as a constant reminder to test all doctrines against the revealed Word of God and the character of the God who calls us. It reinforces the truth that God's calling is always consistent with His nature of grace and love, never leading believers back into legalistic bondage or a system of earned righteousness. The verse thus underscores the purity and singularity of the Gospel message.

* [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits"): "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world."
* [Colossians 2:8](/colossians/2-8 "Colossians 2:8 - Beware of Philosophy and Empty Deceit"): "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."
* [Romans 8:30](/romans/8-30 "Romans 8:30 - God's Sovereign Calling"): "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 5:8 remains profoundly relevant for believers today, serving as a timeless warning against any teaching that subtly or overtly adds to the finished work of Christ. In an age saturated with diverse spiritual messages, this verse calls us to vigilant discernment. We must constantly evaluate what we hear, read, and believe against the unchanging truth of God's Word, ensuring that our "persuasion" about salvation, sanctification, and Christian living aligns with the Gospel of grace. Any message that promotes self-effort over divine grace, legalism over liberty, or human merit over Christ's sufficiency, does not originate from the God who graciously called us. Our spiritual freedom and assurance are rooted in the unmerited favor of God, not in our adherence to external rituals or human traditions. This verse challenges us to remain steadfast in the simplicity and power of the Gospel, guarding against anything that would diminish the glory of Christ's cross or lead us back into a "yoke of bondage."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "persuasions" in contemporary Christian culture might not be "of him that calleth you"?**
* **How can I actively discern between true, God-given teaching and false, human-derived doctrines in my own life?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to add human effort or legalistic practices to God's gracious calling in my walk with Christ?**
* **How does understanding God as "him that calleth you" deepen my appreciation for His grace and sovereignty?**

### FAQ
**What exactly was "this persuasion" that Paul was referring to in Galatians 5:8?**

Answer: "This persuasion" refers to the false teaching propagated by the Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile Christians needed to be circumcised and observe the Mosaic Law in addition to believing in Jesus Christ in order to be truly saved or perfected. This teaching directly contradicted the Gospel of grace, which Paul preached, asserting that salvation is by faith in Christ alone, as articulated in [Galatians 2:16](/galatians/2-16 "Galatians 2:16 - Justification by Faith"). It was a belief system that added human works to God's free gift, thereby undermining the sufficiency of Christ's sacrifice.

**Who is "him that calleth you" in this verse?**

Answer: "Him that calleth you" refers unequivocally to God. Throughout Paul's epistles, God is consistently presented as the one who initiates salvation through His sovereign and effectual call. This divine calling is based on grace, not on human merit or performance. For example, [Romans 8:30](/romans/8-30 "Romans 8:30 - God's Sovereign Calling") speaks of God's predestination and calling leading to justification and glorification. By reminding the Galatians that their calling came from God, Paul emphasizes that the false teaching they were entertaining was fundamentally at odds with the gracious nature of their salvation.

**How can believers today discern if a teaching or "persuasion" is not from God?**

Answer: Believers can discern if a teaching is not from God by carefully testing it against the clear and consistent truth of God's Word, the Bible. Key indicators that a "persuasion" is not from God include:
1. **Diminishing Christ's Sufficiency:** Any teaching that adds human works, rituals, or legalistic requirements for salvation or sanctification, thereby implying Christ's work on the cross was insufficient.
2. **Contradicting God's Character:** Teachings that misrepresent God's nature as loving, gracious, just, or holy.
3. **Promoting Bondage over Freedom:** Messages that lead believers back into fear, guilt, or a sense of earning God's favor, rather than fostering the freedom found in Christ.
4. **Lack of Biblical Support:** Teachings that cannot be substantiated by sound biblical interpretation or contradict core Christian doctrines.
As [1 John 4:1](/1_john/4-1 "1 John 4:1 - Test the Spirits") advises, we are to "test the spirits" to see whether they are from God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 5:8 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of the "him that calleth you" and the ultimate antidote to any false "persuasion." The "persuasion" Paul condemns was a distortion of the Gospel, attempting to add human works to Christ's finished work. In contrast, Christ perfectly fulfilled the Law, not to burden us with it, but to set us free from its curse, as [Galatians 3:13-14](/galatians/3-13-14 "Galatians 3:13-14 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse of the Law") powerfully declares. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), meaning all true persuasion and divine calling flows from Him. Our salvation and spiritual standing are "in Him" ([Colossians 2:10](/colossians/2-10 "Colossians 2:10 - Complete in Christ")), not dependent on external observances. The "calling" of God is fundamentally a call into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ, through whom we receive grace and peace. Any teaching that diverts attention from Christ's all-sufficient sacrifice on the cross and His resurrection power, or that suggests we need more than Him for salvation or spiritual growth, is inherently "not of him that calleth you." The true persuasion is the Gospel of Christ, which alone justifies us by faith ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith")), grants us freedom, and empowers us to live by the Spirit.

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

Galatians 1:6

¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Romans 8:28

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to [his] purpose.