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Galatians 5:21 – Visible Evidence

Posted on February 18, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:21

envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

Truth to Learn

The evidence of salvation is in our actions, not our words.

Behind the Words

The word “envy” is translated from phthonos, which refers to “pain felt and ill will conceived at the sight of excellence or happiness in someone else.”

“Murders” is the translation of the Greek word phonos, which is from the verb phenō, meaning “to murder.” Hence, phonos (used in the plural in this verse) refers to “murders or the slaughter of innocent lives.”

The Greek word methē, means “an intoxicant” but, by implication, refers to the result of the intoxicant. Here it is translated as “drunkenness.” Once again, this word is used in the plural implying repeated drunkenness.

The word translated “revelries” is kōmos, which refers to feasting. Used in the plural as it is here, it means “riotous conduct.”

The drunkenness and revelries spoken of here by Paul are most likely a reference to festivities in honor of certain pagan gods, especially Bacchus, the god of wine. These festivities included feastings and drunkenness accompanied by impurity and obscenity of the grossest kind.

“Practice” is translated from prossō, which expresses an action as continual or as not yet completed. Hence, it means “that which one does repeatedly.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has just listed what he calls works of the flesh. These are thoughts put into action which spring from our sin nature. And he tells the Galatians beforehand that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s kingdom. But what does Paul mean by “beforehand?” Before what? Before the kingdom of God. There is a sense in which we are spiritually part of God’s kingdom now, but Paul is referring to the eternal state, heaven.

In the book of Revelation, we are told about New Jerusalem where we will spend eternity with God. We are also told who will be admitted and who won’t:

Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Revelation 22:14, 15)

We all have a sin nature and the works of our flesh occasionally rear their ugly head. But, anyone who continually exhibits the works of the flesh is clearly not a child of God.

Application

There are some in our churches today who claim to be Christian but live by the works of the flesh. If they were really saved, they would be convicted by the Holy Spirit and would not continually do these things. We need to pray for them!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Galatians 5:20 – Selfish Disunity

Posted on February 17, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:20

idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,

Truth to Learn

Focusing on self produces divisive attitudes and actions.

Behind the Words

The word translated “idolatry” is eidōlolatreia, which is a compound word made up of eidōlon, “an idol” and latreia, meaning “to serve or worship.”

“Sorcery” is translated from the Greek word pharmakeia, from which we get our English word pharmacy. It is from the Greek word pharmakon, meaning “a drug.” Since drugs were so commonly used in witchcraft, magic, and sorcery, pharmakeia was used as a reference to these practices as well.

The word “hatred” is translated from echthra, which refers to “a hostile attitude toward another” or “enmity.” It is also used to describe the actions one takes against one’s enemy. This word is in the plural in the Greek.

The Greek word eris, meaning “strife or contention” is translated as “contention.” It is used here to identify not just the strife itself but the love of strife.

“Jealousies” is from the Greek word dzēlos. It is derived from the verb dzeō, meaning “to be hot or fervent.” It refers to “acts of zeal” in a good sense or “acts of envy, jealousy, or anger.”

The word “outbursts” is translated from thumos, from the verb thuō meaning “to move impetuously like the wind” or “a violent motion” or “a passion of the mind.” Hence, thumos refers to “violent outburst of anger.”

“Selfish ambitions” is translated from the Greek word eritheia, which refers to works that are done for payment. The verb form is often used in the middle voice meaning things that are done to satisfy self. Hence, this word has come to refer to actions that are done with selfish intentions.

The word translated “dissensions” is dichostasia, a compound word made up of dicha, meaning “separately” and a form of stasis, meaning “to take a stand, usually against someone or something else.” Hence, this word means “to take a separate stand, thus causing a division.” This is one of the most devastating works of the flesh for any church body, often causing a split.

Finally, “heresies” is from the Greek word hairesis, which is a transliteration (a word moved directly from one language to another). The word actually means “a choice” but it is applied to those who chose to ignore the truth of God’s word and go their own way. It often leads to dissensions and eventually a church split.

Meaning Explained

This list is a continuation of Paul’s identification of works of the flesh. Whereas the words in the previous verse all have to do with sexual sins of the flesh, these all have to do with works of the flesh which are divisive to the church body. When we allow our fleshly desires to dominate our lives instead of submitting to the Word of God and looking out for the best interests of others, we cause irreparable damage to the body of Christ.

Application

Is your church suffering from any of the symptoms described in this verse? Is it partly your fault?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:19 – Thoughts in Action

Posted on February 14, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:19

Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,

Truth to Learn

The evil thoughts of our sin nature become sinful actions, whereas the act of submitting to God becomes precious fruit.

Behind the Words

“Works” is translated from ergon, which refers to “work” or “labor.” By implication it refers to “an act or deed.” In science a unit of measure for work done is the “erg” which is derived from this Greek word.

The word “evident” is translated from phaneros, an adjective taken from the verb phainō, meaning “to shine.” So, phaneros refers to that which can be easily seen, hence “evident” or “apparent.”

The Greek word moicheia, meaning sex between a married person and someone who is not their spouse, is appropriately translated here as “adultery.”

“Fornication” is the translation of porneia, from which we get our English word pornography. It refers to sexual acts between any two people who are not married. Hence, it includes adultery, homosexuality, pre-marital sex, incest, and what today is referred to as casual sex.

The word “uncleanness” comes from the Greek word akatharsia, a compound word made up of a, meaning “not” and a form of kathairō, meaning “to cleanse” or “to heal.” This word is used to refer to either physical or moral uncleanness.

Finally, “lewdness” is translated from aselgia, made up of a, meaning “not” and an obscure word selgēs, apparently meaning “self-control.” Given that it is included here is a list of obviously sexually oriented terms, it most likely refers to uncontrolled, overtly sexual behavior or activity.

Meaning Explained

In verse seventeen Paul explained that our sin nature (our flesh) is in constant opposition to the Spirit of God within us. He is now giving examples of both the things which come from our flesh and the things which come from the Holy Spirit.

Notice the contrast between this list and the list in verses twenty-two and twenty-three. These are “works” or actions which are the result of selfish desires. They start out as thoughts and end up as actions. These works of the flesh come from the thoughts or inclinations of our heart which are evil.

Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. (Genesis 6:5)

When these thoughts or inclinations are put into action it demonstrates how self-centered and ungodly we all are.

The list in verses twenty-two and twenty-three, on the other hand, are “the fruit” developed over time from submitting to the leading of God through His Spirit. They start out as an action of submission and end up as an attitude of our heart.

Application

“But,” you say, “I’ve never done any of these things!” Perhaps that’s true, but by the time Paul completes the list there won’t be a single one of us who can say we’ve never thought about or committed any of these acts. That’s why we need a Savior!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:18 – Spirit Led

Posted on February 13, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:18

But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Truth to Learn

God leads us in paths of righteousness through faith, not through obedience to the law.

Behind the Words

The word translated “led” is agō, meaning “to lead along.” In the current verse this word is in the present tense, passive voice, and indicative mood. The passive voice means that it is something done to the subject (you). The present tense and indicative mood indicate current continuous action. Hence, Paul is saying, “But if you are currently and continuously being led by the Spirit …” The point being that it is not a once in a while type of activity but one that is habitual and continuous.

“Law” is translated from the Greek word nomos, which is from the verb nemō, meaning “to divide among” or “to parcel out.” Therefore, nomos refers to “that which has been handed out” or “that which one has in their possession for their own use.” In this verse it refers to the Law of Moses which was handed out to the Israelites from God.

Background

The false teachers who had crept into the churches in Galatia were teaching that a person who believes Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay for our sins has not done enough to be completely saved. To be completely saved, they taught, a person must also keep the Law of Moses including being circumcised.

Paul has been very deliberate in showing that keeping the law as a way to obtain righteousness not only does not aid in salvation, it is counter to salvation. Apparently some of the Galatian Christians believed this and stood firm against the false teachers. Unfortunately, it appears that this opposition turned into heated attacks by each side against the other. That’s why Paul told them all that to really satisfy the intent of the law they needed to love each other as they love themselves.

Meaning Explained

The Christian way to stop fighting within the church is for all involved to walk in the Spirit; that is, let God’s Holy Spirit guide all of our thoughts and actions. Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? The problem is that we have a sin nature, which, as Paul told us in the previous verse, is constantly battling against the Spirit of God. Even when we want to be completely obedient to God’s Spirit, our sin nature takes over at times.

But, if we are continually listening for God’s direction and considering the good of others above our own, then we don’t have to meticulously obey all the ordinances of the law. By following God’s leading we will be fulfilling the spirit of the law because, as we are told in Psalms 23:3,

He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name’s sake.

Application

Being led by the Spirit is not easy. It takes constant communication with God through prayer and attentive listening to God as we read the Bible. It also takes a constant submitting of our will to His. It’s hard, but with His help we can do it!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:17 – Flesh vs. Spirit

Posted on February 11, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:17

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Truth to Learn

The Holy Spirit wants to be in control of your life. Let Him!

Behind the Words

In the previous verse we were introduced to the word epithumia, meaning strong desires. Here it is used as a verb of two things in opposition. That is, the flesh strongly desires some things whereas the spirit strongly desires other things.

The word translated “are contrary” is a form of antikeimai, a compound word made up of anti, meaning “against” and keimai, meaning “to lie” or “to be placed.” Hence, this word literally means “to lie against.” It refers to two things which are opposed to each other or which are adversaries.

“So that” is translated from the Greek word hina. This word has a number of uses in New Testament Greek, the most common of which are to express purpose (with the intent being) or result (with the result being). Though there is a difference of opinion among Greek scholars, it appears that its use here is one of purpose. In other words, Paul is saying that it is the intent of the desires of the flesh to keep us from doing the desires of the spirit and vice-versa.

Meaning Explained

As a result of the back biting and infighting that seem to have developed within the churches in Galatia, Paul admonished the Christians there to walk in the Spirit. That is, to go through this life in close intimate fellowship with God. His reasoning is, “so that you should not fulfill the strong desires of the flesh.”

Paul now adds some explanation as to why walking in close fellowship with God can produce that result. The strong desires of our flesh are in direct opposition to the desires of the Spirit of God. Our flesh (our sin nature) produces these strong desires which are against what the Holy Spirit wants us to do. And, these desires are primarily directed at satisfying self; that is, putting self on the throne of our life, being in control and getting what we want for ourselves. The strong desire of the Spirit of God, however, is that we should “love our neighbor as ourselves,” as Paul pointed out in verse fourteen; in other words, putting God on the throne of our lives, listening to what He tells us to do, and giving Him control of our lives.

Paul speaks from experience, for he said of himself:

For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I desire to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. (Romans 7:14, 15)

The word here translated as “carnal” is a form of sarx. Hence, Paul is saying, “but I am fleshly,” and his flesh often wins.

Application

If you are a born again Christian and you are determined to live as God wants you to live, then your flesh, your sin nature, will be constantly battling against the Spirit of God who lives within you. You want to be obedient and to please God, but you keep doing things which you know grieve Him. We all fight this battle. But when you fall, don’t give up! Confess your sin and get right back on your feet and continue down the path of life with God close by your side, listening for His direction. After all, He knows the way of peace and He is your Lord!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:16 – Intimate Fellowship

Posted on February 10, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:16

I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

Truth to Learn

When we’re submitted to the Lordship of our Heavenly Father, we will behave in a manner that glorifies Him.

Behind the Words

The word translated “walk” is peripateō, made up of peri, which means “around” and pateō, meaning “to walk.” So, literally this means “to walk around.” This word is often used as a metaphor for traversing through life.

“Spirit” is translated from pneuma, which literally refers to “a breath of air.” It is the vital breath or spirit of life which God breathed into Adam. Also, it is that part of man which exists independently of the body.

The word translated “fulfill” is teleō, which is the verb form of the noun telos, meaning “the end.” Hence this verb means “to end, to complete, or to fulfill.”

“Lust” is translated from epithumia, a compound word made up of epi, meaning “upon, above, or over” and a form of thumos, meaning “a strong passion of the mind.” Hence, epithumia refers to “overly strong desires.” It is used here in the singular because Paul is not referring to specific lusts but to the general tendency in us to have overly strong desires.

Finally, “flesh” is the Greek word sarx which refers to “the meat of an animal.” It is used metaphorically to refer to our human nature, sometimes referred to as our sin nature.

Meaning Explained

As we travel through this life, our senses are repeatedly stimulated by outside influences. Whatever the source, our fleshly reaction is to become mentally or emotionally aroused. If this reaction is not kept under control, it results in behavior which causes us to do things we shouldn’t do. In the extreme form, our fleshly reaction may cause us to strike out at others or commit personal acts of sin that we later regret.

This, apparently, is precisely the type of behavior that was occurring in the Galatian churches, causing the biting and devouring which Paul talked about in the previous verse. He now gives the antidote to these inappropriate thoughts and actions. He says, “Walk in the Spirit.” But what exactly does that mean? It means that we are to be living in constant fellowship with God through His Holy Spirit. In the Book of Proverbs it is expressed this way:

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5, 6)

The Hebrew word translated “acknowledge” means to become intimately familiar. If we walk in constant intimate fellowship with God the Father, we will not allow the lustful tendencies of our flesh to have control. Instead, we yield control of all our thoughts and actions to Him who has the power to control them.

Application

The only way we can walk in the Spirit is to continually be in intimate fellowship with God. This requires us to daily, moment by moment, confess our sins, submit our will to His, and seek His glory rather than our own.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:15 – Internal Combustion

Posted on February 7, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:15

But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!

Truth to Learn

Fighting brings destruction. Submission and love bring peace.

Behind the Words

The word translated “bite” is daknō, meaning “to bite” or “to sting.” Metaphorically, it means “to bother or irritate someone.” The form of this verb implies current, continuous action.

The word “devour” is translated from katesthiō, a compound word made up of kata, used as an intensifier, and esthiō, meaning “to eat.” Hence, it means “to eat completely” or “to completely destroy.” This verb is also in a form that implies current, continuous action.

The expression “bite and devour” is one that was commonly used of dogs or wild animals attacking and fighting each other, often until both are severely wounded or dead.

“Consumed” is translated from analiskō, which is made up of ana, meaning “up” and haliskō, meaning “to take.” This word means to continually take parts of something until it is gone.

Meaning Explained

It appears that there was significant contention in the churches in Galatia between those who insisted on keeping the requirements of the law and those who refused to do so. Their feelings were so strong that it apparently produced divisive fighting between the two sides.

Paul has to be very careful how he addresses this issue because if there was already severe fighting within the churches there, his outspoken condemnation of legalism could be used by those who agree with him as ammunition against the legalizers. But Paul doesn’t want to fan the flames, he wants to put the fire out once and for all.

In the previous two verses he stressed that the position of salvation by faith apart from works should produce humility, a servant’s heart, and love. If, in fact, these are the characteristics demonstrated by those who oppose salvation by the law, then his teaching can have an impact on the teachers of false doctrine. But if those who hold to good doctrine continue to act like wild animals, then they demonstrate by their actions that their doctrine is no better than that of the false teachers.

Strife and contention inevitably occur any time two or more people gather together in any type of work. One mark of a true believer, however, is grace in action. That is, having a humble servant’s heart and showing genuine love for others. These are like salve on an open wound. Unfortunately, selfish sinfulness often rears its ugly head, and the result is biting and devouring.

There are some things which can’t be tolerated in the body of Christ, like the teaching of false doctrine. Most disagreements, however, can be dealt with by submissive love and grace.

Application

Are you involved in a contentious struggle today? If so, get on your knees before God with true humility and seek God’s guidance on how you can resolve the conflict with love.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:14 – Free to Love

Posted on February 6, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:14

For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Truth to Learn

Freedom from the law means freedom to love others.

Behind the Words

The word translated “fulfilled” is from the Greek plēroō, meaning “to fill” as one would fill a glass with water. However, this word is also used to express the fulfilling of an obligation or to completely satisfy legal requirements. This is the sense in which it is used in the current verse.

“Shall love” is translated from the future tense of agapē, the type of love that is focused on the welfare of the object of the love, rather than on self.

The word translated “neighbor” is plēsion, which is an adverb derived from the noun pelas meaning “near.” Hence, plesion refers to someone who is physically near to you, but it is also used of a fellow countryman or, as in this case, another member of the human race.

Meaning Explained

Paul has been strenuously arguing against the false teaching that keeping the Law of Moses is necessary for salvation. In the previous verse he introduced the new concept of freedom, or liberty. We have been set free from the bondage of the law, but that does not mean that we should live without any bounds.

When Paul says that “the law is fulfilled,” he is referring to the Ten Commandments given to Moses on Mt. Sinai. The Hebrew words from which we translate the expression “the Ten Commandments” literally mean “the Ten Words,” so when Paul says that the law is fulfilled in one word, he means that fully keeping a single commandment satisfies the spirit of all ten. That single commandment is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” In his letter to the Christians in Philippi, Paul expressed it this way:

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each consider others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. (Philippians 2:3, 4)

The Ten Commandments are often referred to as the two tablets of the law. The first tablet includes the first four commandments, which regulate our relationship with God. The second tablet includes the remaining six commandments, which regulate our relationship with others.

What Paul is saying is that trying to keep the requirements of the Law of Moses with all of its rites and requirements does not produce righteousness. Righteousness comes through faith, which applies to the first tablet of the law. Now that we have righteousness through faith, however, we can fulfill the second tablet if we live in such a manner that we always have the good of others on the same level as our own.

Application

One of the problems with the law, and the worldly messages with which we are inundated daily, is that they focus our attention on ourselves. Being free from the bondage of the law, however, means that we are now free to focus our efforts on loving others as much as we love ourselves.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:13 – Freedom to Serve

Posted on February 5, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:13

For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Truth to Learn

We have been set free from the penalty of sin. We have not been set free to sin as much as we want.

Behind the Words

The verb translated “have been called” is expressed in the Greek aorist tense, meaning past action that occurred at a point in time. Hence, it is best translated as “you were called.”

“Liberty” is translated from the Greek word eleutheria, which is a form of eleutheros meaning “a person who is free to go wherever he wants to go,” that is to say, someone who is not a slave but a free person. This form of the word refers to the property of not being bound and able to move about. It is probably best translated here as “freedom.”

The word translated “opportunity” is from a form of aphormē, which is made up of apo, meaning “from or away from” and hormē, meaning “a sudden rushing forward.” Hence, this word literally means a “rushing forward away from something.” More specifically, it is a reference to the point away from which someone is rushing, that is to say, a starting point. As a starting point for further action it is sometimes translated as “an opportunity,” as in the current verse.

The word translated “serve” is douleuete. This is derived from the word doulos, meaning “a bond servant” or “a slave.” The word in this verse is expressed in the imperative mood indicating a command. So Paul is saying, “Be a slave for each other!”

Meaning Explained

Christian liberty, or freedom, is a concept that is quite misunderstood within the church today. Paul has put forth great effort of thought and persuasion to instruct the Galatian Christians that they are not bound by the requirements of the Law of Moses and that keeping the law does not add to salvation, but detracts from it. The law binds those who try to keep it and we Christians are free from this servitude.

He tells us here that when we were called to salvation, we were called to freedom, not slavery. The cross of Christ has freed us from the bondage of the law. We are not to use our freedom from the requirements of the Law of Moses, however, as a starting point to go off and satisfy our fleshly desires in whatever manner we want.

Unfortunately, that’s how some of the early Christians viewed this freedom and how some view it today. They believe that since all our sins are paid for, we can indulge our fleshly desires and not worry about it, but according to Paul, that is most definitely wrong. Our freedom is not to be expressed through our lascivious living, but through our voluntary servitude to one another as an expression of our love.

Application

We may be free from the law, but with that freedom we are to voluntarily become a servant to our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Christ volunteered His precious blood for your sins. Have you volunteered yourself as His servant in return?

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 5:12 – Teachers Cut-off?

Posted on February 4, 2008 by admin

Galatians 5:12

I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!

Truth to Learn

False teachers and their teaching cause trouble in the church.

Behind the Words

The word translated “I could wish” is ophelon. At one point in time this word was used as the past tense of “I owe.” By the time of the first century, however, it had come to be used as an exclamatory interjection meaning “Oh that!” or “Would that!” or “I wish that!”

“Trouble” is translated from the verb anastatoō, which literally means “to rise up and depart.” This word is used of someone driving a person out of his own home. It is a more intense expression than the simple word “trouble” conveys.

The words “cut … off” are translated from the verb apokoptō, which is a compound word made up of apo, meaning “from” or “away from” and koptō, which means “to chop down” or “to cut off.” This is the word that is used of cutting a person’s arm off; hence it also could be translated “amputate.” It is used here in the middle voice indicating action that they are doing to themselves.

Meaning Explained

There is a sharp difference of opinion as to what Paul is wishing for in this verse. This difference of opinion revolves around what Paul meant by the use of the word apokoptō. Some believe that Paul is saying that he wishes that the ones troubling the Galatian church with their false teaching would be excommunicated (cut-off) from the church. This is unlikely, however, since he expresses this word in the middle voice, which would mean that Paul wished that these people would excommunicate themselves. Since excommunication is an action that the leaders of a church take against others, it doesn’t make sense that they would excommunicate themselves.

The other viewpoint is that Paul is wishing that these who are teaching circumcision as a requirement for salvation would make thorough work of it in their own case and amputate (cut-off) themselves. This interpretation fits the grammatical construction of Paul’s writing; however, if this is the proper interpretation of this verse, it is one of the harshest declarations that the Apostle Paul makes in any of his writings. The primary reason for resisting this interpretation is that, supposedly, Paul would never use such a harsh and seemingly crude epithet regarding anyone.

But there is some basis for Paul’s making such a comment. During the first century, there were pagan religions where the priests and other devout followers would mutilate themselves by self-castration as a form of religious sacrifice. Possibly, this is what Paul was thinking of when he made this statement.

He used a similar word in Philippians when he warned the believers there to be on the lookout for false teachers, those teaching circumcision, which he referred to as mutilation:

Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! (Phlippians 3:2)

Application

Those who spread false teaching in the church do real damage to the faith and walk of our fellow Christians. We need to be vigilant in detecting these false teachers. And, when they are identified, we need to take firm action under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –