Galatians 5:3
And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.
Truth to Learn
No matter how obedient we are to laws, church ordinances, and regulations, we can never repay the debt that we owe to God for our sins.
Behind the Words
“Testify” is translated from the Greek word marturomai, which in its noun form (martus) refers to someone who has been called to give a testimony in a court of law. Hence, marturomai means to give a testimony regarding what is known by the witness. Throughout the centuries Christians have testified regarding their faith in Christ even to the point of death. These who have given their lives rather than denouncing their faith have come to be known as martyrs from the word martus.
We looked at the word “circumcised” in the last verse. The word used in this verse is from the same root, but this word is a present tense participle in the passive voice. This indicates someone who is currently having himself circumcised.
The word “debtor” is from the Greek ophleiletēs, which is from the word opheilō meaning “a debtor, someone who owes a debt to another.”
“To keep” is translated from “poiēsai,” which means “to make, perform, or do.” The thought here is that the person who becomes circumcised is now bound to perform all the requirements of the law.
Meaning Explained
Paul starts off this verse with the statement, “I testify again.” Some believe that Paul taught this principle to the Galatian Christians when he first delivered the gospel to them. It seems to make more sense, however, that he is simply reiterating what he said in the previous verse.
The central issue that Paul has been dealing with throughout this letter is whether or not a person has to become a Jew, through submission and obedience to the law, in order to be a complete Christian. Circumcision is to a Jew as baptism is to a Christian. It is the final testimony or action that serves as a public declaration of faith. In the case of the Jews, it is faith in righteousness through complete obedience to the law, whereas in Christianity it is faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.
Paul is telling the Galatian Christians that if they think that circumcision is the completion of faith then they are sorely mistaken. Since circumcision is the declaration that righteousness comes through law, anyone becoming circumcised is declaring that they are trusting in the law and that means the whole law. If they fail to keep a single point of the law, they are guilty of breaking the entire law. They now owe all their righteousness to a set of rules that they can’t obey. What futility!
Application
No matter how sincere we might be, to base our righteousness on anything other than faith and faith alone puts us in debt. As a debtor we are enslaved to the one or the thing to which we owe allegiance. It is our sin debt that must be paid, and that can only be paid with the blood of the sinless Lamb of God, our Savior Jesus Christ.
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to: