Galatians 5:10
I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.
Truth to Learn
Good doctrine produces confidence in the Church, and those who teach false doctrine will be judged harshly.
Behind the Words
The word translated “have confidence” is peithō, of which we saw differing forms in verses seven and eight, meaning “to persuade.” In this case it is used in the perfect tense, implying past completed action with a continuous on-going effect. Paul is saying, “I am persuaded with respect to you” or “I am convinced regarding you.”
The words “have … mind” are translated from phronō, meaning “to think” or “to have a mindset.” So, what Paul is saying is, “none of you will think differently” or it could be paraphrased as “you will all agree with me.”
Meaning Explained
Paul is continuing on with his word play on peithō (to persuade). In verse seven he asked, “Who tripped you up from being persuaded by the truth?” Then in verse eight he said, “The persuasion does not come from God.” Now, he says, “I am persuaded concerning you, that you will agree with me.” Notice that the persuasion that affected the Galatian Christians was not from God, but Paul’s persuasion is. That’s what Paul means when he says “in the Lord” in this verse.
Paul has been speaking fairly harshly to the Galatians because they had allowed false doctrine to infect their church. This verse now begins a section where Paul is talking more tenderly to them. Through his faith in Christ, he believed that he had clearly and fully stated his case regarding the false teaching of legalism and that his readers would understand and agree.
He appears equally confident that the false teachers would receive judgment. It is not clear here whether Paul believes this judgment will come from the church leaders or from God himself. Either way, we need to understand that those who preach and teach in the church have a sacred responsibility to present the truth, and it is a serious offense to teach error. James confirms the harsh judgment on teachers:
My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. (James 3:1)
After all, according to 1 Corinthians 3:9-17, the church body is a building of God that we are all to be working on. Paul cautions us to be careful how we build if we are to receive a reward and not suffer loss. He even refers to the body of Christ (the church members) as the temple of God with the Holy Spirit living in us. And he admonishes us that defiling this temple (like teaching false doctrine) is punishable by God:
If anyone defiles the temple of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy, which temple you are. (1 Corinthians 3:17)
Application
There seems to be a lack of interest among Christians today regarding doctrine. It is seen by some as being too rigid or (believe it or not) too legalistic. Paul would not agree. Teaching true Biblical doctrine is of utmost importance, as is the necessity of dealing with those who teach false doctrine. It’s either truth or consequences!
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2008 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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