What does Galatians 2:20 mean?

Explanation

Galatians 2:20 is a profound verse in which the Apostle Paul expresses the essence of the Christian life through the metaphor of crucifixion.

In a literal sense, Paul is not saying he was physically crucified with Jesus Christ. Instead, he's speaking metaphorically to describe an intimate spiritual union with Christ that results in a transformation of identity and purpose.

This verse encapsulates the idea of dying to one's old self, sinful nature, and worldly ways, and instead, finding a new life where Christ lives within the believer.

This new life is characterized by faith, specifically "the faith of the Son of God," suggesting complete trust and reliance on Jesus Christ for salvation and daily living.

The verse stresses the themes of love and sacrifice, pointing to Jesus' death as an act of love for all humanity.

Historical Context

Galatians is one of Paul's epistles, written to the churches in Galatia, a region of modern-day Turkey.

Around the mid-first century AD, several years after Jesus' death and resurrection, Paul was addressing a community of early Christians.

The churches in Galatia were grappling with Jewish legalism, as some believed that non-Jewish believers had to adhere to Jewish laws, such as circumcision, to be justified in the eyes of God.

In this context, Paul wrote to assert the doctrine of justification by faith in Christ alone, not by works of the law, and to correct any confusion regarding Christian identity and freedom.

Theological Insights

From a theological viewpoint, this verse is integral to the Christian doctrine of justification by faith.

It speaks of union with Christ, a concept that implies believers are co-participants in Christ's death and resurrection.

Calvinist theology emphasizes the complete sovereignty of God and the effectual call in salvation, affirming that Christ's life within believers is the result of divine grace alone.

Arminian theology, while also upholding the necessity of faith for salvation, emphasizes human free will and the choice to cooperate with God's grace.

The concept of "Christ living in me" is also crucial to Christian mysticism, which seeks a personal and experiential knowledge of God.

Practical Applications

Galatians 2:20 is pertinent in guiding daily Christian living.

It encourages believers to adopt an attitude of self-denial and live in a manner that reflects Christ's character.

This involves demonstrating attributes such as love, humility, and compassion, and engaging in behaviors that emulate Christ.

It also entails trusting in God during adversities, knowing that believers are not living in their own strength but with Christ's power within them.

Additionally, this verse may inspire Christians to ponder their personal relationship with Jesus, ensuring that it influences all aspects of their lives.

Cross-References

• Romans 6:6: "Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin."
• 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
• Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."
• Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
• Colossians 3:3: "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God."

Language Study

The original language for the verse in Galatians is ancient Greek. An examination of the Greek provides deeper insight:

• "Crucified" (συνεσταύρωμαι, synestaurōmai) is a compound verb, combining "with" (syn) and "crucify" (stauróō), indicating a union with Christ in His crucifixion.
• "Liveth" (ζῶ, zō) is in the present tense, denoting a continuous, ongoing aspect of Christ's life within the believer.
• "Faith" (πίστεως, pisteos) implies trust, loyalty, and firm conviction in the truths of God, particularly in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Analyzing the Greek text allows for a nuanced understanding of Paul's statement, emphasizing the enduring nature of the Christian's spiritual transformation and the active, living presence of Christ in believers.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The notion of dying to one's former self and being reborn or transformed is a theme found in various religious and mythological contexts.

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the story of Osiris's death and resurrection symbolizes rebirth and renewal.

Similarly, in Hinduism, the concept of reincarnation speaks to the soul's journey and transformation across lifetimes.

Although there are thematic parallels, the Christian idea as presented in Galatians 2:20 is unique in its focus on a personal union with a divine being, Jesus Christ, and the transformative impact of that union on the individual's nature and destiny.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse does not directly interact with scientific concerns; however, modern psychological and neurological studies explore the impact of belief and faith on individuals' behavior and brain function.

For example, the concept of meditation or prayer altering brain states could be considered a physical reflection of the spiritual transformation that Paul describes.

Additionally, the positive effects of religious faith on mental health can be tangentially related to the principle of living through faith in a spiritual sense.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer a range of interpretations on Galatians 2:20:

• John Stott, a respected evangelical author, emphasizes the idea of Christian identity being found in Christ, not in oneself.
• Martin Luther, in his commentary on Galatians, expounds on the freedom that comes from being justified by faith and not by the law, highlighting this verse as an expression of that freedom.
• N.T.

Wright, a prominent New Testament scholar, discusses the social and communal implications of this verse, suggesting that living through faith in Christ has the power to break down social barriers and create new communities centered around shared faith in Jesus.