What does Galatians 5:11 mean?

Explanation

Galatians 5:11 features the Apostle Paul addressing an issue that is causing division within the Christian church in Galatia.

Literally, Paul is stating that if he preaches the necessity of circumcision (a key Jewish law and custom), then he should not be persecuted because he would be upholding the very law that Jewish leaders were advocating.

The deeper meaning reveals Paul's stress on the centrality of faith in Christ rather than adherence to the Jewish law, as a means for salvation.

The "offence of the cross" refers to the message of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ being a stumbling block or source of persecution for those who believe that righteousness is achieved through the law.

Historical Context

During the time of Paul's writing, the early Christian church was a mix of Jews who had accepted Jesus as the Messiah and Gentiles who had converted to Christianity.

There was a controversy known as the "Circumcision Party" or the Judaizers, who were Jewish Christians insisting that Gentile Christians should undergo circumcision and adhere to the Mosaic Law.

Paul's letter to the Galatians is, in part, his rebuttal against this notion, emphasizing that faith in Christ is sufficient for salvation, rendered without the need for observing the old law.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse underscores the doctrine of justification by faith alone (sola fide), which was later pivotal during the Protestant Reformation.

Scholars highlight Paul's defense against potential slander that he promoted Jewish law while also showcasing the paradox of his persecution, which wouldn't make sense if he preached legalism.

Furthermore, there is the theological notion of "scandalon" (Greek for "stumbling block"), which here relates to the cross challenging both Jewish and pagan worldviews of the time.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Galatians 5:11 encourages Christians to stand firm in the freedom of faith without feeling compelled to adhere to old laws or customs to justify themselves.

This has modern implications for how people of faith navigate laws or societal norms that might be at odds with the core teachings of Christianity related to grace and salvation.

Cross-References

• Galatians 2:16 - Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ...
• 1 Corinthians 1:23 - But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;
• Romans 9:32 - Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law...
• Galatians 6:12 - As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised...

Language Study

Key words in this verse include "circumcision" (Greek: περιτομή, peritomē), which literally refers to the physical act, but also metaphorically to adherence to Jewish law, and "offence" (Greek: σκάνδαλον, skandalon), which means a stumbling block or cause for error.

Understanding the original Greek terms provides insight into the emphasis Paul places on the contrast between adherence to the law and the message of the cross.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In comparing Christianity with other ancient religions, the concept of a god or deity being crucified would indeed be scandalous and antithetical.

Many pagan traditions emphasized gods who displayed power and triumph, not humility and death. Similarly, within Judaism, the idea of the Messiah as a suffering servant was controversial, differing from expectations of a conquering king.

Scientific Perspectives

The "offence of the cross" alludes to the idea of a death that seems final, yet in Christian belief, it transcends physical death, leading to resurrection and eternal life.

Modern scientific understandings of death are finite; however, science explores concepts of transformation and continuation, such as in conservation of energy, which pairs curiously with theological themes of life through death.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars have a range of interpretations.

Some emphasize the polemic nature of Paul's argument against the Judaizers, noting that Paul's logic debunks the ideas of those trying to enforce circumcision among Gentiles.

Others focus on the sociological implications of the verse, illustrating how early Christianity navigated the cultural tensions between Jewish traditions and new faith constructs.

Generally, commentators agree on the centrality of the cross and Paul's message of salvation by faith, not by works of the law.