
Conflict is inevitable in any close relationship, but when we navigate conflict well, we can emerge with even greater understanding and intimacy. One key to addressing conflict is to remain relationally attuned, to continue to see the other person as a person and an ally, even though you think differently about an issue.
Following his rebuke of the Galatians in 3:8–11, Paul reminds his readers of their relational history. The strong emotion continues, but his frustration softens into a jealous plea for their hearts. He calls them “brothers and sisters” and entreats them: “Become like me, for I became like you” (v. 12). He implores them to follow his own example of Christlikeness. When Paul says, “I became like you,” he is likely describing his willingness to live like a Gentile, to remove himself from the burden of the Jewish Law, and to embrace them as family.
Paul also wrote about his model for incarnational ministry in 1 Corinthians 9:19–23. “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some” (v. 22). Among the Galatians, Paul lived out his faith in their presence, providing a concrete example of what it looks like to be a disciple of Jesus. Next, Paul reminds his readers of the unique circumstances surrounding their time together. Paul unexpectedly was in Galatia because of an “illness” (Gal. 4:13). It may have been a sickness or an injury inflicted by enemies of the gospel. Regardless, the providential result was his ability to preach the gospel to the Galatians.
Paul commends the Galatians’ sacrificial care for him, even using hyperbolic language in verse 15 (“you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me”). But then, in sharp contrast, he delivers another harsh rebuke: “Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?” (v. 16).
Who has modeled Christlikeness to you? Where has God called you to live out incarnational ministry?
Echoing Paul’s plea, we join the Psalmist’s prayer: “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit” (Ps. 51:10,12).

Sin is a relentless opponent. Satan and his forces do not sit idly by as Christians gain victory over their vices. Though the power of evil is curbed, it is still painfully effective. And even as we follow Christ, we are still in a spiritual war.
The enemy delights in exploiting our weaknesses. He loves to lure the addict back to a substance of choice. He loves to pull a victim back to an abusive relationship. He loves to persistently poke at our wrong thinking, our rogue emotions, or our unhealthy habits.
Paul knew this danger well. He wrestled with his sin nature in Romans 7:14–25. He understood the willingness of the wicked forces and the weakness of the human heart. But he also knew the power and grace found in God.
In Galatians 3:6–4:7, Paul presented a carefully crafted argument for justification by faith and the freedom it brings from the Law. Now he takes a break from theological instruction to confront the Galatians directly. He points out the folly of the Galatians’ actions. He reminds them of their former state, “when [they] did not know God” and were slaves to the evil powers (v. 8). And he contrasts that with their current position. They “know God” in an intimate and familial way. They are His children (v. 6). Paul even emphasizes that God Himself initiated that relationship. He pursued and adopted them. They are “known by [Him]” (v. 9).
Then Paul asks: Why are you turning back to those evil forces? Do you want to be enslaved again? (v. 9). His frustration is evident. He even takes their behavior as a personal affront. They have used his time and energy, and he fears that his investment in them has been in vain (v. 11).
Have you watched a loved one return to sin? In what ways do you wrestle with your own sin nature? How does being “known by God” give us reason and strength to overcome?
Sovereign Lord, may we heed and remember Paul’s passionate appeal to Galatians when they turned away from the things of God. Bind us to You and to other believers by Your love. Give us strength to persevere in following You!

I’ve been teaching long enough that I can often predict how a semester will go. I know which assignments students will breeze through, and which will give them trouble. And I can anticipate what questions they will ask in response to certain content.
Clearly, Paul knew his Galatian readers well. In today’s passage, he asks two rhetorical questions, which he believed were still burning in their minds. After his instruction on the Abrahamic covenant and the Mosaic Law, Paul’s first question is broad and blunt: “Why, then, was the law given at all?” (v. 19). Why did God’s people need the Law if it didn’t improve upon the covenant? His answer is just as abrupt: “Transgressions” (v. 19). In a limited and temporary way, the Law was intended to address sin until Jesus—the promised redemption— would come (v. 19).
Paul does not specify how the Law addressed sin. But from other Scripture passages, we form a more complete understanding. The Law warned God’s people against sin and taught them what it means to follow God and obey (Ps. 51:13). The Law restrained God’s people, protecting them from the full power of their sin nature. It highlighted their sinfulness, revealing the need for redemption and grace, preparing them for the coming of Christ (Rom. 5:20).
But ultimately, the Law was insufficient; it required a human mediator (v. 20). Only redemption through Jesus would remove every barrier and bring a direct, intimate union between God and His people. Paul’s second question states: “Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God” (v. 21)? He answers, “Absolutely not!” The Mosaic law and the Abrahamic covenant were not contradictory or mutually exclusive. They were always intended as two distinct things. The Jewish Law could not transform people’s hearts.
Why was the Law not enough? How does God’s Law reveal our need for a Savior?
We are reminded today of how much we need You, Lord! Thank You that You revealed Yourself in Your Word! “What more can He say than to you He hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?” (“How Firm a Foundation,” 1787)

I’ve been teaching long enough that I can often predict how a semester will go. I know which assignments students will breeze through, and which will give them trouble. And I can anticipate what questions they will ask in response to certain content.
Clearly, Paul knew his Galatian readers well. In today’s passage, he asks two rhetorical questions, which he believed were still burning in their minds. After his instruction on the Abrahamic covenant and the Mosaic Law, Paul’s first question is broad and blunt: “Why, then, was the law given at all?” (v. 19). Why did God’s people need the Law if it didn’t improve upon the covenant? His answer is just as abrupt: “Transgressions” (v. 19). In a limited and temporary way, the Law was intended to address sin until Jesus—the promised redemption— would come (v. 19).
Paul does not specify how the Law addressed sin. But from other Scripture passages, we form a more complete understanding. The Law warned God’s people against sin and taught them what it means to follow God and obey (Ps. 51:13). The Law restrained God’s people, protecting them from the full power of their sin nature. It highlighted their sinfulness, revealing the need for redemption and grace, preparing them for the coming of Christ (Rom. 5:20).
But ultimately, the Law was insufficient; it required a human mediator (v. 20). Only redemption through Jesus would remove every barrier and bring a direct, intimate union between God and His people. Paul’s second question states: “Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God” (v. 21)? He answers, “Absolutely not!” The Mosaic law and the Abrahamic covenant were not contradictory or mutually exclusive. They were always intended as two distinct things. The Jewish Law could not transform people’s hearts.
Why was the Law not enough? How does God’s Law reveal our need for a Savior?
We are reminded today of how much we need You, Lord! Thank You that You revealed Yourself in Your Word! “What more can He say than to you He hath said, to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?” (“How Firm a Foundation,” 1787)

If you’ve been a member of a congregation on the verge of a split, you know how confusing and painful it can be. Unfortunately, this threat to Christian unity is as old as the church itself. The transition into today’s passage feels abrupt. Paul just finished describing the harmony between himself and the Jerusalem apostles (vv. 1–10). Then suddenly, he reports on a direct, public confrontation when Cephas (Peter) came to Antioch (v. 11).
Many Jewish believers had fled to Antioch because of persecution, and they had shared the gospel with the Gentiles in that prominent city (Acts 11). A great number of people believed, and “the disciples were called Christians first at Antioch” (Acts 11:21, 26). The church leaders in Jerusalem felt responsible for this fast-growing body of believers, so they sent Barnabas to encourage and train them (Acts 11:22–24). Barnabas recruited Paul to join him (Acts 11:25–26). And for a year, the two men had discipled the Antioch church. As a result, Antioch became a home base for Paul and a launching pad for his missionary work.
At some point, Peter also came to help. But unfortunately, the visit went south. Paul describes a significant shift in Peter’s behavior. When Peter first arrived, he ate with both the Jews and Gentiles. But when James’s disciples came from Jerusalem, arguing that the Gentiles ought to be circumcised, Peter withdrew from the Gentiles and refused to fellowship with them (Gal. 2:12). In Paul’s estimation, he did so out of fear. To make matters worse, the Jewish believers of Antioch followed his lead, and even Barnabas was “led astray” (v. 13).
Paul boldly called them all hypocrites. He publicly challenged Peter to live in alignment with the believer’s justification by faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by the works of the Law (v. 16).
Why did Paul challenge Peter? What ripple effect did their disagreement have? Why was it necessary?
Even the strongest believers can fall victim to legalism and hypocrisy. Galatians chapter 2 is a stark reminder of this danger. Loving Jesus, may we never forget that we are not under Law but under grace.