Galatians 2 5

Galatians 2:5 kjv

To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Galatians 2:5 nkjv

to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Galatians 2:5 niv

We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

Galatians 2:5 esv

to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

Galatians 2:5 nlt

But we refused to give in to them for a single moment. We wanted to preserve the truth of the gospel message for you.

Galatians 2 verses

Galatians 2 5 Meaning

Galatians 2:5 conveys Paul's unwavering and immediate refusal to submit to the demands of legalists, often called Judaizers. His firm stance ensured that the authentic message of the gospel – salvation by grace through faith, uncorrupted by human rituals or works of the Law – would be preserved and continue to be available to the Galatian believers, and by extension, to all future generations. This uncompromising stand was crucial for maintaining the truth and integrity of Christ's finished work.

Galatians 2 5 Context

Galatians 2:5 is situated within Paul's account of his second visit to Jerusalem (approximately 14 years after his conversion) and his encounter with the Jerusalem apostles (Peter, James, and John). This chapter highlights the tension between justification by faith and the Mosaic Law, especially regarding the necessity of circumcision for Gentile converts. The specific backdrop for this verse is the presence of "false brothers secretly brought in" (Gal 2:4) who had infiltrated the early Christian community to spy on their liberty in Christ and enforce Jewish legal practices, specifically circumcision. Paul's firm stance in verse 5 demonstrates his uncompromising defense of the purity of the gospel message, contrasting his resolve with any perceived yielding by others in the church, and emphasizing the dire consequences for the spread of the authentic gospel should a compromise have been made.

Galatians 2 5 Word analysis

• To them: Refers to "false brothers" mentioned in Gal 2:4. These were individuals who claimed to be believers but promoted a works-based righteousness, demanding adherence to Mosaic Law (specifically circumcision) for salvation or full inclusion in the Christian community. Their agenda was to subvert the gospel of grace.
• we did not yield: The Greek word is hupeikō (ὑπείκω), meaning "to give way," "to yield," "to submit to," or "to acquiesce." This conveys Paul's absolute refusal to compromise or surrender to the demands of the legalizers. His resolve was firm and unwavering. This highlights his understanding that the issue was not peripheral but central to the truth of the gospel itself.
• in submission: Reinforces the meaning of "did not yield." Paul implies that any concession, even a minor one, would have been an act of surrender to a false teaching, acknowledging its validity, which he unequivocally rejected.
• even for a moment: The Greek phrase is pros hōran (πρὸς ὥραν), literally "for an hour," meaning for the briefest possible time. This emphasizes the immediate and non-negotiable nature of Paul's rejection. There was no hesitation, no negotiation, no temporary appeasement. The urgency reflected the vital importance of the doctrinal point.
• so that: The Greek conjunction hina (ἵνα) indicates a purpose clause. Paul's refusal was not merely an act of defiance, but a strategic decision with a crucial objective: the preservation of the gospel.
• the truth: The Greek word alētheia (ἀλήθεια) signifies reality, genuineness, integrity, and veracity. It refers to the authentic, unadulterated essence of the gospel message as revealed by Christ and preached by Paul—salvation through faith alone, apart from works of the Law.
• of the gospel: The Greek word euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means "good news." Here, it specifically denotes the good news of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, distinct from reliance on human effort or adherence to ceremonial law. It is the core message of Christianity.
• might continue: The Greek verb diamenō (διαμένω) means "to remain," "to abide," "to endure permanently," "to continue through." This indicates the enduring impact of Paul's decision. His steadfastness ensured that the true gospel would not only be preserved for the immediate audience but would persist for future generations of believers, maintaining its uncompromised power.
• with you: Refers directly to the Galatian believers and, by extension, to all Gentile Christians, emphasizing that the freedom from legalism was for them to possess and live out. This struggle was for their spiritual inheritance.

• "we did not yield in submission even for a moment": This phrase captures the intense spiritual conflict and Paul's uncompromising resolve. It was a stand on principle, showing zero tolerance for theological deviation that attacked the very foundation of salvation. This firm stance prevented syncretism between grace and law.
• "so that the truth of the gospel might continue with you": This purpose clause articulates Paul's ultimate motivation. His rigidity was not stubbornness, but a fervent commitment to preserve the saving message. The enduring purity of the gospel was paramount, affecting the eternal destiny and Christian walk of countless believers. The struggle in Jerusalem had direct implications for the Galatians' spiritual liberty.

Galatians 2 5 Bonus section

This verse reflects a crucial historical pivot point in early Christianity, directly contributing to the definition of what it means to be a Christian. If Paul had yielded, Christianity might have been absorbed back into a sect of Judaism, forever binding Gentile converts to the Mosaic Law, thus undermining the universal nature and radical freedom of the gospel. This uncompromising stand in Galatians mirrors the decision made later at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), albeit from Paul's distinct autobiographical perspective in Galatians. It also highlights Paul's profound apostolic authority and courage in defending truth against powerful internal pressures, demonstrating that fidelity to Christ's message sometimes requires standing in opposition to even well-intentioned but misguided believers. The issue was not one of minor practice but of core identity and access to salvation.

Galatians 2 5 Commentary

Galatians 2:5 profoundly illustrates the absolute non-negotiability of the gospel's truth. Paul's unwavering refusal to concede even for a moment to the demands of the legalists was a decisive act of doctrinal preservation. He understood that adding any work, ritual, or human requirement to Christ's complete work on the cross fundamentally corrupts the "truth of the gospel"—the pure message of salvation by grace through faith alone. This verse underscores that spiritual freedom, as proclaimed in the good news, is not only an initial act but also requires diligent guardianship against subtle or overt attempts to burden believers with legalistic demands. Paul’s resolve ensured that the liberty received in Christ, established by His sacrifice, would truly continue to define the faith and experience of believers across generations, offering a pathway of unhindered access to God by grace, not by human performance. This decision shaped the very essence of Christian theology, affirming salvation apart from the Law.