Galatians 2:15–16

Memory Verse

We are by nature Jews and not sinners out from the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified out from works, but through faith in Christ Jesus, and we believed in Christ Jesus in order that we should be justified out from faith concerning Christ and not out from works of law, because out from works of law will no justification come alongside flesh (Galatians 2:15–16).

In dealing with the hypocrisy of Peter and the Jews with him in Antioch after certain men came from James, Paul addresses the reality of where righteousness comes from. Before the men from Jerusalem arrived, Peter would eat with the Gentiles. However, when they came, because of fear, he withdrew and separated himself. Paul calls him out for this hypocrisy.

Since both of them were by nature out from the Jews—born of the race of the Jews—they know that justification does not come from works of the law. They have lived under the Mosaic Law all their lives. Yet, it was faith in Christ that brought justification, not the works from the law.

Therefore, out from the works of the law, justification cannot come alongside flesh. Through faith in Christ Jesus’ death on behalf of our sins and resurrection three days later, all according to the Scriptures, we are justified (1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Isaiah 53:5; Psalm 16:10).

Let us not fall into this same trap, seeking to appear justified before men through our works and separation. Instead, let us show true righteousness out from faith by putting on the new man in Christ and walking in a manner worthy of our Lord, so that we shine as luminaries among this corrupt and perverse generation.