Such persuasion
The phrase "such persuasion" refers to the influence or convincing argument that the Galatians were experiencing, which was leading them away from the true gospel. In the Greek, the word for persuasion is "peismonē," which implies a form of persuasion that is not just casual but rather a strong, compelling influence. Historically, the Galatians were being swayed by Judaizers who insisted on adherence to the Mosaic Law, including circumcision, as necessary for salvation. This persuasion was contrary to the gospel of grace that Paul preached. The use of "such" indicates a specific type of persuasion that is misleading and not aligned with the truth of the gospel.

does not come
This phrase emphasizes the origin of the persuasion. In Greek, "ouk" (not) is a strong negation, indicating that this persuasion is definitively not from God. The phrase underscores the importance of discerning the source of spiritual teachings and influences. In a historical context, the early church faced many false teachings, and Paul is making it clear that this particular teaching is not divinely inspired. The implication is that believers must be vigilant and discerning, testing all teachings against the truth of the gospel.

from the One who calls you
"The One who calls you" refers to God, who initiates the call to salvation and sanctification. The Greek word "kaleō" means to call or invite, and it is often used in the New Testament to describe God's call to individuals to enter into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. This calling is characterized by grace and truth, not by legalistic requirements. Historically, the calling of God is consistent with His nature and His revealed word. Paul is reminding the Galatians that their calling was based on grace through faith, not on adherence to the law. This phrase serves as a reassurance that their true spiritual journey is initiated and sustained by God, who is faithful and unchanging.

(8) This persuasion . . .--He who calls the Galatians is here, as elsewhere, God; and certainly, the Apostle says, it can have been by no intimation or guidance from Him that they were led to accept such perverted teaching.

Verse 8. - This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you (ἡ πεισμονὴ οὐκ ἐκ τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς); this persuasion, or the mind to hearken to this doctrine, is not from him that calleth you. The exact force of the word πεισμονή, which so far as has been noted does not occur in any earlier writer, is disputed. We may group it with ἐπιλησμονή, forgetfulness; φεισμονή (sparinguess), clemency; πλησμονή, fulness, satiety; which are likewise verbal nouns formed from the perfect passive (ἐπιλέλησμαι, etc.). And the comparison favours the conclusion that πεισμονή denotes the disposition, state, or habit of mind evinced in being persuaded in the way now thought cf. So the Greek commentators (Ecumenius and Theophylact understand it of their having been persuaded to Judaize. The explanation of the noun as an active verbal, as if it were the persuasion which was soliciting them from without, does not seem to be so well berne out by its etymological formation, but appears nevertheless to be that accepted by Chrysostom. This noun, seemingly not often used, appears to have been selected by the apostle to brand the belief in the truth of Judaizing views which the Galatians were imbibing as being in nature diverse from the positive faith, which realizes the truth of the gospel; it is the product of over-persuasion, of cozenage even, rather than an acceptance of the plain setting forth of the simple truth, while "faith" is "the gift of God" (Ephesians 1:19, 20; Ephesians 2:5, 8). As Chrysostom observes, ." It was not men's persuasion (πεισμονὴ ἀνθρωπίνη), but the power of God, which persuaded the souls of these who believe." By "him that calleth you" is plainly meant God (comp. 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:24). "The present participle is preferred here to the aorist, because the stress is laid on the person rather than the act" (Bishop Lightfoot). That persuasibleness of the Galatians was not from God; at the best it was from the world (comp. Colossians 2:20); but was it not, rather, from Satan, whose emissaries those false teachers were (comp. 2 Corinthians 11:15)? The apostle makes this assertion categorically, knowing it to be true. The gospel which he had brought to them had been sealed by the gifts of the Spirit accompanying its reception; while the doctrine they were now in danger of listening to was another thing altogether (Galatians 1:6) - a thing with an anathema upon it.

Parallel Commentaries ...


[Such]
ἡ (hē)
Article - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

persuasion
πεισμονὴ (peismonē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3988: Persuasion, conviction, a yielding to persuasion. From a presumed derivative of peitho; persuadableness, i.e. Credulity.

[does] not [come]
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

the [One]
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

who calls
καλοῦντος (kalountos)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2564: (a) I call, summon, invite, (b) I call, name. Akin to the base of keleuo; to 'call'.

you.
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Letters: Galatians 5:8 This persuasion is not from him who (Gal. Ga)