How does Galatians 5:11 connect with Paul's teachings in Galatians 1:10? Setting the Stage • Galatians 5:11: “Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.” • Galatians 1:10: “Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.” Paul Faces a Rumor • Judaizers accused Paul of still pushing circumcision when it suited him (Acts 15:1-2). • Paul’s response: “If that were true, the persecution I face would disappear.” • The very presence of opposition proves he preaches the uncircumcised, grace-alone gospel. Shared Theme: Pleasing God, Not People • Galatians 1:10 opens the letter by declaring Paul’s motive: God’s approval. • Galatians 5:11 revisits the same motive later in the letter: the cross stays offensive precisely because Paul refuses to dilute it for human applause. • Together the verses bookend the epistle, underscoring consistency in Paul’s gospel and heart. Key Links Between the Two Verses • Same accusation, different angle: – 1:10: “You’re just trying to win people.” – 5:11: “You actually still teach circumcision.” • Same rebuttal: – 1:10: “If I wanted approval, I wouldn’t be Christ’s servant.” – 5:11: “If I wanted peace with opponents, I’d drop the offense of the cross.” • Same driving force: loyalty to Christ’s saving work, not cultural expectations. The Offense of the Cross • The cross declares salvation by grace, not works (Ephesians 2:8-9). • It strips every human boast—including circumcision—of saving value (Philippians 3:3-9). • That message offends religious pride, hence persecution (1 Corinthians 1:18, 23). Evidence of Authentic Ministry • Persecution for a grace-alone gospel verifies Paul’s sincerity (2 Corinthians 11:23-28). • God tests hearts, not crowds (1 Thessalonians 2:4). • By refusing to appease critics, Paul models genuine servanthood (Galatians 6:17). Takeaways for Believers Today • Expect the gospel of grace to clash with works-based thinking. • Let God’s approval outweigh human applause. • Stand firm in the “offense of the cross,” confident that opposition often confirms faithfulness (2 Timothy 3:12). |
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