Galatians

Yeshuah Literal Translation with Commentary 

֎ ἔργον τοῦ νόμου (Ergon tou Nomou): Works of the Law


There are two types of works of the law:
Agathopoieo (to do good) vs. Kakopoieo (to do evil)

Luke 6:9

"Yeshua said to them, 'I ask you, which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?'"


Good Works by Faith in God

Good works are actions done in obedience to God’s will, reflecting genuine faith and the true intent of the law given by Him.

Supporting Verses:


Evil Acts Without True Faith

Evil acts involve using the law to condemn others while justifying oneself. Such hypocritical misuse of the law distorts its purpose and leads to self-righteousness.

Supporting Verses:

֎ νόμου πίστεως (Nomou Pisteos): The Law of Faith

֎ The Law, the Curse, and Redemption

1. The Curse of the Law and Christ’s Redemption

Galatians 3:13-14
"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.' He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit."

2. The Purpose of the Law and the Role of the Curse

Romans 7:7-12
"The law reveals sin and makes sin utterly sinful, showing us the necessity of God’s grace."

3. Darkness Testifies to the Light

John 1:5
"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

4. God’s Plan to Grant Eternal Blessings

Romans 10:4
"Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes."

Conclusion

The curse of the law was not the end but a prelude to God’s ultimate plan of salvation through the cross of Jesus Christ. Just as darkness underscores the brilliance of light, the condemnation brought by the law magnifies the necessity and beauty of the Gospel.

By fulfilling the demands and curse of the law, Jesus secured eternal blessings and freedom for all who believe. This reveals the profound wisdom and grace of God’s redemptive plan—a core truth of the Gospel.

֎ Issues Related to 'Legalism'

1. The Term 'Legalism' Does Not Exist in the Bible

The term 'legalism' is not found in the original biblical text. It was coined to criticize a strict adherence to the law (Torah) in a negative light. However, using this term risks distorting the true intent and value of the law.

2. A Misinterpretation by Fallen Humanity

The concept of 'legalism,' developed by modern theologians, can lead to the false notion that any effort to obey the law is inherently wrong.

Key Point

֎ Misunderstanding the Phrase 'Freedom from the Law'

Distortion of Biblical Context

The phrase 'freedom from the law' is often misunderstood, stemming from misinterpretations of passages like Romans 7:6 or Galatians 3:13.

The Ongoing Role of the Law

Throughout scripture, the law (Torah) is portrayed as the holy guidance given by God, continuing to play an essential role in the lives of believers.

This misunderstanding risks undermining the eternal significance and purpose of the law as a reflection of God’s holiness and wisdom.

֎ Understanding Paul's Intent Correctly


Paul sought to help believers understand the true role and meaning of the law. He taught that through the law, sin is recognized, and in Christ, believers are called to fulfill the essence of the law by following the guidance of the Spirit (Romans 7:7, Romans 8:3-4).
However, the modern church often simplifies Paul's teachings or adds human interpretations, leading to misunderstandings.

Conclusion
Terms like "legalism" or "freedom from the law" do not exist in the original biblical text. These expressions can distort the Bible’s original intent and promote misconceptions. The Bible does not instruct us to abandon or discard the law. Instead, it teaches that the law is fully fulfilled in Jesus Christ and that its essence is to be followed through the Spirit.

Rather than relying on such terms, it is crucial to meditate deeply on biblical expressions and contexts to understand and use them accurately.