UTN uW Translation Notes:

Galatians 2 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

Paul continues to defend the true gospel. This defense began in Galatians 1:11.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

Freedom and slavery

Throughout this letter, Paul contrasts freedom and slavery. Paul describes trying to follow the law of Moses as a type of slavery. The Christian is free in Christ from being under the authority of the law of Moses and from the condemnation that the law of Moses brings. The Christian, through union with Christ in his death and resurrection, had by believing in Christ, is set free from the penalty and power of sin. The Christian is empowered by the Spirit to live a life of spiritual freedom and obedience to God. (See: lawofmoses)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

“I do not negate the grace of God”

Paul teaches that if a Christian attempts to follow the law of Moses to obtain righteousness, that person does not understand the grace which God has shown to them through the work of Christ. This is a fundamental error. Paul uses the words “I do not negate the grace of God” as a type of hypothetical situation. The purpose of this statement could be seen as, “If you could be saved by following the law, then it would negate the grace of God.” (See: grace and figs-hypo)

“the law”

The phrase “the law” contains a singular noun that refers to a group of laws that God gave Israel by dictating them to Moses. This phrase occurs in chapters 2–5, and quite frequently in 3. Every time this phrase occurs in Galatians, it refers to the group of laws that God dictated to Moses at Mount Sinai. You should translate this phrase the same way each time it occurs. (See: grammar-collectivenouns)