What does Galatians 2:19 mean?

Explanation

The verse Galatians 2:19 is a key statement by the Apostle Paul who emphasizes the changed relationship between the believer and the Law of Moses as a result of faith in Jesus Christ.

In this verse, Paul is saying that he has, metaphorically speaking, 'died' to the Law through the Law itself.

This means that by recognizing that the Law shows one’s inability to meet God's perfect standard and that it points to the need for a Savior, Paul considers himself to have become free from the legalistic requirements and penalties of the Law.

Instead of relying on the Law for righteousness, he now lives unto God, his life is directed towards and empowered by his relationship with God, through faith in Jesus Christ.

The 'death' to the Law is therefore seen as a liberation that allows for a new kind of life lived in spiritual union with Christ.

Historical Context

Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul to the churches in the region of Galatia in the first century.

At this time, the early Christian community was grappling with its relationship to Jewish law and customs.

There were Jewish Christians, known as Judaizers, who argued that Gentile converts to Christianity should abide by traditional Jewish laws, including circumcision.

However, Paul preached that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone and not by observance of the Law.

This verse, therefore, is part of a larger argument against the Judaizers who were influencing the Galatian Christians.

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, this verse is significant in several ways:

• Justification by Faith: Paul's teachings are central to the doctrine of justification by faith.

He asserts that adherence to the law cannot justify an individual; it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that one is justified before God.

• Christian Freedom: The idea of being "dead to the law" speaks to a sense of liberation from the legalistic and ceremonial requirements of Old Testament Law, highlighting a freedom found in Christ.
• **Old Vs.

New Covenant**: This verse also touches on the transition from the Old Covenant, which was based on the Law, to the New Covenant, which is based on grace through faith in Jesus.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, this verse can inspire believers in several ways:

• Spiritual Freedom: It encourages Christians to embrace the spiritual freedom that is found in Christ, which relieves them from the burden of trying to earn God's favor through legalistic means.
• Relationship with God: It leads believers to focus on a personal relationship with God rather than mere religious ritual or adherence to laws.
• Moral Compass: Even though it speaks of freedom from the Law, this does not promote antinomianism (the belief that there are no moral laws God expects Christians to obey), but rather points to living a life guided by the Holy Spirit.

Cross-References

• Romans 6:14: "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace."
• Romans 7:4: "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God."
• Ephesians 2:8-9: "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

Language Study

The key phrase "am dead to the law" in the original Greek is "νόμῳ νεκρῷ" (nomō nekrō).

Each word carries significant weight:

• νόμῳ (nomō): Generally translated as "law", it specifically refers to the Law of Moses in this context.
• νεκρῷ (nekrō): This is a form of the word "dead", which in Greek is "νεκρός".

The term suggests a complete cessation of relation or influence.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In various ancient religions and cultures, the idea of dying to an old way of life and being reborn into a new one is a common motif.

For instance, in the Egyptian and Greek mythological traditions, death and rebirth are seen in the stories of Osiris and Persephone, symbolizing cycles of life, death, and renewal.

While these myths often involve the physical death and rebirth of a deity, Paul’s language is more symbolic, representing a spiritual transformation.

Scientific Perspectives

Science predominantly focuses on the physical world and is not equipped to validate or invalidate theological concepts such as the spiritual death or living unto God. Such matters are considered metaphysical and are beyond the scope of empirical science.

However, psychological studies on belief and behavior changes could parallel the concept of a fundamental change in one's life orientation as described by Paul.

commentaries

• John Calvin: Calvin interprets this passage as a confirmation of the insufficiency of the Law to grant life and sees Paul's declaration of death to the law as necessary to enjoy the life given by Christ.
• Martin Luther: Luther saw this verse as key to understanding Christian freedom and justification by faith alone, apart from the works of the Law.
• **N.T.

Wright:** The Anglican theologian emphasizes the concept of being "in Christ" and believes this passage reflects on the identity of believers as those who are not characterized by the law, but by the new life in Jesus.

• John Stott: The evangelical writer and theologian John Stott highlights that being dead to the Law does not make the moral law irrelevant but rather sets the stage for serving God in a new and living way, empowered by the Spirit instead of being constrained by the letter of the Law.