Such persuasionThis phrase refers to the influence or argument that was leading the Galatians away from the true gospel. In the context of Galatians, Paul is addressing the issue of Judaizers who were persuading the Galatian Christians to adopt Jewish laws, such as circumcision, as necessary for salvation. This persuasion is contrary to the message of grace and freedom in Christ that Paul preached. The term "persuasion" suggests a deliberate attempt to sway or convince, highlighting the active efforts of false teachers.
does not come
Paul is making a clear distinction between the source of this persuasion and the true gospel. The negative construction emphasizes that this influence is not from God. This aligns with Paul's earlier statements inGalatians 1:6-7, where he expresses astonishment that the Galatians are turning to a different gospel, which is no gospel at all. The use of "does not come" underscores the foreign nature of this teaching to the Christian faith.
from the One
"The One" refers to God, who is the source of the true calling and gospel. This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the true message of salvation, contrasting it with the human origin of the false teachings. In the broader biblical context, God is consistently portrayed as the initiator of salvation and the one who calls individuals to faith, as seen in passages likeRomans 8:30 and1 Corinthians 1:9.
who calls you
This calling is a reference to the divine invitation to salvation and relationship with God through Jesus Christ. In the New Testament, the concept of calling is often associated with God's sovereign choice and grace, as seen inEphesians 4:1 and2 Timothy 1:9. The calling is not based on human effort or adherence to the law but on God's grace and purpose. This reinforces the message of Galatians that salvation is by faith, not by works of the law.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Galatians, addressing the churches in Galatia with concerns about their deviation from the true Gospel.
2.
GalatiansThe recipients of the letter, a group of early Christian communities in the region of Galatia, who were being influenced by false teachings.
3.
False TeachersIndividuals who were persuading the Galatians to follow a different gospel, likely promoting adherence to Jewish law as necessary for salvation.
4.
The One who callsRefers to God, who calls believers to faith and freedom in Christ, contrasting with the false persuasion from the false teachers.
5.
The GospelThe central message of Christianity, emphasizing salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone, which Paul defends throughout the letter.
Teaching Points
Discernment in FaithBelievers must exercise discernment to recognize teachings that do not align with the Gospel of Christ. This requires a deep understanding of Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit.
The Source of True PersuasionTrue persuasion comes from God, who calls us to freedom in Christ. Any teaching that adds to or distorts the Gospel should be rejected.
Guarding Against False TeachingsChristians are called to be vigilant against false teachings that can lead them away from the truth. This involves being rooted in the Word and in community with other believers.
The Importance of Knowing God's VoiceJust as sheep recognize the voice of their shepherd, believers must be familiar with God's voice through Scripture and prayer to avoid being led astray.
Living Out Our CallingUnderstanding that our calling comes from God should motivate us to live in a way that reflects His truth and grace, resisting any persuasion that contradicts His Word.
Lists and Questions
Top 10 Lessons from Galatians 5
Isn't Christianity just a way for leaders to control people?
What does the Bible say about addiction?
How does Song of Solomon 8:5, which suggests a strong marital bond, align with biblical texts that portray marriage in more patriarchal terms?
What does being one with Christ mean?(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 τοῦκαλοῦντος 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 ...
Greek
[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.persuasionπεισμονὴ(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.fromἐκ(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 callsκαλοῦντος(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) 
