Finally, we’re beginning chapter 5 of the Epistle to the Galatians!

Paul the Apostle to his converts in Galatia: “Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” Galatians 5:1

The first word of this verse, insofar as the Greek Text is concerned (the Textus Receptus, the Source the King James Translators employed), is “liberty,” actually “the liberty!” 

And that word is the Theme of the whole Epistle of Galatians, our “liberty” in Christ Jesus! Apparently this “liberty” is a gift from Christ Jesus our Lord, part of our very soul salvation!

In fact, “liberty” (in Greek “eleutheria,” certainly implying “not a slave” … but built on the root verb “erchomai, meaning “to come” with impunity, without restraint) occurs twice in our verse, our Text today. Both as a noun, then almost immediately as a verb!

The command (an imperative, both in English and in Greek) “stand fast” is “steko,” a derivative of “histemi,” invariably meaning “to persist, to persevere.”

Galatians, practice your liberty in Jesus!

Galatians, enjoy your liberty in Jesus!

But Galatians, do not abuse your liberty in Jesus!

Then our verse contains an explicit warning as well: “… and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

This verb “be (not) entangled” is the simple “enecho,” do not get “tied up” or “held down” by this “yoke,” whatever it is!

“Again” (an adverb) … shows clearly they once were  in such bondage, when sinners! Prior to the Apostle Paul’s arrival in their area.

Except long ago the Galatians were in bondage to Satan, idol worship and such.

And now (as Paul writes) they are in danger of being in bondage to Moses, as some sort of quasi-saviour or mediator!

The noun used here for “bondage” is “douleia,” the state of abject slavery!

Free, in Jesus!

Hallelujah!

But, as we shall see soon (in chapter 5 of Galatians), one’s liberty in Christ is a fragile gift. It must not be misused!

It must be lived in the light of the Good Holy Spirit of God!

But, as they say, more about that tomorrow, the Lord willing.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell