This is Paul on a good day!
“Positive reinforcement,” I think it’s called. At least what he says to “his” people, his converts to Jesus. Then He (rightly so) gets negative (in a hurry) when thinking of the deceptive false preachers who have crept into the Galatian Churches!
He writes to the Galatian Christians, today’s Text: “I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.” Galatians 5:10
He nearly says (a “rare” occurrence in Paul indeed) that he “trusts” the Galatians to make the right decision, about “salvation by grace.” The verb translated “have confidence” is “peitho” (again) and exactly 8 times in the New Testament it is expressed “to trust!” Another similar rendering is “I believe” (in you) to do the right thing. Maybe even to kick the troublemakers out of their Churches!
But do note that this “confidence” is only “through (literally ‘in’) the Lord,” certainly not “in the flesh!” A striking dichotomy that Paul will develop more fully later in this fifth chapter.
To be “not otherwise minded” essentially means “to agree with Paul!” Concerning salvation as a Gift of God! As salvation not being earnable, meritable, by human works!
The conjunction “but” (in Greek just spelled “de”) mid-sentence is a linking word, joining two clauses. Except that a vast contrast is indicated, with thought (called a “clause” in grammar class) number two being radically different from thought (clause) number one!
The rascals who have tried to “rob” the Galatians of their peace (trusting Jesus alone for salvation) are the “troublemakers” Paul has in mind. The verb “trouble” here is “tarasso,” picturing “constant agitation,” perennially keeping things unstable, a constant rocking of the theological boat!
They (saved or lost, only God knows) will face “judgment” some day! (Paul sort of hopes, some day soon, I think.) If lost, at the Great White Throne of Revelation 20. If saved, at the Judgment Seat of Christ of Romans 14 and 2 Corinthians 5.
The verb “to bear” indicates a “heavy load,” too! “Bastazo” in Greek, this is a pretty drastic word! Not quite as strong as “let them be accursed,” but nearly so!
Then Paul acts as if he does not know who the person (singular here) is (likely the “ringleader” of the opposition in Galatia) … so we get “whosoever he be.”
Usually Paul’s “whosoever” statements are positive!
As in Romans 10:13 … “For WHOSOEVER shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” But not here today.
Judgment, for sure … “whosoever” the offender might be!
The man (with support from a number of others) who is attacking the Grace of God!
So … again we have seen … Paul, the defender of the Faith!
Praise God for him.
Amen.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell