Galatia 3:15

Inheritance Comes from Promises and not Law

3:15 Brothers and sisters, ¹  I offer an example from everyday life: ²  When a covenant ³  has been ratified, ⁴  even though it is only a human contract, no one can set it aside or add anything to it.

Galatia 5:11

5:11 Now, brothers and sisters, ⁵  if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? ⁶  In that case the offense of the cross ⁷  has been removed. ⁸ 

[3:15]  ¹ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.

[3:15]  ² tn Grk “I speak according to man,” referring to the illustration that follows.

[3:15]  ³ tn The same Greek word, διαθήκη (diaqhkh), can mean either “covenant” or “will,” but in this context the former is preferred here because Paul is discussing in vv. 16-18 the Abrahamic covenant.

[3:15]  ⁴ tn Or “has been put into effect.”

[5:11]  ⁵ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.

[5:11]  ⁶ sn That is, if Paul still teaches observance of the Mosaic law (preaches circumcision), why is he still being persecuted by his opponents, who insist that Gentile converts to Christianity must observe the Mosaic law?

[5:11]  ⁷ sn The offense of the cross refers to the offense to Jews caused by preaching Christ crucified.

[5:11]  ⁸ tn Or “nullified.”