Galatians 5:14
For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
In Galatians 5, St.Paul is addressing the Galatian Christians who were being influenced by false teachers to follow Jewish customs and laws. St.Paul reminds them that they were justified by faith in Christ and not by keeping the law.
In verse 14, St.Paul summarizes the law in one commandment: "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This commandment is not a new one; it is found in Leviticus 19:18. However, St.Paul emphasizes that this commandment is the fulfillment of the entire law.
The reason for this is that love for one's neighbor embodies the essence of the law. If one loves their neighbor, they will not steal, lie, or commit adultery against them. They will not covet their possessions or bear false witness against them. Love for one's neighbor fulfills all the requirements of the law.
Moreover, St.Paul connects the commandment to love with the idea of freedom in Christ. He explains that those who belong to Christ have been set free from the bondage of the law and are called to serve one another in love. In verse 13, he says, "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
Therefore, the context of Galatians 5:14 shows that St.Paul is not saying that the law is unnecessary or irrelevant, but rather that the law is fulfilled in the love that we have for one another. Love for our neighbor is the ultimate expression of obedience to God's law, and it is through this love that we can live in true freedom in Christ.
No comments:
Post a Comment