Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Galatians 2:15

"We being Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles," — Galatians 2:15 (ASV)

It is impossible to say precisely where Paul’s remarks to Peter on the occasion of Peter’s hypocrisy at Antioch leave off and Paul’s direct remarks to the Christians of Galatia begin. Some commentators end the direct quotation at v.14; others, like the NIV, carry it to the end of the chapter. Paul seems to be gradually moving away from commenting on the situation at Antioch, but he does it so naturally that he himself was unconcerned with the transition. In v.14, he speaks of “you” (meaning Peter) and in v.15 “we” (meaning himself, Peter, and other Jews), undoubtedly with the situation at Antioch in mind. Later he is probably thinking of the broader situation that faced the Gentile churches.

The argument in v.15 is addressed to those who are “Jews by birth,” i.e., those who possessed the advantages of a privileged birth and a revealed religion (cf. Romans 3:1–2; 9:4–5). But such great advantages are inadequate for achieving a state of righteousness before God; even Jews must be saved through faith. It is folly, therefore, to attempt to reestablish Judaism as a base for Christianity. The phrase “Gentile sinners,” used seriously by legalistic Jews, has an ironic ring in Paul’s mouth.