Galatians 2:18
For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 10
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
ἃ
which
G3739
ἃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 10
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
κατέλυσα
I destroyed
G2647
κατέλυσα
I destroyed
Strong's:
G2647
Word #:
4 of 10
to loosen down (disintegrate), i.e., (by implication) to demolish (literally or figuratively); specially (compare g2646) to halt for the night
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
6 of 10
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
οἰκοδομῶ
I build
G3618
οἰκοδομῶ
I build
Strong's:
G3618
Word #:
7 of 10
to be a house-builder, i.e., construct or (figuratively) confirm
Historical Context
Paul had demolished the law-system by preaching faith alone to Gentiles, establishing churches that didn't require circumcision or law-keeping. Peter had endorsed this at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:7-11). By withdrawing from Gentile fellowship and effectively requiring them to "Judaize," Peter was rebuilding what both he and Paul had torn down. This inconsistency undermined his credibility and the gospel's clarity.
Questions for Reflection
- What demolished systems of self-righteousness might you be tempted to rebuild rather than resting in Christ's finished work?
- How does inconsistency between profession and practice prove more damaging than clear error?
- In what areas of your spiritual life are you trying to maintain both grace and works rather than grace alone?
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Analysis & Commentary
For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. The conditional ei gar ha katelysa tauta palin oikodomō (εἰ γὰρ ἃ κατέλυσα ταῦτα πάλιν οἰκοδομῶ, "if the things which I destroyed, these I build again") uses architectural metaphor. The verb katalyō (καταλύω) means to demolish completely, tear down; oikodomeō (οἰκοδομέω) means to build, construct. What did Paul demolish? The system of justification by law-works, the idea that Gentiles must become Jews to be saved, the necessity of circumcision for righteousness.
If Peter rebuilds this demolished system by returning to law-based separation, the result: parabatēn emauton syniστanō (παραβάτην ἐμαυτὸν συνιστάνω, "I establish myself as a transgressor"). Parabatēs (παραβάτης) means law-breaker, transgressor—one who steps across boundaries. The compound verb synistēmi (συνίστημι, "to establish, demonstrate") indicates proving or showing conclusively. By rebuilding the law-system he demolished through the gospel, Peter proves he was wrong either in tearing it down or in rebuilding it—either way, he's a transgressor.
Paul's logic is devastating: there's no neutral middle ground. Either justification is by faith alone, making law-keeping unnecessary for righteousness (so returning to it is transgression against grace), or justification requires law-works, making the gospel itself transgression. Peter's inconsistency doesn't just confuse the issue—it proves him a transgressor regardless of which position is true. Only unwavering commitment to justification by faith alone maintains consistency.