Galatians 2:5
To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Original Language Analysis
οἷς
To whom
G3739
οἷς
To whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 15
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
πρὸς
for
G4314
πρὸς
for
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
3 of 15
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Galatians 4:16Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?Galatians 2:14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?Colossians 1:5For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel;Ephesians 1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,
Historical Context
Paul's refusal to circumcise Titus (v. 3) was the practical test of this principle. Any concession would have established precedent that Gentile converts needed circumcision for full acceptance. Within a generation, this would have made Christianity effectively inaccessible to Gentiles and transformed it into a Jewish sect rather than a universal faith. Paul's firmness at this moment shaped Christianity's future identity.
Questions for Reflection
- What theological truths are so central to the gospel that they require unwavering defense?
- When does love for others demand confrontation rather than compromise on doctrine?
- In what situations might you be tempted to concede gospel truth for temporary peace or acceptance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. The emphatic double negative oude pros hōran (οὐδὲ πρὸς ὥραν, "not even for an hour") shows Paul's unyielding stance—he refused hypotagē (ὑποταγῇ, "subjection/submission") to the false brothers' demands even momentarily. This wasn't personal stubbornness but principled defense of gospel truth.
The purpose clause reveals Paul's motivation: hina hē alētheia tou euaggeliou diamenē pros hymas (ἵνα ἡ ἀλήθεια τοῦ εὐαγγελίου διαμείνῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς, "that the truth of the gospel might remain with you"). The verb diamenē (διαμείνῃ) means "continue" or "abide permanently"—Paul fought for the Galatians' future freedom, not just present circumstances. Alētheia (ἀλήθεια, "truth") isn't mere doctrinal accuracy but reality itself: salvation is by grace through faith, period.
Paul's refusal to compromise demonstrates that some theological issues are non-negotiable. The gospel isn't a starting point for negotiation but the foundation that cannot shift. When core doctrines like justification by faith are at stake, love demands confrontation, not accommodation. Paul's seemingly inflexible stance was actually the most loving response—preserving the Galatians' freedom in Christ.