Galatians 5:8
This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐκ
cometh not
G3756
οὐκ
cometh not
Strong's:
G3756
Word #:
3 of 7
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 7
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
False teachers always claim divine authority—"God showed me," "The Spirit led me," "This is deeper revelation." Paul insists on consistency: God doesn't contradict Himself. If teaching conflicts with the gospel of grace, it's not from God regardless of claimed authority. This principle guards against mystical deception and authoritarian control. Test everything against Scripture (Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1). The Bereans were noble for examining Paul's teaching; the Galatians were foolish for accepting the Judaizers' without scrutiny.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you test teaching and spiritual experience to determine if it's truly from God or from another source?
- What role does consistency with the gospel play in evaluating new teachings, prophecies, or spiritual insights?
- Have you been persuaded by teaching that, while seemingly spiritual, doesn't align with God's revealed truth in Christ?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. Paul identifies the source of their deception. "This persuasion" (hē peismonē, ἡ πεισμονή)—this persuasive influence, this convincing that led them to embrace Judaizers' teaching. The word can mean persuasion or obedience. "Cometh not of" (ouk ek, οὐκ ἐκ)—doesn't originate from, doesn't have as its source. "Him that calleth you" (tou kalountos hymas, τοῦ καλοῦντος ὑμᾶς)—the one calling you, God who called them to salvation through the gospel (1:6).
Present tense "calleth" emphasizes God's ongoing call. Their persuasion to embrace law didn't come from God. Since God authored the gospel of grace they initially believed, any teaching contradicting it has a different source. Implicitly: demonic or human origin, not divine. This tests all teaching: does it align with God's revealed gospel, or does it originate elsewhere? The Judaizers claimed divine authority for their message; Paul declares it's not from God who called the Galatians. True calls from God are consistent with His revealed truth in Christ.