If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
Summary: This passage presents us with a bit of mystery. Looking at the whole of Paul’s letter, we can piece together the puzzle and surmise what might have been.
Have you ever wondered who Paul is talking to in this verse? Throughout this letter, Paul seems to be addressing one group only, the “churches in Galatia” (Gal 1:2). Yet, in this passage, he is talking to two groups who seem to be going at each other.
Remember our discussion of the “three groups”? * One group includes the Jews who are against anyone who believes the Messiah has come. The second group are Jews who believe in Jesus but want to hold to the Old Testament laws. The third group are believers, mostly Gentile, who hold that faith in Christ is what is needed rather than adhering to the “law.”
Even though Paul is angry at the second group, to the point of wishing they would “emasculate themselves,” he doesn’t hate them. He is frustrated because they do not understand what it means to have faith in Jesus, and he is upset that they have confused and misdirected the believers in Galatia. Yet, Paul seems to be addressing both groups two and three together.
“If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”
It seems unlikely that everyone in the churches of Galatia was taken in by the Jewish believers. Most likely, some people remembered what Paul had taught them and resisted, while others were thrown into confusion, and many succumbed to the demand to be circumcised.
Paul doesn’t specifically address this in his letter. It is the way he talks about the situation that provides us the clues we need to understand what was going on. Not only are the churches in Galatia being confused (Gal 1:7), but the “circumcision group” (Gal 2:12) who was causing the trouble were misled themselves.
The result of this situation is that Paul took the time to craft his beautiful and amazing letter to the Galatians. In his letter, he outlined the difference between faith in Jesus and faith in the law. Because of his letter, we see the need to put all our faith in Jesus.
From this point on, he seems to be addressing both groups. He warns against being destroyed by conflict, and he will go on to explain how life in the Spirit is supposed to look. Conflict does not serve God.
Application: Keep in mind that we are to “serve one another humbly in love” (Gal 5:13).
Food for Thought: How do we as Christians avoid being “destroyed” by each other when important theological principles are on the line?
*Galatians 5:13c – Three Groups
How do we as Christians avoid being “destroyed” by each other when important theological principles are on the line?
We cannot resort to insults and attacks. That won’t provide the unity and restoration that we are striving for. Remebering the difference between a correction and an attack.
Thanks A!
Great point! Attacks are about power and control. Correction is about improving outcomes.
How do we as Christians avoid being “destroyed” by each other when important theological principles are on the line?
Matthew 6:33, But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
By seeking God’s kingdom first, we will experience true fulfillment and blessings beyond measure, in all aspects of our lives.
Make seeking God’s kingdom, His righteousness, our top priority in all decisions and actions as we align our lives with His purposes.
Live in faith that God will provide for our needs as we seek His kingdom, trusting in His wisdom and timing as we let go of our own desires and ambitions, and increasingly surrender control of our life to God’s guidance and direction.
Strive to live a life of righteousness and justice, in obedience to His commandments as we serve others with His love and compassion. Find peace and fulfillment in seeking God’s kingdom first, knowing that He will bless us abundantly, in His perfect timing.
Thank you, Ron!
I think you just described what it is like to live in the Kingdom of God.
Good comments as usual. I agree that we need to listen to each other and speak truth in love. We need to adjust our thinking to align with Scripture and be gentle and respectful in our conversation. Proverbs 15: 1: Galatians 6: 1; Ephesians 4: 15, 29, Colossians 4: 5 – 6; James 3: 1 – 12; 1 Peter 3: 15 – 16.
Thank you, Rich!
Great verses!! I especially liked Ephesians 4:29 —
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.“