But if, etc.] This is a difficult passage. It seems to state an objection of the Judaising party, that faith in Christ is insufficient to keep men from sin. Or possibly it deals with an argument put forth by the Galatians themselves, that their faith in Christ was insufficient to enable them to withstand their temptations, and that adoption of the Law would be a help. In any case St. Paul pushes the argument to its logical conclusion, and shows its absurdity.

God forbid] lit. 'be it not so,' 'far be it'; St. Paul's usual formula for rebutting an argument: cp. Galatians 3:21; Romans 3:4; Romans 3:6; Romans 3:31; Romans 6:2; Romans 6:15, etc.

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