WHAT IS THE “JUDGMENT” OF GALATIANS 5:10?

by Shawn Brasseaux

In Galatians chapter 5, verse 10, we read the Apostle Paul’s words to the saints of Galatia: “I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.” How is this unidentified man “troubling” them? What does it mean, he will “bear his judgment?”

Read the context: “[1] Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. [2] Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. [3] For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. [4] Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. [5] For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. [6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. [7] Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? [8] This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you. [9] A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.”

Although Paul had visited and taught in Galatia (Acts chapters 13–14), winning these pagans to Jesus Christ, at least one false teacher had slipped in upon Paul’s departure. The individual proceeded to move these saints from grace and back under law. Instead of them resting in God’s grace—all that He did for them through Christ at Calvary—they were now convinced they could receive God’s blessings only if they performed in Jewish religion. In this case, they were pressured to keep the Law of Moses and be physically circumcised. This same problem is featured in Acts 15:1-5. Even today, we have people telling us to “perform to get the blessing” (works-religion with its rites, rituals, ceremonies, et cetera). What was the Lord’s solution concerning Galatia’s issue?

Galatians chapter 1 tells us: “[6] I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: [7] Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. [8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. [9] As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”

To be “accursed” here means “to be separated from, banned, excommunicated.” In verse 12 of chapter 5, Paul says, “I would [wish] they were even cut off which trouble you.” The Galatians were to remove that false teacher from their company—and that is precisely the “judgment,” or penalty, for being a promoter of wrong doctrine. They were not to “tolerate” him, neither were they instructed to consider him “a Christian with merely a different opinion.” He was unequivocally not serving Jesus Christ, and they were to leave him alone! They were to “cut off” fellowship with him. We would do well to promptly remove those who are teaching lies from our churches’ pulpits. Had we done so long ago, the pervasive ignorance and deception would have been avoided!

Also see:
» How can we identify false teachers?
» Does doctrine really matter?
» Must one be a “King James Bible Pauline dispensationalist” to have eternal life?
» Will God kill false teachers?