Galatians 2:20

 BIBLE VERSE

Galatians 2:20

My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

Galatians 2:20

 * WHAT DOES IT SAY?

 * The speaker's "old self" has been crucified with Christ (20a).

 * The speaker no longer lives, but "Christ lives in me" (20b).

 * The speaker now lives in their "earthly body" by trusting in Jesus (20c).

 * This trust is placed in the Son of God, who "loved me and gave himself for me" (20d).

 * WHAT QUESTIONS DO I HAVE ABOUT WHAT IT SAYS?

a) Historical Context

 * What was the relationship between Paul and Peter that led to this strong statement in Galatians?

 * How did the Galatians' legalistic tendencies (following Jewish law) contrast with Paul's message of faith in Christ?

b) Cultural Context

 * How would the concept of being "crucified with Christ" have been understood by both Jewish and Gentile audiences in the first century?

 * What was the significance of "trusting in the Son of God" in a world where many gods were worshipped?

c) Theological Context

 * What does it mean to be "crucified with Christ" from a theological standpoint? Is this a literal or spiritual death?

 * How does the phrase "Christ lives in me" relate to the Holy Spirit's indwelling? Is this a distinct concept or a different way of describing the same reality?

d) Literary Context

 * How does this verse serve as a powerful summary of Paul's argument about justification by faith and not by works of the law?

 * What is the rhetorical power of Paul's personal testimony here ("I have been crucified...")?

e) Life Application

 * What parts of my "old self" do I still struggle with that need to be "crucified"?

 * How can I practically live out the reality that "Christ lives in me" in my daily life?

 * WHAT DOES THE TEXT MEAN?

a) Understanding the propositions made in the text

The text proposes a profound and radical exchange of identities. The old self, with its sinful nature and attempts to earn righteousness, is dead. In its place, the believer's life is now defined by the indwelling life of Christ. The proposition is that true life—a life of purpose and freedom—is not found by following rules but by placing complete faith in Jesus, who demonstrated His love by sacrificing Himself.

b) Answering the questions

Paul's confrontation with Peter over his hypocrisy in Galatians 2 highlights the core issue of the letter: salvation is by faith alone, not by works of the law. The Galatians were being influenced to return to legalism, and Paul uses this verse to declare that such a path is a rejection of the cross. To be "crucified with Christ" is a spiritual death to the old way of life—a life of sin and self-effort—and a resurrection to a new life in union with Christ. This new life is lived by faith, trusting in Christ's finished work on the cross. The indwelling of Christ is a powerful expression of the believer's union with Him, a spiritual reality that is made possible by the Holy Spirit. Paul’s use of his own testimony adds authority and personal conviction to his argument, making it clear that this is not just a theological concept but a lived experience.

 * HOW DOES THE TEXT APPLY TO ME?

This verse challenges me to stop trying to earn God's love and acceptance. It reminds me that my old self—the one that feels like it has to be perfect, or that it has to perform to be loved—is dead. This truth frees me from the exhausting cycle of self-righteousness and failure. The text encourages me to live each day in a state of surrender, trusting that the love of Christ is enough. It prompts me to ask, "Is Christ truly living through me, or am I still trying to live for myself?" It's a call to constantly turn from self-reliance and embrace a life of dependence on Jesus, who loved me and gave Himself for me.

PRAYER/RESPONSE

Father, I feel so much pressure to be good enough, to do all the right things, and to live a perfect life. My fears of failure and my doubts about my own worthiness often overwhelm me. But this verse reminds me that my old, striving self has been crucified with Christ. Help me to truly believe that it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. May I surrender my anxieties and my need to be in control, and instead, live by trusting in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. Thank you for this new life. Amen.