Galatians 5:11 – “Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

Paul is pushing back against a false claim being spread about him. Some people were saying that he still preached circumcision as a requirement for salvation. Paul responds with a simple argument: If that were true, why would he still be persecuted?

Paul makes it clear that he is being persecuted because he preaches the true gospel—the message that salvation comes through faith in Jesus alone, not through keeping Jewish laws like circumcision. If Paul had been teaching that people still needed to be circumcised, then there would be no reason for the Jewish leaders to oppose him. But because he preached grace instead of religious works, they hated him for it.

The phrase “the offense of the cross” is key. The message of the cross is offensive to many people because it teaches that salvation is entirely a gift of grace. This means that human efforts—good works, religious rituals, or cultural traditions—cannot save anyone. That was deeply offensive to people who prided themselves on keeping religious laws. But Paul refuses to water down the gospel to make it more acceptable.

Historical Context

During this time, there was serious tension between Jewish Christians and Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians. Many Jewish Christians struggled to accept that Gentiles could be saved without following the law of Moses, including circumcision.

The Judaizers were Jewish teachers who insisted that faith in Jesus was not enough—new believers also needed to obey Jewish customs to be fully accepted by God. These false teachers likely accused Paul of changing his message depending on his audience. They may have pointed out that Paul circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3) to argue that he still supported Jewish laws.

Paul is setting the record straight. If he were still preaching circumcision as necessary for salvation, then the Jewish leaders would not be persecuting him. His suffering proves that he is preaching the true gospel—salvation by grace through faith in Jesus alone.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key theological truths:

1. The gospel is offensive to human pride – People want to earn salvation, but the cross tells us we are completely dependent on God’s grace.
2. Legalism and grace cannot mix – If salvation requires even one religious work, then it is no longer by grace (Romans 11:6).
3. Preaching the true gospel will bring opposition – Paul’s suffering proves that the gospel is not always popular, but it is still the truth.

This verse is a reminder that the gospel challenges self-righteousness. People don’t like being told they can’t save themselves—but that is exactly why the message of Jesus is so important.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s argument in this verse is logical and direct.

• “If I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?” – This is a rhetorical question. The obvious answer is that Paul is not preaching circumcision. His suffering proves that he is preaching the true gospel.
• “In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.” – If Paul had mixed faith in Christ with obedience to the law, then the message of the cross would no longer be offensive—because it would not be the true gospel anymore.

Paul’s choice of words emphasizes the cost of standing for the truth. He could have avoided persecution by compromising the gospel, but he refuses to do that.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• 1 Corinthians 1:18 – “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” The cross is offensive because it contradicts human wisdom.
• Romans 11:6 – “And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.” Paul explains that grace and works cannot mix.
• Acts 16:3 – Paul had Timothy circumcised not for salvation, but to avoid unnecessary barriers to sharing the gospel with Jews.
• Matthew 10:22 – “You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Jesus warned that true believers would face persecution.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

Many Christians today still face pressure to change or soften the message of the gospel. Some people want to add religious rules to salvation (legalism), while others want to remove parts of the gospel that offend modern culture.

Paul’s message is a challenge to us: Will we stand firm in the truth, even when it is unpopular?

This verse reminds us that:

1. The gospel is not about making people feel good—it’s about telling the truth.
2. If we are following Jesus, we will face opposition at times.
3. We must never compromise the truth to avoid discomfort or persecution.

Like Paul, we are called to stand for the true gospel—even when it means facing criticism or rejection.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, it might seem strange to say that God’s love is connected to the offense of the cross. But in reality, the fact that the gospel is offensive shows us how deep God’s love really is.

If salvation could be earned by good works, Jesus wouldn’t have had to die. The cross is offensive because it declares that we are so lost that only Jesus’ sacrifice could save us.

God’s love is shown in His willingness to save us completely by grace. He doesn’t demand that we follow religious rituals or earn His acceptance. Instead, He offers salvation as a free gift to anyone who will receive it.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse highlights two key truths about Jesus:

1. Jesus’ death is the only way to salvation. Paul refuses to add anything to the gospel because Jesus’ sacrifice was enough (John 14:6).
2. Jesus warned that following Him would bring persecution. Paul’s suffering is a direct result of preaching Christ alone (John 15:18-20).

Jesus is at the center of this verse because His cross is the dividing line between truth and falsehood. Any teaching that adds human effort to salvation takes away from what Jesus accomplished.

Paul refuses to make the gospel “easier” by adding a little bit of law to it. He knows that salvation must be all about Jesus or it is not the gospel at all.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why do you think people struggle to accept that salvation is by grace alone?
2. Have you ever felt pressured to change or soften the message of the gospel? How did you respond?
3. What are some modern ways that people try to add religious rules to salvation?
4. How can we stand firm in the true gospel, even when it is unpopular?
5. What does the phrase “the offense of the cross” mean to you personally?

Paul’s message in Galatians 5:11 is clear: We cannot compromise the gospel to avoid rejection. The truth of Jesus Christ is powerful, even if it offends some people. Our job is to stand firm, trust in God’s grace, and proclaim the unchanging message of salvation to a world that desperately needs it.