Galatians 2:17

while we seek Rather, while seeking, i.e. earnestly desiring. The reference is to the time when they embraced the Gospel. Hence, for -are found", read, "were found", found ourselves in the same position as those -sinners" of the Gentiles, whom we had been accustomed to look down upon, and needing, like them, a freesalvation.

we ourselves not necessarily, -I and Peter" (see note on Galatians 2:14), but we who, as Jews, inherited the advantages of the chosen race.

is therefore … of sin ? Are we to accept the inference that Christ is the minister of sin? The word -sin" has direct reference to -sinners" in the former clause. The Judaizers might taunt the Apostle with the suggestion, that, as faith in Christ had made them -sinners", Christ had become a minister to a state of sin.

minister of sin The antithesis occurs 2 Corinthians 11:15, "ministers of righteousness". Is Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith, employed in a service, which so far from emancipating men from sin, promotes sin?

God forbid Lit. let it not come to pass! This formula is used by St Paul fourteen times to express a strong denial and utter repudiation of some proposition, either put forward by himself, or suggested by an opponent. "Away with such a thought!" There is of course neither -God" nor -forbid" in the Greek, but the English phrase is an excellent idiomatic equivalent.