Paul emphasizes that the law isn’t what determines our destiny. But rather, it is our faith in Jesus. Submitting to circumcision does not mean that the Galatians have to adopt the whole law. Peter and Barnabas did not like the Peter’s idea of Gentiles not having to keep the Law. In Antioch, Peter turned his back on the Gentiles and separated himself, forcing the other Jews to join Peter. Barnabas said to Peter, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?” (Galatians 2:13-14). This matter caused Paul to emphasize the relationship between the law, faith, and justification.

Between Spirit and flesh, Spirit corresponds to faith. The spirit and the flesh oppose each other, much like faith and the works of the law. If one is led by the Spirit, they are not under the law. “Flesh” means things such as sexual immorality, impurity, depravity, idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish rivalries, dissensions, factions, envying, murder, drunkenness, carousing, and similar things. People who practice these things will not be saved by God. The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. To live in the Spirit is to have faith. These people will be saved.