Verse Smart · Commentary comparison
What do the great Christian commentators say about Galatians 2:20? Below is a side-by-side look at how Matthew Henry, John Calvin, Charles Spurgeon, Albert Barnes, and John Wesley read this passage — where they agree, where they diverge.
Galatians 2:20 · WEB
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Summaries are AI-rendered overviews of public-domain commentaries (Henry, Calvin, Spurgeon, Barnes, Wesley). Always consult primary sources for study.
Late 17th-Early 18th Century
Henry explains that believers are united with Christ in His death, meaning their sinful nature is essentially dead. The life they live is now Christ's life within them, sustained by faith in God's Son, who showed his love by a sacrificial death.
“Our old self is put to death with Christ, and Christ's life now takes over in us.”
16th Century
Calvin emphasizes the 'crucifixion with Christ' as a spiritual reality where believers die to sin through Christ's sacrifice. The true life then comes from Christ living in the believer, a life guided by faith and grounded in Christ's love for us.
“Believers spiritually die with Christ, and receive new life from Him through faith.”
19th Century
Spurgeon highlights the profound union with Christ where His crucifixion means our old identity is gone. The new life is entirely because Christ lives in us, powered by faith in Jesus' boundless love which led Him to die for us.
“Christ living in us is the source and power of our new, faith-driven life.”
19th Century
Barnes views the crucifixion with Christ as a statement of union where the believer's old life of sin is reckoned dead. The present life is Christ's, lived through the believer by faith in His love and redeeming sacrifice.
“Our life is no longer our own, but Christ's, lived through us by faith.”
18th Century
Wesley interprets 'crucified with Christ' as the death of the believer's love for sin and the world, achieved through Christ. This new life is solely lived by faith in Christ, who gave Himself as proof of His love for us.
“Faith in Christ's love empowers the new life that has died to sin.”