Paul Is Not Against Works

Homily from November 6 (Oct 24 OS). The Epistle today is Galatians 2:16-20 ("Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.") This reading is often time plucked out of context and history by Protestants as a defense of "Faith Alone" and for the bizarre proposition that Paul somehow put faith in opposition to works. But this is nonsense. This passage is actually a rejection of Judaizing, particularly its abhorrent philosophy which presupposes the Mosaic law as part of our Salvation. We must understand this passage for what it is: it is not a rejection of Christian good works or their role in our salvation—it is not even relevant to that! Rather it is a rejection of any philosophy that finds Christ insufficient for our justification and eventual salvation.