And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Ver. 4. Unawares brought in] παρεισακτοι, or privily slipped in, pretending piety to their worldly or wicked respects. With such ill instruments the Church hath ever been pestered,2 Peter 2:1. These hell-scouts are skulking in every corner.
To spy out our liberty] viz. Of circumcising or not circumcising Titus, that they might pick a quarrel with us.
That they might bring us into bondage] sc. To the ceremonial law. Carolostadius attempted some such thing in Luther's days, and by him was opposed. (Bucholcer.)