Introduction
Before declaring the unity of all believers in verse 28, Paul names the ground of that unity in verse 27: every believer has been baptized into Christ and clothed with Him. The unity is not sociological invention; it is a shared identity in the Son.
Historical Context
In the Galatian churches, Jewish Christians were pressuring Gentile believers to adopt circumcision and the law. Paul cuts through the controversy by appealing to baptism — the visible sign that every believer, Jew or Gentile, is now equally 'in Christ.'
Original Language Insights
'Baptized into Christ' (eis Christon ebaptisthete) — baptism is union, not mere ceremony.
'Put on' (enedusasthe) — to be clothed, to wear. The image is of Christ as a garment that replaces the old identity.
The aorist tense marks the decisive event of conversion-baptism.
Theological Significance
Christian identity is positional and given, not achieved. You do not progress toward being 'in Christ'; you are placed in Christ at conversion and grow in awareness of what is already true. This is the bedrock of Christian assurance.
Practical Application
When the old self reasserts itself, return to verse 27. You have been clothed with Christ. Reckon with that reality and act accordingly. Identity precedes behavior — who you are in Christ shapes what you do.