Bible Commentaries
Galatians 5

Verse 1

THE MEANING OF THE ALLEGORY

1) "Stand fast therefore," (stekete oun,) "Therefore, you all stand firm;" steadfast, unwavering in the freedom of Christ-not the bondage of sabbaths, feast days, circumcision etc., embraced in the law of Moses.

2) "In the liberty," (te eleutheria) "In the emancipation or freedom,” free-born state, free from the worship and service program of the law, Galatians 5:13.

3) "Wherewith Christ has made us free," (hemas Christos eleutherosen) "With which Christ freed us," John 8:32; John 8:36. Christ came to set men free to emancipate them from the law of sin and death, and from the law of Moses, which was designed to point men to His coming redemption for them, Romans 6:18; Romans 6:20; Romans 8:2; Galatians 3:28.

4) "And be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage " (kai me palin zulo douleias enechesthe) "And never again be entangled with a yoke of slavery", to ceremonial obligations and entanglements of law-deeds, Acts 15:10-11; Colossians 2:8.

Verse 2

1) "Behold, I Paul say unto you," (Ide ego Paulos lego humin) "Behold, I Paul tell you;” I who once tried to find salvation and peace thru the deeds and devotions of the law, Romans 1:16; Romans 10:1-4; Ephesians 2:8-9.

2) "That if ye be circumcised," (hoti ean peritemnesthe) "That if you all are circumcised;" yield to, go back to the pre-law and law-era practice of circumcision, John 8:32-36; Acts 15:1; Philippians 2:5; Philippians 2:8.

3) "Christ shall profit you nothing," (Christos humas ouden ophelesen) "Christ will profit you not one thing," for such conduct. Christ came that men might have life - and have, hold, or live it more abundantly, John 10:10. Men can not trust in the law to save them, and in Christ to save them, at the same time, Romans 11:6.

Verse 3

1) "For I testify again", (marturomai de palin) "And I testify again," or I restate, reaffirm my testimony given before, without contradiction and without perjury.

2) "To every man that is circumcised," (panti anthropo peritemnomeno) "To every man having been circumcised," directed as this testimony is to, toward, or concerning each man that is circumcised. To those who had transferred their allegiance from Christ to the Law, Paul gave stern warning and rebuke.

3) "That he is a debtor," (hoti opheiletes estin) "That he is (exists as) a debtor," under a moral obligation, Deuteronomy 27:26; Jeremiah 11:3-4.

4) "To do the whole law," (holon ton nomon poiesai) "to do all the law;" to live by the law was to be obligated to try to keep all of it, not part of it, Galatians 3:10; James 2:10.

Verse 4

1) "Christ is become of no effect unto you," (katergethete apo Christ) "You all were discharged from Christ," as regards rewards accruing to you from Christ, because of having turned from following the New Testament program of worship and service, to the deeds and bondage of law service and worship, 2 John 1:8; 1 Corinthians 3:10-11; 1 Corinthians 3:15; Galatians 2:21.

2) "Whosoever of you are justified by law;" (oitines en nomo dikaiousthe) "The ones of you who by law are justified." Those who sought to be justified by law deeds, that is those being justified in their own minds, being deceived, thinking they were justified by keeping the law, were all fallen away from (out away from) the very purpose and calling of Grace to follow Christ, Luke 8:34; 1 Corinthians 11:1-2; Ephesians 3:21; The saved, the true believers, are to give glory to God, by Christ Jesus, in the church in this age --not in the deeds, ceremonies, and keeping of any part of the Law of Moses. That no man is actually justified or ever was so justified it is evident, Galatians 2:16; Galatians 3:11.

3) "Ye are fallen from Grace", (tes charitos ekseperate) "You all fell from the grace; from the call of Grace, to follow Christ, not Moses, to work in the church, not in the system of Mosaic law worship.

Those saved who prefer bondage of law, to the liberty of Christ in His New Testament church, forfeit’ their heritage of joint-heirship with Jesus Christ, to be saved, "as if by fire", without rewards, 1 Corinthians 3:15; Hebrews 12:15.

Verse 5

1 ) "For we through the spirit," (hemeis gar pneumati) "For we in the spirit;" We who believe, who exist in the spirit, who quickens, makes alive, begets to eternal life, John 3:5-7; John 6:63.

2) "Wait for the hope," (apekdechometha elpida) "eagerly expect (the) hope," the object of hope, the eventual adoption of our bodies to an heirsetting with Jesus Christ. We wait with fervent expectancy of hope, Romans 8:11; Romans 8:23; Ephesians 1:13-14; Titus 2:13.

3) "Of righteousness by faith," (ek pisteos dikaiosunes) "Of righteousness by or out of faith," not righteousness out of the law of Moses. The hope for which the righteous wait by faith is the blessed hope of the second coming of Jesus Christ and the bodily resurrection, and, or rapture, of all who expectantly look for him, Romans 4:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Romans 8:11; Hebrews 6:17-20; Hebrews 9:28; Hebrews 10:37.

Verse 6

1) "For in Jesus Christ," (en gar Christo lesou) "For in Christ Jesus," in whom believers are created by faith, Ephesians 2:10; and are new creatures in Him, 2 Corinthians 5:17.

2) "Neither circumcision availeth anything, no uncircumcision," (oute peritome ti ischuei oute akrobustia) neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything;” neither to be circumcised as a Christian, or to be uncircumcised as a Christian, adds to or takes from ones Spiritual stature or standing in Christ, but like marriage and slavery, is binding, 1 Corinthians 7:17-22.

3) "But faith which worketh by love," (alla pistis di-’ agapes energoumene) "But faith (which) operates thru love;" through love of Jesus Christ, His Church, and obedience to His Word, to Witness, to let one’s light shine thru His church, His light-reflecting agency today, Matthew 5:13-16; Revelation 1:20; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; James 2:18; James 2:20; Acts 1:8; Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 3:21.

Verse 7

1) "Ye did run well," (etrechete kalos) "You all were running well;" when I was with you, as I recall the blessedness ye talked of experiencing, Galatians 4:15-16; You once made Christian progress, as one running well in a race, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.

2) "Who did hinder you," (tis humas enekipsen) "Who hindered you all?" who turned you back, put a roadblock in your way? what kind of a person would actually turn you from the joy and blessedness that you once had? Galatians 3:1. Only those who "bewitch."

3) "That ye should not obey the truth," (aletheia me peithesthai); "So that by truth you all are not persuaded," are not giving heed to or following the call of Grace-Service. Obstacles had been thrown on the race-track, to trip up the Galatian brethren in their Christian race, yet they were to keep on running the Christian race, Hebrews 12:1-2.

Verse 8

1) "This persuasion cometh," (he peismone) "This (kind of) persuasion," that would turn you back to the bondage of the law, to which you have recently been yielding, as Galatians 1:6; Galatians 4:15-16. This new persuasion was not the true gospel, Galatians 1:7-9.

2) "Not of him that calleth you," (ouk ek tou kalountes humas) "Is not out of the one calling you," is not from God who called Abraham, Moses, Samuel and the prophets to salvation by faith, Galatians 3:8; Romans 4:1-5; Acts 10:43; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 1:14-16; Romans 10:1-4; Romans 8-13.

Verse 9

1) "A little leaven," (mikra zume) "A small amount (of) leaven," putrefaction; This symbolized false doctrine, heresy that was being fed to the Galatian brethren, as if it were gospel truth, 1 Corinthians 5:6-7.

2) "Leaveneth the whole lump," (holon to phurama zumoi) "Leavens or putrefies the whole lump;" a little heresy affects the whole church body or church fellowship, just as a broken finger, or an infected appendix affects and disturbs the whole physical body. Such doctrinal putrefaction should be removed from the church body, lest it spread as the little leaven spreads through the full loaf, Matthew 13:33; Luke 13:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:33-34. The "kingdom of heaven", which always refers to "the church," must continually exercise discipline to keep herself from Doctrinal and moral putrefaction, in her local fellowship, lest her influence be destroyed, 1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Corinthians 5:13; Romans 16:17; 2 Thessalonians 3:6; 2 Timothy 3:5; Titus 1:10; 2 John 1:10.

Verse 10

1) "I have confidence in you through the Lord," (ego pepoitha eis humas en kurio) "I hold confidence with regards to you all in (the) Lord;" though disturbed from reports of a drift toward Judaism among them, Paul expressed faith and confidence in their return to the Lord at His reproof for their wrong. 2 Thessalonians 3:4; 2 Corinthians 7:16.

2) "That ye will be none otherwise minded," (hoti ouden allo phronesete) "That you all will not think in a different manner," in another way, other than that I have taught and desired of you, 1 Corinthians 11:1-2; 2 Corinthians 10:5-6.

3) "But he that troubleth you," (ho de tarasson humas) "But the one troubling you," the false, Judaizing type of teacher, Galatians 1:7; Acts 15:1; Acts 15:24. These self-appointed, self-sent independent evangelist Judaizers, traveled as imagined "truth-squads," following Paul’s missionary travels.

4) "Shall bear his judgment," (Bastasei to krima) "Shall bear the judgment, 2 Corinthians 10:6; 2 Corinthians 11:13-15. False teachers shall one day fall under the severe "departure" judgment of God, as wolves who once posed in sheep’s clothing, Matthew 7:15-20; Matthew 7:22-23.

5) "Whosoever he be," (hostis ean e) "Whoever he may be;" The good and the bad, the obedient and the disobedient, shall one day give account to God for their choices and conduct of life, Romans 14:11-12. This account, each shall give, and judgment each shall bear, whatever his positions and pretensions of this life may be, Revelation 20:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 2:10-11; Romans 2:16; Acts 17:31. Personal accountability, in matters of Salvation and obedience to God, is a Bible truth. Neither salvation nor obedient service to Christ can be rendered by proxy.

Verse 11

1) "And I, brethren," (ego de adelphoi) "But I brethren," an expression of Spiritual affinity, which Paul sought to use frequently in his writings, to reflect his sincere love for brethren in the churches, when in the right or in the wrong, John 13:35.

2) "If I yet preach circumcision," (ei pepitomen eti keausso) "if I still proclaim circumcision;" Because Paul had required that Timothy, his missionary companion in travel from Galatia, be circumcised to avoid offence to the Jews upon going into their synagogues to preach, some seemed to have accused Paul of requiring circumcision for Salvation, Acts 16:13; 1 Corinthians 9:20.

3) "Why do I yet suffer persecution?" (ti eti diokomai); "Why am I still being persecuted?" Why would the Jews persecute me if I were preaching circumcision for the same purpose that they do, he asked, Galatians 4:29; Galatians 6:12.

4) "Then is the offence of the cross ceased," (ara katergetai to skandalon tou staurou) "Then the offence of the cross has been nullified," or annulled, 1 Corinthians 15:20. Has the stumbling-block of the cross been removed by my preaching, Paul would inquire, or explain. If Jesus saves by circumcision, He does not save by His death on the cross, see? 1 Corinthians 1:23-24; Galatians 6:14.

Verse 12

1) "I would they were even cut off," (ophelon kai opkopsontai) "I indeed would (that they) cut themselves off," from interference in the fellowship of the Galatian church, by sowing seeds of division, in preaching that men had to be circumcised to be saved, as their forerunners had at Jerusalem and Antioch, Acts 15:1; Acts 15:24; Galatians 4:29; 1 Corinthians 5:13.

2) "Which trouble you," (hoi Anastatountes humas) "The ones who (are) unsettling you all," with "another gospel," one of a different kind from what Paul had preached to them, Galatians 1:6-7; Galatians 5:1-3; Galatians 5:10,

Verse 13

1 ) "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty," (humeis gar ep’ eleutheria eklethete, adelphoi) "For brethren you all were called for freedom," not bondage to the law, but liberty to confess, follow, and serve Jesus Christ, John 8:31-36; Galatians 5:1. Freedom is an essential element of Christian life and love, not for self-indulgence, but for willing service and labors of love for Christ, Galatians 5:6; Mark 8:34.

2) "Only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh," (monon me ten eleutherian eis aphormen te sarki) "Only (use) not the freedom or emancipation for an advantage to the flesh," 1 Corinthians 8:9; 1 Corinthians 9:19; 1 Peter 2:16; 2 Peter 2:19. Do not disregard the rights and interests of others simply because you are free in Christ, Paul contended, Psalms 40:1-3; Psalms 51:12-13.

3) "But by love serve one another," (alla dia tes agapes douleuete allelois) "But through love serve ye one another like slaves," John 13:34-35; Do good to all men "especially to those of the household of faith," Galatians 6:10; Romans 15:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

Liberty or emancipation from the bondage of sin and the law is not one toward self-indulgence but to loving bondage of service to Jesus Christ, 1 Corinthians 7:22.

Verse 14

1) "For all the law," (ho gar pas nomos) "For the whole law;” all the principles of the law, every principle, James 2:8.

2) "Is fulfilled in one Word," (en eni logo peplerotai en to) "Has been summed up in one Word," one expression, which is referred to as the "royal law," James 2:8.

3) "Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself," (agapeseis ton plesion sou hos seauton) "Thou shalt love the neighbor of yours as yourself." Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:8-9.

Verse 15

1 ) "But if ye bite and devour one another," (ei de Allelous daknete kai katesthiete) "But if you all bite (chew on) and devour one another," among yourselves, in the church fellowship, as the carnal Corinthians had once done, 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 3:1-4; 1 Corinthians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 6:5-8.

2) "Take heed," (Blepete) "See, beware, or be careful," watch your conduct, your course of behavior. Like the fable of the "gingham dog and calico cat," that ate each other up, people of God may simply destroy each others influence for good, 1 Corinthians 9:26-27.

3) "That ye be not consumed one of another," (me hup’ allelon analothete) "lest you all are destroyed, consumed, or torn apart by one another;” This speaks of the loss of personal and church influence through quarreling, backbiting, strife, talebearing, anger, clamor, bitterness etc., Ephesians 4:30-32.

Verse 16

SANCTIFICATION AND VICTORY THRU THE SPIRIT

1) "This I say then," (lego de) "Now I say;" This is his council for those who have liberty and freedom in Christ.

2) "Walk in the Spirit," (pneumati peripateite) "in (the) Spirit, you all walk,” conduct yourselves in the area of Spirit approved things and ways, Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:15-18; Romans 8:14.

3) "And ye shall not fulfill," (kai ou me telesete) "And you all will by no means perform," Romans 6:12; Romans 13:14.

4) "The lust of the flesh," (epithumian sarkos) "(The) lust of (the) flesh;" from which Christians are to abstain or draw back, shun, or avoid, 1 Peter 2:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:22.

Verse 17

1 ) "For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit," (gar sarks epithumei kato tou nomou) "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit"; Paul described this common conflict in the Christian Iife, Romans 7:22-23; Romans 8:6-7.

2) "And the Spirit against the flesh," (to de pneuma kata tes sarkos) "Moreover the Spirit against the flesh," Romans 8:1; Romans 8:12-13.

3) "And these are contrary the one to the other," (For each of these opposes each other," resists or is in conflict against each other, Romans 6:13; Romans 6:19.

4) "So that ye cannot do the things that ye would," (hina me ha ean thelete tauta poiete) "So that these kind of things you all yearn to do, ye do not," Romans 7:15-21.

THE FLESH AND THE SPIRIT

An Indian visiting his white neighbors asked for a little tobacco to smoke, and one of them, having some loose in his pocket, gave him a handful. The day following, the Indian came back inquiring for the donor, saying he had found a quarter of a dollar among the tobacco. Being told that, as it was given him, he might as well keep it; he answered, pointing to his breast, "I got a good man and a bad man here, and the good man say, It is not mine, I must return it to the owner; the bad man say, Why, he gave it you, and it is your own now; the good man say, That not right, the tobacco is yours, not the money; the bad man say, Never mind, you got it, go buy some dram; the good man say, No, no, you must not do so; so I don’t know what to do; and I think to go to sleep; but the good man and the bad kept talking all night, and troubled me, and now I bring the money back, I feel good."

This is the work of the conscience, the monitor of the soul of every man, regarding moral, ethical and spiritual truths.

-Gray-Adams

Verse 18

1) "But if ye be led of the Spirit," (ei de pneumati agesthe) "Yet, if you all are led by the Spirit" they are (exist as) children of God, Romans 8:14-16. The Spirit is the ruling principal and to be the commander-in-chief of the believer’s conduct, Ephesians 4:30-32.

2) "Ye are not under the law," (ouk este hupo nomon) "You all are not under (jurisdiction of) law," or its chains of bondage. For no man can serve two Masters --- Moses and Jesus, the law and the Spirit; not Moses, law ceremonies, or rituals of the Law, but Jesus alone saves and requires obedient following today, Romans 6:14; Romans 8:2; Luke 16:16; Romans 3:28. The law finds no occasion of moral condemnation to those who walk in the Spirit, for the Spirit resists the things condemned in the law.

Verse 19

1) "Now the works of the flesh are manifest," (phonera de estin ta erga tes sarkos) "Now the works of the flesh are disclosed or manifest," appear clearly, as in the following manner or forms, 1 Corinthians 3:3; Ephesians 5:3; Colossians 3:5; James 3:14-15. These may also be considered fruits of the carnal flesh nature, dogging man’s steps till death.

2) "Which are these:" (hatina estin) "Which exist or appear openly as” .... in seventeen (17) forms:

a) "Adultery," (porneia) The same root word is used in the original for fornication. It is used to describe carnal sex relations between one married person with another person to whom the said person is not married. Matthew 5:28; Mark 10:11; Spiritual Adultery, Jeremiah 3:9; Ezekiel 23:37; Exodus 20:14.

b) "Fornication," (porneia) Carnal sex relations between unmarried persons, or infidelity of a believer by consorting with other religions, other gods, and worldliness, Matthew 5:32; 1 Corinthians 7:2; 1 Corinthians 5:2; Isaiah 23:17.

c) "Uncleanness," (akatharsia) "Moral uncleanness or moral corruption"; which is unholiness, abhorred of the Lord, Leviticus 5:3; Leviticus 7:21; Leviticus 22:5; Matthew 23:27; Romans 1:24; Romans 6:19; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Ephesians 4:19; Ephesians 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:7.

d) "Lasciviousness," (aselgia) "Lewdness", insolent contempt for public opinion, shameless outrages on public decency.

A WARNING

In a journal written by Mr. William Seward, a gentleman who accompanied Mr. Whitefield in his travels, is found the following notice: --- "Heard of a drinking club that had a negro boy attending them, who used to mimic people for their diversion. The gentleman bade him mimic Mr. Whitefield, which he was very unwilling to do, but they insisted upon it. He stood up and said, "I speak the truth in Christ, I lie not; unless you repent, you will be damned! This unexpected speech broke up the club, which has not met since."

-Gray-Adams

Verse 20

e) "Idolatry," (eideoloatria), doing or coveting to do obeisance to any person, principle, or thing other than God, forbidden in the second commandment, Exodus 20:3-5; 1 Samuel 15:23; 1 Corinthians 10:14; Colossians 3:5.

f) "Witchcraft," (pharmakeia) "Sorcery," trickery, soothsaying, legerdemain, etc. by means of demon Spirits or demon influence, condemned alike by the Old and New Testaments, Exodus 22:18; Deuteronomy 18:10; 1 Samuel 15:23; 2 Kings 9:12; Micah 5:12; Nahum 3:4.

g) "Hatred," (echthrai) "enmity, hostility" Romans 8:7; Ephesians 2:16; James 4:4

h) "Variance," (eris) "Strife", to set in conflict, harmful opposition to another person, an emotion of instability, Matthew 10:35.

i) "Emulations," (zelos) "jealousy", associated closely with envy, covetousness, vainglory and a desire for mercenary personal gain, without regards for who it hurts.

j) "Wrath," (thumoi) "angers", fits of anger, rage, fury, vexation, indignation, uncontrolled resentment, etc., in a fleshly sense. Fury against moral wrong, in a Divine usage, Job 5:2; Psalms 37:8; Ephesians 4:26; Ephesians 4:31; Colossians 3:8; John 3:36; Romans 1:18.

k) "Strife," (eritheiai) "rivalries”, found between Abraham and Lot’s herdsmen, Genesis 13:7-8; Psalms 31:20; Proverbs 26:17; Proverbs 26:20-21; Luke 22:24; Romans 13:13; Philippians 2:3; 2 Timothy 2:23; James 3:14; James 3:16.

l) "Seditions," (dichostasiai) "divisions", caused by underhanded deception, covert efforts to divert or influence one from one moral position to another, Proverbs 12:26; Mark 13:22; 1 Timothy 4:1; 2 Timothy 3:13; 1 John 2:26.

m) "Heresies," (haireseis) "Sects", factions, groups in moral doctrinal strife or conflict, 1 Corinthians 11:19; 2 Peter 2:1; to be dealt with severely by the church, Titus 3:10.

Verse 21

n) "Envyings," (phthonoi) "envyings", discontent or displeasure at the achievements or fortunes of another, a selfish, carnal disposition, hurtful to Christian influence, Romans 13:13; 2 Corinthians 12:20; James 3:14; James 3:16.

o) "Murders," The taking of human lives with premeditated malice aforethought, Genesis 9:6; Matthew 15:19; Mark 7:21; Revelation 9:21.

p) "Drunkenness," (methai) inebriation, drunkenness, a state of physical and emotional instability resulting from strong alcoholic drink, Proverbs 23:21; Luke 21:34; Romans 15:13; 1 Corinthians 6:10; Ephesians 5:18.

q) "Revellings," (komoi) "revellings", sensuous physical contacts designed to incite sex excitement, as intimate contact in dancing, 1 Peter 4:3.

1) "And such like," (kai ta homoia toutois) "And things likened to these," these fruits of the flesh, each of which is displeasing to God and disapproved in Scriptural citations given above.

2) "Or the which I tell you before," (ha prolego humin) "Which I tell you beforehand," before you are called to account for your conduct, that you may avoid, shun, or put off these sins and any appearance of them, Ephesians 5:22; Ephesians 5:25; Ephesians 5:27; Colossians 3:8-9.

3) "As I have also told you in time past," (kathos proeipon "just as I previously said (to you all)"; no particular past time is denoted. But warnings against the sins of the flesh had been evidently a part of many former messages to them.

Q "That they which do such things," (hoti hoi ta toiauta prassontes) "That the ones (those who) habitually practice such things"; that those following a habit pattern of practice of such sins of the flesh as named above, 1 Corinthians 6:9; Ephesians 5:5.

5) "Shall not inherit the kingdom of God," (Basileian theou ou kleronomesousin) "Will not have an heir-setting in the kingdom of God;" will not have an heir-possession of reigning to the coming era of the millennial reign of Christ on earth, when church saints are promised a joint-heirsetting or reigning with Him. This does not refer to Salvation, for Salvation is neither a reward nor inheritance, but a gift. Ephesians 2:8-9; Luke 22:29-30; Matthew 19:27-28; 1 Corinthians 6:2; Romans 8:17-18.

Verse 22

NINE (9) FRUITS OF THE SPIRIT IN CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

1) "But the fruit of the Spirit is," (ho de karpos tou pneumatos -estin) -But the fruit of the Spirit is (exists as) (takes nine (9) forms): 1 Thessalonians 4:9.

a) "Love," (agape) "an high, holy affection"; while love is a Spiritual gift to the believer, as a Spiritual gift it is to be exercised, so as to bear much fruit, of like nature, John 13:34-35; Romans 5:5; Romans 12:9; Hebrews 13:1.

b) "Joy," (chara), a fruit of obedient service to God and holy living, Luke 10:17; or joy of surrender to His will and in witnessing Divine goodness, John 3:29; John 15:11; 2 Corinthians 8:2.

c) "Peace," (eirene), peace one with another, Mark 9:50; Romans 14:19; Romans 15:13; 1 Thessalonians 5:13; James 3:18; Matthew 5:9; Romans 12:18.

d) "Longsuffering " (makrothumia), in the face of wrongs from and ill-treatment by others, Ephesians 4:2; 2 Corinthians 6:6.

e) "Gentleness," (chrestotes) "kindness", in treatment and rendering service to others, 1 Thessalonians 2:7; 2Ti 2-24; Titus 3:2; James 3:17; 2 Corinthians 10:1.

f) "Goodness," (agathosune) Romans 15:14; in bestowing helpfulness to those in need of help, cannot fail to gain good will and good influence on others.

g) "Faith," (pistis) "faithfulness," perseverance in faith, keeping on keeping on, unwavering trust, fidelity. This faith as a "fruit of the Spirit," refers to good faith or trustworthiness in dealings with men, respect or regard toward their just claims, Ephesians 5:9-10.

Because the object of this verse is to show the harmony between the fruit of the Spirit, and the restraints of law, only those qualities seem to be specified which affect ones duty to his neighbor, Titus 2:10.

Verse 23

h) "Meekness," (prautes), gentleness, kindness, not easily provoked, ready to yield rather than cause trouble, where a moral principle was not involved in preferences, Galatians 6:1; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 2 Timothy 2:25.

i) "Temperance," (egkratua) "self-control," which elicits trust, confidence, and respect of others, Acts 24:25; 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Peter 1:6, one of the seven fruits of faith in the believer that gives an "abundant entrance" into the kingdom of God, 2 Peter 1:11.

j) "Against such there is no law," (kata ton toiouton ouk estin nomos) "against such things as these (9) fruits of the Spirit, no law exists". 1 Timothy 1:9; Galatians 3:19.

Verse 24

1) "And they that are Christ’s," (oi de tou Christou lesou) "Now the ones of Christ Jesus," of His disposition and practice; those saved and having made a personal confession and surrender of life and service to Him, in His church, Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20. "You all are Christ’s," reads, 1 Corinthians 3:23; Romans 14:8.

2) "Have crucified the flesh," (ten sarka estaurosan) "They (have) crucified the flesh;” Galatians 2:20; Galatians 6:14; nailed the old nature to the cross, to live no more with its cravings and wills, to dominate actions of life, 1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 6:6; Romans 8:13.

3) "With the affections and lusts," (sun tois pathemasin kai tais epithumiais) "In affinity with its passions and lusts," or "in close colleague with its passions and lusts," Romans 13:14; Every lust is to be kept under subjection, or restraint, by each saint committed to follow Jesus, Mark 8:34; Galatians 5:23; Romans 6:18-19; 1 Corinthians 9:27.

Verse 25

EXHORTATION TO FRUIT-BEARING CAUTION

1) "If we live in the Spirit," (ei zomen pneumati) "if we live in (the) Spirit," in its efficacy and indwelling operation within us, Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Galatians 5:16.

2) "Let us also walk in the Spirit," (pneumati kai stoichomen) "Let us also, walk in (the) things of the Spirit," make the Spirit manifest in our lives, in our daily walk, behavior, course of conduct, John 13:34-35; Matthew 5:15-16; let this be done in brotherly love, considering others, for Jesus’ sake, Romans 8:4-5.

Verse 26

1) "Let us not be desirous of vain glory," (me ginometha kenodoksoi) " Let us not become vainglorious," covetous of self glory, Philippians 2:3; Philippians 1:14-15; James 3:14, not puffed up with pride, vanity regarding too high self-esteem as Peter when he asserted "I will never deny the Lord."

.2) "Provoking one another," (allelous prokaloumenoi) "Provoking one the other," or one another, as the Judaizing party leaders and law teachers had done among them; See also Judges 1:8; Judges 1:10; Judges 1:13; Judges 1:16; Judges 1:18-19.

3) "Envying one another," (allelois phthonountes) "Envying one the other," or one another as the Judaizers who sought preeminence. Such things and attitudes Christians are to avoid, Judges 1:20-23. Envy is to be put away from among the church fellowship and people of God, crucified, put under subjection to the Spirit, Romans 13:13; James 3:14; James 3:16. Children of God must not be discontent, envious, or jealous over the success or prosperity of others.