---
title: "Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Galatians 5"
description: "CHAPTER 5   :-. PERORATION.
EXHORTATION TO STAND
FAST IN THE GOSPEL
LIBERTY, JUST
SET FORTH,
AND NOT TO BE
LED BY JUDAIZERS
INTO CIRCUMCISION, OR
LAW JUST"
image: "/images/missing.jpg"
url: "https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians/5"
---

CHAPTER 5

. PERORATION.
EXHORTATION TO STAND
FAST IN THE GOSPEL
LIBERTY, JUST
SET FORTH,
AND NOT TO BE
LED BY JUDAIZERS
INTO CIRCUMCISION, OR
LAW JUSTIFICATION:
YET THOUGH FREE,
TO SERVE ONE
ANOTHER BY LOVE:
TO WALK
IN THE SPIRIT,
BEARING THE FRUIT
THEREOF, NOT
IN THE WORKS OF THE
FLESH.

**1.** The oldest manuscripts read,
"in liberty (so ALFORD,
MOBERLEY, HUMPHRY,
and ELLICOTT. But as there
is no *Greek* for 'in,' as there is in translating in [1 Corinthians 16:13](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/16/13);
[Philippians 1:27](../../../kjv/philippians/1/27); [Philippians 4:1](../../../kjv/philippians/4/1),
I prefer 'It is FOR
freedom that') Christ hath made us free (not *in,* or *for,*
a state of bondage). Stand fast, therefore, and be not entangled
again *in* a yoke of bondage" (namely, the law, [Galatians 4:24](../../../kjv/galatians/4/24);
[Acts 15:10](../../../kjv/acts/15/10)). On "again,"
see on [Galatians 4:9](../../../kjv/galatians/4/9).

**2. Behold**—that is, Mark what I
say.
**I Paul**—Though you now
think less of my authority, I nevertheless give my name and personal
authority as enough by itself to refute all opposition of
adversaries.
**if ye be circumcised**—not
as ALFORD, "If you
will *go on being* circumcised." Rather, "If ye suffer
yourselves to be circumcised," namely, under the notion of its
being necessary to *justification* ([Galatians 5:4](../../../kjv/galatians/5/4);
[Acts 15:1](../../../kjv/acts/15/1)). Circumcision here is
not regarded simply by itself (for, viewed as a mere *national*
rite, it was practiced for conciliation's sake by Paul himself, [Acts 15:1](../../../kjv/acts/15/1)), but as the symbol of *Judaism* and *legalism in
general.* If this be necessary, then the Gospel of grace is at an
end. If the latter be the way of justification, then Judaism is in no
way so.
**Christ . . . profit . . .
nothing**— ([Galatians 2:21](../../../kjv/galatians/2/21)). For
righteousness of works and justification by faith cannot co-exist.
"He who is circumcised [for justification] is so as fearing the
law, and he who fears, disbelieves the power of grace, and he who
disbelieves can profit nothing by that grace which he disbelieves
[CHRYSOSTOM].

**3. For**—*Greek,* "Yea,
more"; "Moreover."
**I testify . . . to every
man**—as well as "unto you" ().
**that is circumcised**—that
submits to be circumcised. Such a one became a "proselyte of
righteousness."
**the whole law**—impossible
for man to keep even in part, much less *wholly* (); yet none can be justified by the law, unless he keep it
*wholly* ([Galatians 3:10](../../../kjv/galatians/3/10)).

**4.** Literally, "Ye have
become void from Christ," that is, your connection with Christ
has become void ([Galatians 5:2](../../../kjv/galatians/5/2)). [Galatians 5:2](../../../kjv/galatians/5/2), "*Loosed* from the law," where the same *Greek*
occurs as here.
**whosoever of you are
justified**—"are being justified," that is, are
*endeavoring* to be justified.
**by the law**—*Greek,*
"IN the law," as
the element *in* which justification is to take place.
**fallen from grace**—Ye no
longer "*stand*" in grace ([Galatians 5:2](../../../kjv/galatians/5/2)). Grace and legal righteousness cannot co-exist ([Romans 4:4](../../../kjv/romans/4/4);
[Romans 4:5](../../../kjv/romans/4/5); [Romans 11:6](../../../kjv/romans/11/6)).
Christ, by circumcision ([Luke 2:21](../../../kjv/luke/2/21)),
undertook to obey all the law, and fulfil all righteousness for us:
any, therefore, that now seeks to fulfil the law for himself in any
degree for justifying righteousness, severs himself from the grace
which flows from Christ's fulfilment of it, and becomes "a
debtor to do the whole law" ([Luke 2:21](../../../kjv/luke/2/21)). The decree of the Jerusalem council had said nothing so
strong as this; it had merely decided that Gentile Christians were
not bound to legal observances. But the Galatians, while not
pretending to be so *bound,* imagined there was an efficacy in
them to merit a higher degree of *perfection* ([Luke 2:21](../../../kjv/luke/2/21)). This accounts for Paul not referring to the decree at all.
He took much higher ground. See PALEY'S
*Horæ Paulinæ*. The natural mind loves outward fetters, and is
apt to forge them for itself, to stand in lieu of holiness of heart.

**5. For**—proof of the assertion,
"fallen from grace," by contrasting with the case of
*legalists,* the "hope" of *Christians.*
**through the Spirit**—*Greek,*
rather, "by the Spirit": in opposition to *by the flesh*
([Galatians 4:29](../../../kjv/galatians/4/29)), or fleshly ways of
justification, as circumcision and legal ordinances. "We"
is emphatical, and contrasted with "whosoever of you would be
justified by the law" ([Galatians 5:4](../../../kjv/galatians/5/4)).
**the hope of righteousness**—"We
wait for the (realization of the) hope (which is the fruit) of the
righteousness (that is, justification which comes) by (literally,
'*from—out of*') faith," [Romans 5:1](../../../kjv/romans/5/1);
[Romans 5:4](../../../kjv/romans/5/4); [Romans 5:5](../../../kjv/romans/5/5);
[Romans 8:24](../../../kjv/romans/8/24); [Romans 8:25](../../../kjv/romans/8/25),
"*Hope . . . we* with patience *wait for* it."
This is a farther step than being "justified"; not only are
we this, but "wait for the hope" which is connected with
it, and is its full consummation. "Righteousness," in the
sense of justification, is by the believer once for all already
attained: but the consummation of it in future perfection above is
the object of *hope* to be *waited for:* "the crown of
righteousness laid up" ([Romans 8:25](../../../kjv/romans/8/25)): "the hope laid up for you in heaven" ([Colossians 1:5](../../../kjv/colossians/1/5);
[1 Peter 1:3](../../../kjv/1-peter/1/3)).

**6. For**—confirming the truth
that it is "by faith" ().
**in Jesus Christ**—*Greek,*
"in Christ Jesus." In union with *Christ* (the
ANOINTED Saviour), that
is, *Jesus* of Nazareth.
**nor uncircumcision**—This
is levelled against those who, being not legalists, or Judaizers,
think themselves Christians on this ground alone.
**faith which worketh by
love**—*Greek,* "working by love." This
corresponds to "a new creature" (), as its definition. Thus in [Galatians 5:5](../../../kjv/galatians/5/5);
[Galatians 5:6](../../../kjv/galatians/5/6), we have the three,
"faith," "hope," and "love." The *Greek*
expresses, "Which effectually worketh"; which exhibits its
*energy* by love (so [Galatians 5:6](../../../kjv/galatians/5/6)). *Love* is not joined with *faith* in justifying,
but is the principle of the works which follow after justification by
faith. Let not legalists, upholding circumcision, think that the
essence of the law is set at naught by the doctrine of justification
by faith only. Nay, "all the law is fulfilled in one word—love,"
which is the principle on which "faith worketh" ([Galatians 5:6](../../../kjv/galatians/5/6)). Let them, therefore, seek this "faith," which
will enable them truly to fulfil the law. Again, let not those who
pride themselves on uncircumcision think that, because the law does
not justify, they are free to walk after "the flesh" ([Galatians 5:6](../../../kjv/galatians/5/6)). Let them, then, seek that "love" which is
inseparable from true faith ([James 2:8](../../../kjv/james/2/8);
[James 2:12-22](../../../kjv/james/2/12-22)). Love is
utterly opposed to the enmities which prevailed among the Galatians
([Galatians 5:15](../../../kjv/galatians/5/15); [Galatians 5:20](../../../kjv/galatians/5/20)).
The Spirit ([Galatians 5:5](../../../kjv/galatians/5/5)) is a Spirit
of "faith" and "love" (compare [Romans 14:17](../../../kjv/romans/14/17);
[1 Corinthians 7:19](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/7/19)).

**7.** Translate, "Ye were
running well" in the Gospel race ([1 Corinthians 9:24-26](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/9/24-26);
[Philippians 3:13](../../../kjv/philippians/3/13); [Philippians 3:14](../../../kjv/philippians/3/14)).
**who,** &c.—none whom
you ought to have listened to [BENGEL]:
alluding to the Judaizers (compare [Philippians 3:14](../../../kjv/philippians/3/14)).
**hinder**—The *Greek*
means, literally, "hinder by breaking up a road."
**not obey the truth**—not
submit yourselves to the true Gospel way of justification.

**8. This persuasion**—*Greek,*
"*The* persuasion," namely, to which you are yielding.
There is a play on words in the original, the *Greek* for
*persuasion* being akin to "*obey*" (). This persuasion which ye have *obeyed.*
**cometh not of**—that is
"from." Does not emanate from Him, but from an enemy.
**that calleth you**—
([Galatians 5:13](../../../kjv/galatians/5/13); [Galatians 1:6](../../../kjv/galatians/1/6);
[Philippians 3:14](../../../kjv/philippians/3/14); [1 Thessalonians 5:24](../../../kjv/1-thessalonians/5/24)).
The calling is the rule of the whole race [BENGEL].

**9. A little leaven**—the *false
teaching* of the Judaizers. A small portion of legalism, if it be
mixed with the Gospel, corrupts its purity. To add legal ordinances
and works in the least degree to justification by faith, is to
undermine "the whole." So "leaven" is used of
*false doctrine* ([Matthew 16:12](../../../kjv/matthew/16/12):
compare [Matthew 13:33](../../../kjv/matthew/13/33)). In [Matthew 13:33](../../../kjv/matthew/13/33) it means the corrupting influence of one bad *person;*
so BENGEL understands it
here to refer to the person ([Galatians 5:7](../../../kjv/galatians/5/7);
[Galatians 5:8](../../../kjv/galatians/5/8); [Galatians 5:10](../../../kjv/galatians/5/10))
who misled them. [Ecclesiastes 9:18](../../../kjv/ecclesiastes/9/18), "One
sinner destroyeth much good" ([Ecclesiastes 9:18](../../../kjv/ecclesiastes/9/18)). I prefer to refer it to false *doctrine,* answering
to "persuasion" ([Galatians 5:8](../../../kjv/galatians/5/8)).

**10.** *Greek,* "I
(emphatical: '*I on my part*') have confidence in the Lord *with
regard to you* ([2 Thessalonians 3:4](../../../kjv/2-thessalonians/3/4)),
that ye will be none otherwise minded" (than what by this
Epistle I desire you to be, [2 Thessalonians 3:4](../../../kjv/2-thessalonians/3/4)).
**but he that troubleth you**—
([Galatians 1:7](../../../kjv/galatians/1/7); [Acts 15:24](../../../kjv/acts/15/24);
[Joshua 7:25](../../../kjv/joshua/7/25); [1 Kings 18:17](../../../kjv/1-kings/18/17);
[1 Kings 18:18](../../../kjv/1-kings/18/18)). Some one, probably,
was prominent among the seducers, though the denunciation applies to
them all ([Galatians 1:7](../../../kjv/galatians/1/7); [Galatians 4:17](../../../kjv/galatians/4/17)).
**shall bear**—as a heavy
burden.
**his**—*his due and
inevitable* judgment from God. Paul distinguishes the case of the
seduced, who were misled through thoughtlessness, and who, now that
they are set right by him, he confidently hopes, in God's goodness,
will return to the right way, from that of the seducer who is doomed
to judgment.
**whosoever he be**—whether
great ([Galatians 1:8](../../../kjv/galatians/1/8)) or small.

**11.** Translate, "If I am
still preaching (as I did before conversion) circumcision, why am I
still persecuted?" The Judaizing troubler of the Galatians had
said, "Paul himself preaches circumcision," as is shown by
his having circumcised Timothy (; compare also ). Paul replies by anticipation of their objection, As
regards myself, the fact that I am still persecuted by the Jews shows
plainly that I do *not* preach circumcision; for it is just
because I preach Christ crucified, and not the Mosaic law, as the
sole ground of justification, that they persecute me. If for
conciliation he lived as a Jew among the Jews, it was in accordance
with his principle enunciated ([1 Corinthians 7:18](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/7/18);
[1 Corinthians 7:20](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/7/20); [1 Corinthians 9:20](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/9/20)).
Circumcision, or uncircumcision, are things indifferent in
themselves: their lawfulness or unlawfulness depends on the *animus*
of him who uses them. The Gentile Galatians' animus in circumcision
could only be their supposition that it influenced favorably their
standing before God. Paul's living as a Gentile among Gentiles,
plainly showed that, if he lived as a Jew among Jews, it was not that
he thought it meritorious before God, but as a matter indifferent,
wherein he might lawfully conform as a *Jew by birth* to those
with whom he was, in order to put no needless stumbling-block to the
Gospel in the way of his countrymen.
**then**—Presuming that I
did so, "then," in that case, "the offense of
(stumbling-block, [1 Corinthians 1:23](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/1/23)
occasioned to the Jews by) the cross has become done away." Thus
the Jews' accusation against Stephen was not that he preached Christ
crucified, but that "he spake blasphemous words against this
holy place and *the law.*" They would, in some measure,
have borne the former, if he had mixed with it justification in part
by circumcision and the law, and if he had, through the medium of
Christianity, brought converts to Judaism. But if justification in
any degree depended on legal ordinances, Christ's crucifixion in that
degree was unnecessary, and could profit nothing ([Galatians 5:2](../../../kjv/galatians/5/2);
[Galatians 5:4](../../../kjv/galatians/5/4)). Worldly Wiseman, of the
town of Carnal Policy, turns Christian out of the narrow way of the
Cross, to the house of Legality. But the way to it was up a mountain,
which, as Christian advanced, threatened to fall on him and crush
him, amidst flashes of lightning from the mountain [BUNYAN,
*Pilgrim's Progress*] ([Galatians 5:4](../../../kjv/galatians/5/4)).

**12. they . . . which trouble
you**—Translate, as the *Greek* is different from , "they who are *unsettling* you."
**were even cut off**—even
as they desire your foreskin to be *cut off* and cast away by
circumcision, so would that *they were even cut off* from your
communion, being worthless as a castaway foreskin ([Galatians 1:7](../../../kjv/galatians/1/7);
[Galatians 1:8](../../../kjv/galatians/1/8); compare [Galatians 1:8](../../../kjv/galatians/1/8)). The fathers, JEROME,
AMBROSE, AUGUSTINE,
and CHRYSOSTOM, explain
it, "Would that they would even cut themselves off," that
is, cut off not merely the foreskin, but the whole member: if
*circumcision* be not enough for them, then let them have
*excision* also; an outburst hardly suitable to the gravity of
an apostle. But [Galatians 5:9](../../../kjv/galatians/5/9); [Galatians 5:10](../../../kjv/galatians/5/10)
plainly point to *excommunication* as the judgment threatened
against the troublers: and danger of the bad "leaven"
spreading, as the reason for it.

**13.** The "ye" is
emphatical, from its position in the *Greek,* "Ye
brethren"; as opposed to those legalists "who trouble you."
**unto liberty**—The *Greek*
expresses, "on a footing of liberty." The *state* or
*condition* in which ye have been called to salvation, is one of
liberty. Gospel liberty consists in three things, freedom from the
Mosaic yoke, from sin, and from slavish fear.
**only,** c.—Translate,
"Only turn not *your* liberty into an occasion for the
flesh." Do not give the flesh the handle or pretext (, "occasion") for its indulgence which it eagerly
seeks for do not let it make Christian "liberty" its
pretext for indulgence ([Galatians 5:16](../../../kjv/galatians/5/16);
[Galatians 5:17](../../../kjv/galatians/5/17); [1 Peter 2:16](../../../kjv/1-peter/2/16);
[2 Peter 2:19](../../../kjv/2-peter/2/19); [Judges 1:4](../../../kjv/judges/1/4)).
**but by love serve one
another**—*Greek,* "Be servants (be in bondage) to one
another." If ye must be *servants,* then *be servants to
one another in love.* While free as to legalism, be *bound*
by Love (the article in the *Greek* personifies love in the
abstract) to serve one another ([Judges 1:4](../../../kjv/judges/1/4)). Here he hints at their unloving strifes springing out of
lust of power. "For the lust of power is the mother of heresies"
[CHRYSOSTOM].

**14. all the law**—*Greek,*
"the whole law," namely, the Mosaic law. *Love to God*
is presupposed as the root from which *love to our neighbor*
springs; and it is in this tense the latter *precept* (so "word"
means here) is said to be the fulfilling of "*all* the law"
([Leviticus 19:18](../../../kjv/leviticus/19/18)). Love is "the
law of Christ" ([Galatians 6:2](../../../kjv/galatians/6/2);
[Matthew 7:12](../../../kjv/matthew/7/12); [Matthew 22:39](../../../kjv/matthew/22/39);
[Matthew 22:40](../../../kjv/matthew/22/40); [Romans 13:9](../../../kjv/romans/13/9);
[Romans 13:10](../../../kjv/romans/13/10)).
**is fulfilled**—Not as
received text "is being fulfilled," but as the oldest
manuscripts read, "has been fulfilled"; and so "receives
its full perfection," as rudimentary teachings are fulfilled by
the more perfect doctrine. The law only united Israelites together:
the Gospel unites all men, and that in relation to God [GROTIUS].

**15. bite**—*backbite* the
character.
**devour**—the substance by
injuring, extortion, c. ([Habakkuk 1:13](../../../kjv/habakkuk/1/13)
[Matthew 23:14](../../../kjv/matthew/23/14); [2 Corinthians 11:20](../../../kjv/2-corinthians/11/20)).
**consumed,** &c.—Strength
of soul, health of body, character, and resources, are all consumed
by broils [BENGEL].

**16. This I say then**—Repeating
in other words, and explaining the sentiment in , What I mean is this."
**Walk in the Spirit**—*Greek,*
"By (the rule of) the (Holy) Spirit." Compare [Galatians 5:16-18](../../../kjv/galatians/5/16-18);
[Galatians 5:22](../../../kjv/galatians/5/22); [Galatians 5:25](../../../kjv/galatians/5/25);
[Galatians 6:1-8](../../../kjv/galatians/6/1-8); [Romans 7:22](../../../kjv/romans/7/22);
[Romans 8:11](../../../kjv/romans/8/11). The best way to keep
tares out of a bushel is to fill it with wheat.
**the flesh**—the natural
man, out of which flow the evils specified ([Romans 8:11](../../../kjv/romans/8/11)). The spirit and the flesh mutually exclude one another.
It is promised, not that we should have no evil lusts, but that we
should "not *fulfil*" them. If the spirit that is in
us can be at ease under sin, it is not a spirit that comes from the
Holy Spirit. The gentle dove trembles at the sight even of a hawk's
feather.

**17. For**—the reason why walking
by the Spirit will exclude fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, namely,
their mutual contrariety.
**the Spirit**—not
"lusteth," but "tendeth (or some such word is to be
supplied) against the flesh."
**so that ye cannot do the
things that ye would**—The Spirit strives against the flesh and
its evil influence; the flesh against the Spirit and His good
influence, *so that neither the one nor the other can be fully
carried out into action.* "But" () where "the Spirit" prevails, the issue of the
struggle no longer continues doubtful () [BENGEL]. The
*Greek* is, "that ye may not do the things that ye would."
"The flesh and Spirit are contrary one to the other," *so
that* you must distinguish what proceeds from the Spirit, and what
from the flesh; and *you must not fulfil what you desire according
to the carnal self,* but what the Spirit within you desires
[NEANDER]. But the
antithesis of [Galatians 5:18](../../../kjv/galatians/5/18) ("But,"
c.), where the conflict is *decided,* shows, I think, that here
[Galatians 5:17](../../../kjv/galatians/5/17) contemplates the
inability both for fully accomplishing the good we "would,"
owing to the opposition of the *flesh,* and for doing the *evil*
our flesh would desire, owing to the opposition of *the Spirit*
in the awakened man (such as the Galatians are assumed to be), until
we yield ourselves wholly by the Spirit to "walk by the Spirit"
([Galatians 5:16](../../../kjv/galatians/5/16) [Galatians 5:18](../../../kjv/galatians/5/18)).

**18.** "If ye *are* led
(give yourselves up to be led) *by* (*Greek*) the Spirit,
ye are not under the law." For ye are not working the works of
the flesh ([Galatians 5:16](../../../kjv/galatians/5/16); [Galatians 5:19-21](../../../kjv/galatians/5/19-21))
which bring one "under the law" ([Romans 8:2](../../../kjv/romans/8/2);
[Romans 8:14](../../../kjv/romans/8/14)). The "Spirit makes
free from the law of sin and death" ([Romans 8:14](../../../kjv/romans/8/14)). The law is made for a fleshly man, and for the works of
the flesh ([1 Timothy 1:9](../../../kjv/1-timothy/1/9)), "not
for a righteous man" ([Romans 6:14](../../../kjv/romans/6/14);
[Romans 6:15](../../../kjv/romans/6/15)).

**19-23.** Confirming , by showing the contrariety between the works of the flesh
and the fruit of the Spirit.
**manifest**—The hidden
*fleshly* principle betrays itself palpably by its works, so
that these are not hard to discover, and leave no doubt that they
come not from the Spirit.
**which are these**—*Greek,*
"such as," for instance.
**Adultery**—omitted in the
oldest manuscripts.
**lasciviousness**—rather,
"wantonness" petulance, capricious insolence; it may
display itself in "lasciviousness," but not necessarily or
constantly so ([Mark 7:21](../../../kjv/mark/7/21); [Mark 7:22](../../../kjv/mark/7/22),
where it is not associated with fleshly lusts) [TRENCH].
"Works" (in the plural) are attributed to the "flesh,"
because they are divided, and often at variance with one another, and
even when taken each one by itself, betray their fleshly origin. But
the "*fruit* of the Spirit" ([Mark 7:22](../../../kjv/mark/7/22)) is singular, because, however manifold the results, they
form one harmonious whole. The results of the flesh are not dignified
by the name "fruit"; they are but *works* ([Ephesians 5:9](../../../kjv/ephesians/5/9);
[Ephesians 5:11](../../../kjv/ephesians/5/11)). He enumerates those
fleshly "works" (committed against our neighbor, against
God, and against ourselves) to which the Galatians were most prone
(the Celts have always been prone to disputations and internal
strifes): and those manifestations of the *fruit* of the Spirit
most needed by them ([Galatians 5:13](../../../kjv/galatians/5/13);
[Galatians 5:15](../../../kjv/galatians/5/15)). This passage shows
that "the flesh" does not mean merely *sensuality,* as
opposed to *spirituality:* for "divisions" in the
catalogue here do not flow from sensuality. The identification of
"the natural (*Greek,* '*animal-souled*') man,"
with the "carnal" or *fleshly* man ([Galatians 5:15](../../../kjv/galatians/5/15)), shows that "the flesh" expresses *human nature
as estranged from God.* TRENCH
observes, as a proof of our fallen state, how much richer is every
vocabulary in words for sins, than in those for graces. Paul
enumerates *seventeen* "works of the flesh," only *nine*
manifestations of "the fruit of the Spirit" (compare [Galatians 5:15](../../../kjv/galatians/5/15)).

**20. witchcraft**—sorcery;
prevalent in Asia ([Acts 19:19](../../../kjv/acts/19/19);
compare [Galatians 5:21](../../../kjv/galatians/5/21)).
**hatred**—*Greek,*
"hatreds."
**variance**—*Greek,*
"strife"; singular in the oldest manuscripts.
**emulations**—in the
oldest manuscripts, singular—"emulation," or rather,
"jealousy"; for the sake of one's own advantage. "Envyings"
([Galatians 5:21](../../../kjv/galatians/5/21)) are even without
advantage to the person himself [BENGEL].
**wrath**—*Greek,*
plural, "passionate outbreaks" [ALFORD].
**strife**—rather as *Greek,*
"factions," "cabals"; derived from a *Greek*
root, meaning "a worker for hire": hence, *unworthy means
for compassing ends, factious practices.*
**seditions**—"dissensions,"
as to secular matters.
**heresies**—as to sacred
things (see on [Galatians 5:21](../../../kjv/galatians/5/21)).
Self-constituted *parties;* from a *Greek* root, to *choose.*
A *schism* is a more recent split in a congregation from a
difference of opinion. *Heresy* is a schism become inveterate
[AUGUSTINE, *Con.
Crescon. Don.,* 2,7].

**21. tell . . . before**—namely,
before the event.
**I . . . told*****you*****in time past**—when I was with you.
**you**—who, though
maintaining justification by the law, are careless about keeping the
law ([Romans 2:21-23](../../../kjv/romans/2/21-23)).
**not inherit . . . kingdom of
God**— ([1 Corinthians 6:9](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/6/9); [1 Corinthians 6:10](../../../kjv/1-corinthians/6/10);
[Ephesians 5:5](../../../kjv/ephesians/5/5)).

**22. love**—the leader of the
band of graces ().
**gentleness**—*Greek,*
"benignity," conciliatory to others; whereas "goodness,"
though ready to do good, has not such *suavity* of manner
[JEROME]. ALFORD
translates, "kindness."
**faith**—"faithfulness";
opposed to "heresies" [BENGEL].
ALFORD refers to , "Believeth all things": *faith* in the
widest sense, toward God and man. "Trustfulness" [CONYBEARE
and HOWSON].

**23. temperance**—The *Greek*
root implies *self-restraint* as to one's desires and lusts.
**against such**—not
*persons,* but things, as in .
**no law**—confirming , "Not under the law" ([1 Timothy 1:9](../../../kjv/1-timothy/1/9);
[1 Timothy 1:10](../../../kjv/1-timothy/1/10)). The law itself
commands love ([Galatians 5:14](../../../kjv/galatians/5/14)); so far
is it from being "against such."

**24.** The oldest manuscripts read,
"They that are of Christ Jesus"; they that belong to Christ
Jesus; being "led by (His) Spirit" ().
**have crucified the flesh**—They
nailed it to the cross once for all when they became Christ's, on
believing and being baptized ([Romans 6:3](../../../kjv/romans/6/3);
[Romans 6:4](../../../kjv/romans/6/4)): they keep it *now*
in a state of crucifixion ([Romans 6:6](../../../kjv/romans/6/6)):
so that the Spirit can produce in them, comparatively uninterrupted
by it, "the fruit of the Spirit" ([Romans 6:6](../../../kjv/romans/6/6)). "Man, by faith, is dead to the former standing point
of a sinful life, and rises to a new life ([Romans 6:6](../../../kjv/romans/6/6)) of communion with Christ ([Romans 6:6](../../../kjv/romans/6/6)). The act by which *they have crucified the flesh with its
lust,* is already accomplished ideally in principle. But the
practice, or outward conformation of the life, must harmonize with
the tendency given to the inward life" ([Romans 6:6](../../../kjv/romans/6/6)) [NEANDER]. We
are to be executioners, dealing cruelly with the body of sin, which
has caused the acting of all cruelties on Christ's body.
**with the
affections**—Translate, "with its passions." Thus they
are dead to the law's condemning power, which is only for the
fleshly, and their lusts ([Galatians 5:23](../../../kjv/galatians/5/23)).

**25. in . . . in**—rather, as
*Greek,* "If we live (see on ) BY the Spirit,
let us also walk ([Galatians 5:16](../../../kjv/galatians/5/16);
[Galatians 6:16](../../../kjv/galatians/6/16)) BY
the Spirit." Let our life in practice correspond to the ideal
inner principle of our spiritual life, namely, our standing by faith
as dead to, and severed from, sin, and the condemnation of the law.
"Life by (or 'in') the Spirit" is not an occasional
influence of the Spirit, but an abiding state, wherein we are
continually alive, though sometimes sleeping and inactive.

**26.** *Greek,* "Let us
not BECOME." While
not asserting that the Galatians are "*vainglorious*"
now, he says they are liable to *become* so.
**provoking one another**—an
effect of "vaingloriousness" on the *stronger:* as
"envying" is its effect on the *weaker.* A danger
common both to the orthodox and Judaizing Galatians.

```json
{"@context":"https://schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#website","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com","name":"Real Bible Believers","description":"RBB","publisher":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#/schema/person/e966585dde703268e7f6ae890ea98509"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/search?q={search_term_string}","query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians/5#primaryimage","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/images/missing.jpg","contentUrl":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/images/missing.jpg","width":640,"height":370,"caption":"Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Galatians 5"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians/5#webpage","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians/5","name":"Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible -  Galatians 5","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians/5#primaryimage"},"datePublished":null,"dateModified":null,"author":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#/schema/person/e966585dde703268e7f6ae890ea98509"},"description":"CHAPTER 5   :-. PERORATION.\nEXHORTATION TO STAND\nFAST IN THE GOSPEL\nLIBERTY, JUST\nSET FORTH,\nAND NOT TO BE\nLED BY JUDAIZERS\nINTO CIRCUMCISION, OR\nLAW JUST","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians/5#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians/5"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians/5#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/","name":"Home"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries","name":"Commentaries"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible","name":"Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":4,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians","name":"Galatians"}},{"@type":"ListItem","position":5,"item":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians/5","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/commentaries/commentary-critical-and-explanatory-on-the-whole-bible/galatians/5","name":"5"}}]},{"@type":["Person","Organization"],"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#/schema/person/e966585dde703268e7f6ae890ea98509","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#personlogo","inLanguage":"en-US","url":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/android-chrome-512x512.png","contentUrl":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/android-chrome-512x512.png","width":512,"height":512},"logo":{"@id":"https://realbiblebelievers.com/#personlogo"},"sameAs":["https://twitter.com/RBiblebeliever","https://www.facebook.com/RBibleBelievers"]}]}
```