Galatians 6:1
"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are
spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering
thyself, lest thou also be tempted."
“Overtaken”:
This word may imply the person was actually seen committing the sin
or that he was caught or snared by the sin itself.
“In a fault”
(or, “by some transgression”): The sin in view is a deliberate
overstepping of divine boundaries.
“Ye which are
spiritual” refers to those who walk by the Spirit (5:16), in whose
life the fruit of the Spirit is found (5:22-23). The “man” who is
“overtaken” by willful sin is also a Christian, but he has not
been walking by the Spirit. Those believers who are walking in the
Spirit filled with the Spirit and evidencing the fruit of the Spirit.
“Restore”:
sometimes used metaphorically of settling disputes or arguments, it
literally means “to mend” or “repair,” and was used of
setting a broken bone or repairing a dislocated limb (Heb. 12:12-13;
see notes on Rom. 15:1; 1 Thess. 5:14-15).
The spiritual
brethren are to “restore” the erring brother. This word is used
of mending fishing nets (Matt. 4:21) and of people mending their ways
(2 Cor. 13:11). Restore means therefore to bring a person back to his
former moral condition. The words were also used in secular Greek for
setting broken bones, which has to be done gently.
“Spirit of
meekness”:
So the church is to
restore the lapsed “in the spirit of meekness” (i.e.,
gentleness). The grievous and sensitive wounds caused by sin must be
handled delicately.
“Considering you:”
Those restoring the fallen must individually keep constant watch over
their own lives. The spiritual man can be morally dragged down as he
deals with the sin of this carnal counterpart. Also “observing”,
the Greek form strongly emphasizes a continual, diligent
attentiveness.
This is speaking of
the brothers and sisters in Christ. Just as in the parable of the 100
sheep, where one was lost was speaking of Christians. The one that
was lost was a sheep the same as the ninety and nine that did not get
lost. It is not
impossible
for a Christian to make a mistake and sin in the process. It is very
important for that person to be restored to the group as soon as
possible.
If they repent of
the sin, we are not to keep on bringing it up, or remembering it.
These who are stronger in their walk, because of the Spirit of God
within them, should lead the way in forgiving them. Who knows, the
next temptation that comes, may be this spiritual man's. The person,
who sinned, must repent and turn from that sin. He cannot go on
committing that same sin.
Galatians 6:2
"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of
Christ."
“Bear ye one
another’s burdens”: “Burdens” are extra heavy loads, which
here represent difficulties or problems people have trouble dealing
with. “Bear” connotes carrying something with endurance.
Contextually, the
“burdens” are the moral faults of verse 1, but can have wider
application to other kinds of burdens. “The law of Christ” is the
sum of all of Jesus’ teachings and desires; it is Christianity
itself.
This brings to mind
the black man who carried the cross for Jesus. We must carry the
burdens of those around us, if we are Christians. The law of Christ,
spoken of here, is loving your neighbor as yourself. The load can be
much lighter, if we help carry that load.
“The law of
Christ”: The law of love which fulfills the entire law.
Galatians 6:3
"For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing,
he deceiveth himself."
“For” gives a
reason to bear the burdens of others (verse 2). When “a man”
[thinks] “himself” to be morally above reproach, he has no
sympathy with the flaws of others. Mutual bearing of others’ moral
burdens helps a person retain a sober, ethical estimate of him.
This is speaking of
a conceited person. Paul, is perhaps speaking of some of the
Galatians, because of their being Jews who thought themselves to
better than others. The thing that would make them nothing in this
case, is the fact that they are still looking to the law instead of
grace. Let others elevate you up. It looks conceited, if you do it
yourself.
Galatians 6:4
"But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have
rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another."
“Prove”:
Literally “to approve something after testing it.” Believers
first must be sure their lives are right with God before giving
spiritual help to others (Matt. 7:3-5).
“Then shall he
have rejoicing” If a believer rejoices or boasts, it should be only
boasting in the Lord for what God has done in him (2 Cor. 12:12-18),
not for what he supposedly has accomplished compared to other
believers (see note on 1 Cor. 1:30-31).
The self-delusion of
verse 3 is caused by an inflated comparison of one’s moral life
with the known faults of his Christian brother. To prevent this,
“every man” is to “prove” [examine] “his own work” (i.e.,
life, virtues, and deeds). Then his “rejoicing” shall be “in
himself alone, and not in another:”
Joy comes not from
comparing one’s moral strengths with the weaknesses of others, but
in realizing that one measures up to God’s standard by God’s
help.
If your work is of
God, it will prove itself. Do your best, work hard, and know in your
heart that you are doing the very best that you can. Regardless of
the outcome, you can be proud within yourself that you have done your
best.
Galatians 6:5
"For every man shall bear his own burden."
“Bear his own
burden”: This is not a contradiction to verse 2. “Load” has no
connotation of difficulty; it refers to life’s routine obligations
and each believer’s ministry calling (Matt. 11:30; 1 Cor. 3:12-15;
2 Cor. 5:10). God requires faithfulness in meeting those
responsibilities.
In justifying “and
not in another” of verse 4, “for” tells why one must not
compare himself with others: each believer must shoulder “his own
burden” (i.e., that specific task and responsibility divinely
assigned an individual).
Instead of comparing
one’s virtues with the moral blemishes of another, one is to
compare himself with his own achievements against the backdrop of the
responsibilities given him by God. No contradiction exists between
verses 2 and 5.
The Greek work for
burdens in verse 2 is baros, there meaning moral weakness – a
burden too heavy for a person to bear alone. The word for burden in
verse 5 is phortion, meaning a personal responsibility that can and
should be borne by the individual.
Whatever job God
gave you to do, it is yours alone. You should not try to push off
your work on someone else. You are the best for the job God gave you
to do.
Galatians 6:6
"Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that
teacheth in all good things."
“Communicate”
(or, share): Christians are to share their material possessions with
their teachers. Ministers must of necessity be compensated for the
loss of income sustained in fulfilling their pastoral
responsibilities.
“All good things”:
Although this expression could refer to material compensation, the
context suggest that Paul is referring to the spiritually and morally
excellent things learned from the Word, in which they fellowship
together. Paul uses this same term to describe the gospel (Rom.
10:15; Heb. 9:11).
This is saying, if
God has shown you something about the Word of God, you are to share
it with other teachers, so they can teach the truth, also. This is,
also, saying that those taught are to help with the day to day needs
of the teacher.
Galatians 6:7
"Be
not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that
shall he also reap."
“Mocked
(outwitted, outfoxed): To disobey God’s commands and then escape
divine punishment would be to outwit God, thus making a mockery of
Him and His Word. “Soweth” means “does,” “practices.”
“Reap” could also be said, “be requited,” “recompensed.”
Contextually, the Galatians cannot disregard the command to support
their Christian instructors (verse 6) and escape divine discipline.
“Whatsoever a man
soweth … reap”: This agricultural principle, applied
metaphorically to the moral and spiritual realm, is universally true
(Job 4:8; Prov. 1:31-33; Hos. 8:7; 10:12). This law is a form of
God’s wrath. See note on Rom. 1:18.
You cannot plant an
English pea, and get a stalk of corn. Whatever you sow, is what your
crop will be. On judgment day, we will receive according to what we
sowed on this earth. God is keeping the account book. We cannot fool
Him.
Galatians 6:8
"For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap
corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap
life everlasting."
“For” expands
the principle of verse 7 to wider application. “Soweth to his
flesh” means to conduct oneself by the evil dictates and desires of
the sinful nature, thus practicing the deeds of the flesh (5:19-21).
“Soweth to his
flesh”: Here it means pandering to the flesh’s evil desires.
“Corruption”:
From the Greek word for degeneration, as in decaying food. Sin always
corrupts and, when left unchecked, always makes a person
progressively worse in character (Rom. 6:23). Such a person “shall
… reap corruption,” that is, be requited with eternal
destruction.
“Soweth to the
Spirit” means to live by His enabling help in accord with the
Spirit’s prompting and leading, thus cultivating the fruit of
5:22-23. Such a person “shall … reap life everlasting,” that
is, be rewarded with eternal life. To walk by the Holy Spirit.
With whatever
measure we measure to others, God will measure back to us. A person
who lives for self will die lonely. The actions we take in this life
toward others are like a seed sown that we will reap in heaven.
Jesus said; in as
much as you have done it unto the least of these, you have done it
unto me. A Christian's rewards are not for this world, but are for
heaven. If we live a fleshly life, we will reap the whirlwind
Matthew 19:29 "And
every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or
father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's
sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting
life."
Sowing good here on
the earth means that we are storing up treasures in heaven. Whatever
we plant is the crop we will get.
Galatians 6:9
"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we
shall reap, if we faint not."
Since it is only a
matter of time before the Christian shall “reap” divine reward
(verse 8), then he is “not” to “be weary in well doing.”
1 Corinthians 15:58
"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable,
always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that
your labour is not in vain in the Lord."
The truth of the
matter is that Christians never seem to tire of doing well. That is
what separates them from the rest of the world. The world is selfish.
Christians are thoughtful of others. When the Lord returns for His
own we must be found working to get one more saved, before it is too
late.
I have said it
before, but it bears repeating, the only way some people know Jesus
is by seeing Him in the actions of His believers.
Galatians 6:10
"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all
[men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
“Opportunity”:
This Greek word refers to a distinct, fixed time period, rather than
occasional moments. Paul’s point is that the believer’s entire
life provides the unique privilege by which he can serve others in
Christ’s name. Owing to the certainty of being divinely rewarded
(verses 8-9); believers are urged to seize each “opportunity” to
“do well.”
Contextually, doing
good refers to the ministry of restoration (verse 1), bearing one
another’s burdens (verse 2), supporting teachers (verse 6), sowing
to (living in accord with the leading of) the Spirit (verse 8), and
general perseverance (verse 9). Believers are to minister first “unto
them who are of the household of faith” (Christians), and second,
to the rest of the world.
“Especially …
the household of faith”: Our love for fellow Christians is the
primary test of our love for God (see notes on John 13:34-35; Rom.
12:10-13; 1 John 4:21).
You are not
responsible for all the people in the world who have a problem, but
you are responsible to help those whose needs come to your attention.
If a neighbor is out of food, take him some food. We are supposed to
help all who we come into contact with who have a need.
This says especially
your Christian brothers and sisters. If God has blessed you with more
than is necessary for you to live on, share with someone less
fortunate. Be quick to distribute to those in need. It is better to
give them an opportunity, than it is to give them a hand-out. They
keep their self-esteem when you give them an opportunity.
Verses 11-17: This
closing section of the letter is Paul’s final rhetorical attack
against the Judaizers’ doctrine (see notes on 1:7-9) and motives.
It is also a positive statement of his own godly motives in preaching
the true gospel.
Galatians 6:11
"Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own
hand."
“See how large a
letter”: this can be interpreted in two ways: (1) Paul’s poor
eyesight forced him to use large letters 4:13, 15); or (2) Instead of
the normal cursive style of writing used by professional scribes, he
used the large, block letters (frequently employed in public notices)
to emphasize the letter’s content rather than its form.
It was a visible
picture that contrasted his concern with the content of the gospel
for the Judaizers’ only concern: appearances. The expression served
as a transition to his concluding remarks.
“I have written …
mind own hand”: The verse could be rendered: “Note with what
large letters I am writing you with my own hand.” As a good
translation of the Greek verb, this indicates that Paul wrote the
entire letter by his own hand, not merely penning a brief statement
at the end of dictation to a secretary as he did other times (1 Cor.
16:21; Col. 4:18; 2 Thess. 3:17).
Paul wrote this
letter himself to make sure the Galatians knew he – not some forger
– was writing it, and to personalize the document, given the
importance and severity of its contents.
Many times, the
actual writing of Paul's letters was done by someone else, but he
says here, that he wrote this himself.
Galatians 6:12
"As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they
constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer
persecution for the cross of Christ."
Fair shew”: The
Judaizers were motivated by religious pride and wanted to impress
others with their external piety (Matt. 6:1-7).
“Constrain you to
be circumcised”:
“Should suffer
persecution”: The Judaizers were more concerned about their
personal safety than correct doctrine. By adhering more to the Mosaic
Law than to the gospel of Jesus, they hoped to avoid social and
financial ostracism from other Jews and maintain their protected
status as Jews within the Roman Empire.
The Judaizers want
to make a good outward appearance (“make a fair show in the flesh”)
by circumcising the readers. The reason is so that they will not
“suffer persecution” caused by the gospel. The gospel was
somewhat tolerable for orthodox Jews if accompanied by circumcision
and obedience to their law.
So Judaizers,
wanting to hold to the gospel, can disarm Jewish hostility by
preaching grace and law. The legalists have their own interest at
heart, not the Galatians’.
These Judaizers
wanted to look good to their Jewish friends. This circumcising is a
show for flesh worship. It appears that even though they have
proclaimed Jesus as their Savior, they are not willing to suffer the
ridicule from their Jewish brothers. They were not willing to suffer
for Christ.
Galatians 6:13
"For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law;
but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your
flesh."
“Circumcised”:
Specifically, in this case, the Judaizers.
“Glory in your
flesh”: They zealously worked to win Gentile converts to the law so
they could brag about their effective proselytizing (Matt. 23:15).
They are trying to
prove how religious they are by telling that they are circumcised.
They do not even keep the law themselves, but want to impose this
custom on others to show their religion.
They thought they
might avoid being classed with the Christians, if they continued to
practice circumcising. They were trying to stay in both camps. They
wanted everlasting life that Christianity offered, but they kept this
ordinance, so as not to lose their place with the Jews.
Galatians 6:14
"But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our
Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto
the world."
“Glory (or boast),
save in the cross”: The Greek word for “boast” is a basic
expression of praise, unlike the English words, which necessarily
includes the aspect of pride. Paul glories and rejoices in the
sacrifice of Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:1-3; 1 Cor. 2:2; 1 Pet. 2:4).
Unlike the
Judaizers, who brag about their religious accomplishments, Paul takes
pleasure only in Jesus’ atonement and all the spiritual blessings
it brings. “The world” is the world system. Paul has renounced
his old life and all its ways, along with its values and religious
accomplishments in which he used to boast.
“The world”: The
evil, satanic system.
“Crucified unto
me, and I unto the world”: The world is spiritually dead to
believers, and they are dead to the world.
Paul was not
interested in anything bringing him personal glory. Paul was
rejoicing in the salvation that he received by Jesus when He gave
Himself on the cross. Paul is saying that he glories in his
salvation.
Nothing in this
world offered anything to Paul. He was waiting for that glorious day
in heaven with Jesus. Paul was saying; I am in the world, but this
world means nothing to me. My home is in heaven. Paul, like all
believers, had the hope of the resurrection.
Galatians 6:15
"For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor
uncircumcision, but a new creature."
“Circumcision …
nor uncircumcision”:
“A new creature”:
The new birth.
In God’s sight
“neither” the external “circumcision” of the flesh “nor”
its omission (“uncircumcision”) “availeth” (profits). Only
being divinely transformed into “a new creature” (creation), this
is, a morally new and different person, benefits one spiritually.
Nothing in the flesh
means anything. We will discard this house of flesh and receive our
spiritual body. The thing that does matter is that we are born again.
We are a new creature in Christ. Christ liveth in us. This world is
not our home. We are a stranger in this land. Our home is in heaven
with Jesus.
Galatians 6:16
"And as many as walk according to this rule, peace [be] on them,
and mercy, and upon the Israel of God."
“As
many as walk according to this rule” could also be stated, “All
who follow this principle” (namely, the principle of the new
creation of verse 15). The verse’s final “and” seems to
distinguish between Gentile Christians (“as many as walk”) and
Jewish Christians (“the Israel of God”).
Canonicity:
The word canon originally meant “reed” (a measuring rule) and
came to signify a standard for determining which books were
Scripture.
The
books placed in Scripture:
(1)
Were considered inspired;
(2)
Gave evidence of containing revelation;
(3)
Gave evidence of apostolicity; and
(4) Were uniquely
used by the Holy Spirit.
When the church
finally collected the 66 books into a “canon,” it did not make
the books become Scripture: the church was only recognizing what God
had done. The books were Scripture the moment they were written.
Not all Christian
literature of the first century is included in the canon, only that
which is inspired. The church at Ephesus was one of the first to
collect the books of the New Testament, and it carefully examined
them before endorsement (Rev. 2:2). As Christians read the
Scriptures, they should walk according to their rule. (Exodus 19:5;
Gal. 6:16; Psalm 119:18).
“Peace … and
mercy”: the results of salvation: “Peace” is the believer’s
new relationship to God (Rom. 5:1; 8:6; Col. 3:15), and “mercy”
is the forgiveness of all his sins and the setting aside of God’s
judgment (Psalm 25:6; Dan. 9:18; Matt. 5:7; Luke 1:50; Rom. 12:1;
Eph. 2:4; Titus 3:5).
“Israel of God”:
All Jewish believers in Christ, i.e., those who are both physical and
spiritual descendants of Abraham.
Paul is making a
difference in Israel in the flesh and Israel in the Spirit, here.
Christians, who walk according to the Spirit, are the Israel he
speaks of that will have peace and mercy.
Romans 9:6 "Not
as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they [are] not
all Israel, which are of Israel:"
Galatians 6:17
"From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body
the marks of the Lord Jesus."
“Marks of the Lord
Jesus”: The physical results of persecution (scars), wounds, etc.)
That identified Paul as one who had suffered for the Lord (Acts
14:19; 16:22; 2 Cor. 11:25).
Unlike the Judaizers
who make much ado about the now irrelevant, insignificant mark of
circumcision, Paul bears bodily “marks” which do mean something.
They are the wounds and injuries incurred in serving God, the results
of having willingly accepted “the persecution for the cross,”
which the legalists seek to avoid (verse 12).
Paul had born many
stripes, because he would not renounce Jesus Christ as Messiah. Paul
is explaining to them, whether they believe him or not, he belongs to
Christ. His message brought to them was as an apostle of God. He is
saying, he does not need their confidence in him to let him know he
belongs to Christ. He says, "Leave me alone".
Galatians 6:18
"Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your
spirit. Amen."
Even Paul’s final
benediction implicitly extols the superiority of the gospel of grace
over any man-made system of works righteousness.
This whole book has
been about the unmerited favor of God on his people. The one word is
grace. Paul speaks to their spirit man and asks grace. "Amen"
means, so be it.
To close, I would
like to say that it is evident that salvation through Jesus Christ is
a free gift. We do nothing to earn our salvation. It is just as
evident that we must remain steadfast in the salvation we received.
Law and grace are like oil and water, they will not mix. Choose life
in the grace of God.