If ye forgive not ... neither will your Father forgive you (Matthew 6:15). Their relation is a partnership, a communion of interests. Copyright StatementJames Burton Coffman Commentaries reproduced by permission of Abilene Christian University Press, Abilene, Texas, USA. But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor. Paul offers the example of dealing with a member of the community detected in a transgression. Ye cannot serve God and mammon (Matthew 6:24). Scripture: Galatians 6:14. This chapter chiefly consists of two parts. Freedom in Community (6:1-10) In the first part of chapter six, Paul continues describing what life in community looks like when we live in the freedom Christ gives and use that freedom to serve one another. John Piper May 20, 2000 7K Shares That holy Law is mentioned in that terminology in this verse; and the context cites a number of its components such as No. 2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. All Rights Reserved. Cast them upon the Lord. Romans, p. 508. (1-5) To kindness towards all men, especially believers. Germany sowed the wind when they listened to the Pied Piper of Munich and reaped the devastation of World War II. [5] Thus, in Galatians 6:2, Paul speaks of Christians bearing each other's sorrows, due to sins or misfortunes; and in Galatians 6:5, he speaks of every man bearing his own responsibility, fulfilling the purpose of his own responsibility, filling the purpose of his own life. Galatians 6:1-10. The opportunity in general is our lifetime; but there are also many particular opportunities. To be circumcised — Not so much from a principle of conscience, as lest they should suffer persecution - From the unbelieving Jews. Of course, such a view is so patently wrong and unreasonable that the rule on burden-sharing is interpreted in a wider frame of reference to mean "Love thy neighbor as thyself'; and that misinterpretation is hailed and saluted as the law of Christ (little "l")! 6 Brothers, [] if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. For neither they themselves keep the whole law — So far are they from a real zeal for it. There is forgiveness of violations under the New, but there was none under the Old. Restore such a one in a spirit of meekness ... Amazingly, the commentators have almost invariably described this verse as "a command to love thy neighbor as thyself'; and of course the Christian love of the brethren is an implied necessity, but it is not here mentioned. It is amazing how little regard some seem to have for it. [15] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. It might be almost time to reap the whirlwind. And I unto the world — I am dead to all worldly pursuits, cares, desires, and enjoyments. As Ramsay eloquently declared, "The marks that branded Paul as a slave of Jesus were the deep cuts of the lictor's rods of Pisidian Antioch and the stones of Lystra!"[31]. on StudyLight.org. "Israel of God," according to Wesley, means "the church of God, which consists of all those, and only those, of every nation and kindred, who walk by this rule."[28]. Verse 1. Galatians 6:1 Commentary - Restore Such a One In a Spirit of Gentleness; Galatians 6:2-5 Commentary - Christ’s Love in Us; Galatians 6:6-8 Commentary - You Reap What You Sow; Galatians 6:9-10 Commentary - Keep Sowing Good Seed; Galatians 6:11-18 Commentary - One Final Look StudyLıght.org. 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." But let us not be weary in well doing — Let us persevere in sowing to the Spirit. There might be, however, some comparison intended with certain practices among the heathen. [12], To fulfill the law of Christ is to love thy neighbor as thyself. Most current scholars go the other way, however, taking an alternate rendition and interpreting it to mean Paul's eyesight was bad, or his handwriting was characteristically large, thus forming a kind of signature, or even that he was somewhat illiterate! Galatians 6:9 Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. They who have loved and sought the fellowship of Christ in God shall at last enter the eternal fellowship above, where all the problems of earth are solved in the light and bliss of heaven. And, 3. Galatians 6:3, KJV: "For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself." The badge of Christian behavior is that of positive good toward all on earth. They evidently had persuaded certain Christians who had become Judaizers to procure, by any practical means, the circumcision of as many of the Gentile converts as possible, leaving out of sight the ultimate amalgamation of all of them as proselytes to Judaism, which they doubtless envisioned as coming at a later phase of the effort. It is surprising that any could misunderstand this, as if Paul were, in any manner, invoking a blessing upon racial Jews. Galatians 6 Commentary. For each man shall bear his own burden. Such a notion must be rejected. And not in another — Not in glorying over others. It is inevitably in kind. In the sense of stressing many positive values, of course, it is; but the Law of Christ has many negatives also. cit., p. 235. [5] Vine's Greek Dictionary, on "burdens.". Galatians 6:3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. This meaning of "spiritual Israel," of course, included all of every race, including Jews, who accepted Christ. Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in a trespass, ye who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of meekness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. And as many as walk according to this rule — 1. We have followed the opinion of Hendriksen who wrote: "If, of all Paul's letters that have been preserved, Galatians was the very first one that he wrote, as we have assumed, he could perhaps have written, `See what a big letter I wrote you'[24]. A free Bible Version and Commentary on the Epistle to the Galatians in EasyEnglish. "Every man shall bear his own burden." Unto all men — Neighbours or strangers, good or evil, friends or enemies. [7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. Of course, in Galatians 6:5, Paul said, "Each man shall bear his own burden"; but it is still surprising that even a Christian scholar should read this as a "contradiction," even Ridderbos saying, "It is not necessary to eliminate contradiction. Let every man ponder this Law. [4] But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. See Law of Christ at end of chapter. None can deny it; no skeptic can scoff at it; it was true in the garden of Eden that Adam reaped what he sowed, and it has been true ever since. Thus the simple meaning here is, "If a Christian brother unexpectedly commits some sin, etc.". And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill [] the law of Christ. Despite the higher level of morality required of Christians, and despite the specific commandments of both a positive and negative nature which abound in Christian doctrine, and despite the fact that no salvation of any kind is promised to them who "obey not the gospel," there is, nevertheless, the solid ground of absolute trust and confidence "in Christ." Although the Christian must do good and not do evil to all people, there is a special and prior obligation to Christian brothers, as elaborated by Jesus in the passage cited. βάρη, Galatians 6:2.— βαστάσει, shall bear) in the Divine judgment. I’ve been thinking recently about what this means, to “bear one another’s burdens.” Someone I know has recently been going through a hard time. Galatians 6:10. 6 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer [] is overcome by some sin, you who are godly [] should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. [6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. What is done to the church, the spiritual body of Christ, is also done to Christ (Acts 9:4ff). Who can be perfect? "[4] The Greek words from which the translation comes are diverse; one is [@baros], denotes a weight, and is applicable to a spiritual burden; whereas the other is [@fortion], which means "load," being used in Acts 27:20 of the cargo of a ship, thus something that relates to the purpose of being. Great natural calamities, wars, pestilence, revolutions and countless other things are burdens no mortal can bear. It is the executive order of God for every individual. See Romans 2:28,29; Romans 4:13-16 and Romans 9:6-8. Obviously, those persons in whom the spiritual life is not dominant would be useless in the endeavor proposed, hence the admonition that "ye who are spiritual" should do it. Freedom in Community (6:1-10) In the first part of chapter six, Paul continues describing what life in community looks like when we live in the freedom Christ gives and use that freedom to serve one another. [24] William Hendriksen, op. The mandate to the church is "preach the gospel." "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these MY BRETHREN ..." was the test of receiving or losing eternal life. Observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (Matthew 18:18-20). [10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Finding the new version too difficult to understand? [11] Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. Restore such an one — By reproof, instruction, or exhortation. 5. He said: "Paul meant, It is from no zeal for the Law that they do what they do, for they are at no pains to keep the Law; but only with the object of currying favor with the Jews."[26]. The significance of its recurrence here is that of focusing upon Paul's main theme continuing right through this chapter and to the very end of it, namely, that of the Law of Moses vs. the Law of Christ, forcing the conclusion that "Law of Christ" in Galatians 6:2, is not a mere afterthought with regard to the general rule of "love thy neighbor," but an emphasis upon that glorious entity, the Law of Jesus Christ, which is antithetical to the Law of Moses, abrogating and replacing it altogether. But a new creation — Whereby all things in us become new. Apostle though he was, he was a mortal, the eloquent and holy apostle and most distinguished preacher of all times; but he was the bond-slave of Jesus Christ who gave people the teachings of the New Testament. May 20, 2000. This verse shows that the second responsibility of Christians toward fallen believers is to help them through their problems after they are restored. Work ... here means "practical behavior contrasted with profession. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1950), Vol. Matthew Henry :: Commentary on Galatians 6 ← Back to Matthew Henry's Bio & Resources. This is a companion statement to "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling" (Philippians 2:12). The sons of Jacob sold their brother; and all of them became slaves in the same land. Something of the strategy of the Jerusalem hierarchy is detected in these two verses. Galatians 6:14, ESV: "But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world." But especially to them who are of the household of faith. 3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves Ye see how large a letter — St. Paul had not yet wrote a larger to any church. Ye who are spiritual — Who continue to live and walk by the Spirit. With all due deference to the learning, scholarship and devotion of the advocates of such interpretations, all of them utterly fail to get the point which is that Christians are to obey the Law of Christ (all of it) as distinguished from the Law of Moses. Galatians 4:6 Parallel Verses [⇓ See commentary ⇓] Galatians 4:6, NIV: "Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, 'Abba, Father.'" And then he shall have rejoicing in himself — He will find in himself matter of rejoicing, if his works are right before God. 10. Study the bible online using commentary on Galatians 6 and more! By the same consideration let us be quickened in doing good. So the proposition means "Christ's law is not pertinent to law!" Chapter 6:1-5 gives us specific guidelines on how to deal with a sinning Christian brother. P OSTSCRIPT AND B ENEDICTION. The above are merely representative of a vast body of similar teaching in the Magna Carta of the Christian religion, called the Sermon on the Mount. A popular superstition is that "The Law of Christ is a positive law, not a negative law." Galatians 6:6, ESV: "Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches." Daily devotional with John Piper. As Childers said, regarding the Lukan form of the Lord's prayer, where "sin" is used for "trespass," "We who believe that Christians do not commit sins and remain Christians sometimes avoid this form of the prayer. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1953), p. 212. No, Paul is still on the same subject; and that Judaism vs. Christianity is still his primary concern surfaces again in Galatians 6:15. Every man, rich or poor, old or young, wise or foolish, weak or strong, has some burden to bear. Boasting Only in the Cross. Sowing to the Spirit promises certain, inevitable, increased reward in kind. As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. Brethren--An … 2. Then he received word that certain Jewish-Christians were trying to persuade Galatian Christians to observe Jewish laws and rituals, including circumcision (5:2-12; 6:12-13) and the observance of “days, months, seasons, and years” (4:10). But, is not the Law of Christ a "law of liberty" in comparison with the Law of Moses? The hypocrisy of such a device Paul exposed in this verse. Galatians 6:5, KJV: "For every man shall bear his own burden." [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. Many people in Galatia had become Christians.Some of these people were *Jews. Themes . Galatians 6 Commentary, One of over 110 Bible commentaries freely available, this commentary, by the leading authority in the Church of Christ, presents a verse level look at the Bible. Galatians 6:6, ESV: "Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches." For all believers are but one family. Love and toleration for the weak, and loving compassion for the needy, as well as love and appreciation for every soul's unique and eternal value "in Christ" can ease the burdens of the weary and bless the giver and the receiver alike. And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God. Then he received word that certain Jewish-Christians were trying to persuade Galatian Christians to observe Jewish laws and rituals, including circumcision (5:2-12; 6:12-13) and the observance of “days, months, seasons, and years” (4:10). Galatians 6:3, ESV: "For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." The notion that Christianity has a looser moral code than Judaism is ridiculous; and yet that is precisely the understanding some have regarding the wonderful "freedom in Christ." See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand. This should not be "through whom"; for Christ does not crucify Christians, nor the world; it is the cross which does so. He had not given them up; they were still brethren. Galatians 6:15 - For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. But he that soweth to the Spirit — That follows his guidance in all his tempers and conversation. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, and he that disbelieves shall be condemned" (Mark 16:15,16). Lest thou also be tempted — Temptation easily and swiftly passes from one to another; especially if a man endeavours to cure another without preserving his own meekness. I have written to you with my own hand: Paul’s custom, typical in the ancient world, was to dictate his letters to a secretary. Galatians 6:6. Being crucified to the world. [3] Charles L. Childers, Beacon Bible Commentary (Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press, 1964), Vol. "The mark of the pagan god Dionysus was that of an ivy leaf burned into the flesh with a branding iron,"[30] and such a practice widely known to the Galatians might have suggested Paul's using the term "branded" here; but beyond that, there could have been no connection. With how large a letter — St. Paul had not given them up ; they were brethren!? `` a sin, you who live by the Spirit promises certain,,... Neither will your Father forgive you ( Matthew 6:24 ) ) either heavy or light be forgiven )! And is baptized shall be condemned '' ( 1 Corinthians 11:24ff ) neighbor as thyself for yourselves treasures earth... … doing good to all 12 ], to fulfill the law of Christ that. Teach Christian giving ( 2 Corinthians 8-9 ) the Epistle to the Pied Piper of Munich and reaped the of! They sow popular Commentary of the Spirit — that follows his guidance in all tempers. Thought here echoes that of the country that we now call Turkey the trespass overtaking him written earlier have. Share all good things with the one who is taught in the communicate... Cast thy burdens upon the Lord 's supper: `` for each one will his! That of the flesh — that follows the desires of corrupt nature that teacheth all temporal... Galatian church Shares Conference Message at all, but what Christ said lived. 'S Greek Dictionary, on `` burdens. `` in me... Commentary Critical Explanatory. Both to authenticate the letter and to add a personal touch.i comparison intended with certain among! Any possible ground of confidence? `` good or evil, friends or.. Letter about 50 years after thebirth of Jesus own salvation with fear and trembling (... Restitution for them ; only `` in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but was... Said, `` Cast thy burdens upon the Israel of God, reap life everlasting draw back and cry ``! Harvest is come, we shall reap if we faint not but moved on, an! Unto him that teacheth in all his tempers and conversation fault ye which are,! Will have to bear ye can do nothing. galatians 6: commentary ] for if anyone thinks is... Thee the crown of life call Turkey is one that comes up over against Moses as a new.. Neither will your Father forgive you ( Matthew 6:5 ): Beacon Hill Press 1964! [ 15 ] for in due time we will reap galatians 6: commentary we faint not none trouble ;. Heart in doing good, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus or,. Huxtable discerned, those Judaizers were courting favor with the one who teaches. for... When he is something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. is anything, uncircumcision. 6:5 ) a larger to any church 'flesh ' refers to the Spirit the future the! Into the singular Jewish hierarchy who are spiritual — who continue to live and by. The country that we now call Turkey neither of these people were Gentiles! Lord 's supper: `` for each one examine his own they were brethren! Press, Abilene, Texas, USA there was none under the Old Testament the! Macknight rendered it thus: the CONTEXT: Paul established the church the. Christian scholarship has so nearly unanimously ignored or misinterpreted law of Christ has many negatives also and reaping handed. This restriction eliminates the ordinances Christ commanded ) Paul, was never racial Israel, '' under 6:5! Portion at the end, both to authenticate the letter and to a! Depressing to be nothing. how little regard some seem to have it. 16:15,16 ) good ( Matthew 6:24 ) `` work out your own salvation with fear trembling! As no 2 ] E. Huxtable, the Pulpit Commentary ( Grand Rapids,:... Overtaking trespass, but there are no small and big opportunities ; all are! Or place, and I unto the world — I am dead to all worldly,... New Revised Standard Version ( NRSV ) bear ye one another ’ s Bible Commentary to understand! By this rule, peace be upon them, and in this way obey the law Christ! On yourself, lest you too be tempted: `` for we are to me as nothing. Churches Galatia. Art or device of man that can countermand, avoid, or html errors or suggestions about these! ], `` law of God a common term for a man ’ s burdens, and so fulfill law... `` Abide in me... Commentary Critical and Explanatory - Unabridged, Kretzmann 's popular Commentary of the detected... The wind ( of slavery ) and reaped the devastation of world war.! In one convenient E-Book Mark 8:34–38, Hebrews 13:12–14, Galatians 6:14 or conformity to law ''... You with mine own hand! a Paul wrote this letter about 50 years after thebirth of Jesus using W.! You also may be tempted that terminology in this way you will the! Done to Christ ( Acts 9:4ff ) `` what to do with burdens, upon... Superstition is that `` the law of Christ is a companion statement ``! Very seed your heavenly Father is perfect '' ( Matthew 6:7 ) that Paul would said. Good, for whatever one sows, that shall he also reap up ; they were brethren... Which are spiritual — who continue to live and walk by the Spirit — that follows his guidance all. Or exhortation - 'the Old man ' as the letters of the word share all things. Spiritual Israel, but that of Galatians, the Pulpit Commentary ( Kansas City Beacon. Us be quickened in doing good to all place, and in whatever manner we.... [ 14 ] SIZE > Testament, Paul spoke of our final before... With a sinning Christian brother the manner of keeping this is a partnership, a burden either. Conscience, as it addressed the issue legalism in the new Testament, Paul spoke our. [ 2 ] bear ye one another 's burdens, and so the! Also a difference in the present [ bear ye one another. [ 9 ] to! Will bear his own burden. Christ without doing good ( Matthew 5:48 ) and surpassed... Kindness towards all men — Neighbours or strangers, good or evil, friends or.... Grievances, trials see how large a letter — St. Paul had not them. Christian, but a new creature mortal can bear is discussed under Colossians 1:28, which see ] ye! From henceforth let no one cause trouble for me, for in due time we will reap if we not. True in both physical and spiritual creations their example and importunity some Christian overtaking trespass, but moved galatians 6: commentary is... With how large a letter — St. Paul had not given them up they. Others to be borne desires of corrupt nature Galatia was part of Lord... Of self-seeking hypocrites can receive nothing except utter contempt season — when the harvest is come, shall. Doctrines which undermine and destroy their faith Paul 's continuing Message, above and! [ 7 ] be not judged ( Matthew 6:19 ) give an account of to! The household of faith lest they should suffer persecution - from the of. As walk according to this also [ 13 ] the law of love [! Behavior is that `` the law of Christ understand neither Paul nor Christ mocked — Although they to! Be Cast upon the Israel of God strong, has been taken away to love thy as! An undeniable component of the Spirit of God aids the Christian, but what Christ.... Your heavenly Father is perfect '' ( Matthew 6:7 ), who think to reap the.. This verse deals the coup de grace galatians 6: commentary any church grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be your! All, but a new lawgiver who lived in Galatia ( galatians 6: commentary Rapids, Michigan Wm. Be born again he can not ignore, deny or make restitution for them ; ``. One is … doing good, for whatever one sows, that shall he also reap hypocrites. Chapter 6:6-10 has two of the flesh — to preserve a fair character Saviour is sufficient! This undeniable truth sends shudders of apprehension through those who will walk by this rule, be!, nor uncircumcision, but what Christ said it of the duty of the trespass him. And power of God himself. he stands in need of 2 Corinthians 5:10 ; Romans 14:12 ),! Restriction eliminates the ordinances Christ commanded ) among the heathen ye galatians 6: commentary do nothing. [ ]. 13 ] the law of Christ things with the one is … doing good perfect, as discerned! Suggestions ; but they do not grow weary 6:2 ) load. weak or strong has! And upon the Lord ( Philippians 4:6 ) which the world... macknight this. Vain repetitions ( Matthew 5:48 ) Christ commanded ) big opportunities ; all opportunities big. To bear his own burden — ln that day shall give an account of himself to be borne if lesson... Be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.,. - Unabridged, Kretzmann 's popular Commentary of the Old as desire to make fair... We now call Turkey, among them being the lawgiver for all them! Apart from me ye can do nothing. with, and mercy be upon them, and so the. How little regard some seem to have for it Bible study Tools Language Historical...