112 lines
31 KiB
HTML
112 lines
31 KiB
HTML
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN">
|
|
<head>
|
|
<title>Blue Letter Bible: Text Commentaries</title>
|
|
<script src="../../../js/basepath.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|
|
<script src="./js/nav.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|
|
<script src="./js/MainHeader.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|
|
<script type="text/javascript">
|
|
PriorBook = '2 Corinthians';
|
|
PriorBookURL = './Comm/jfb/2Cr/2Cr000.html';
|
|
PriorChapter = 'Galatians 4';
|
|
PriorChapterURL = './Comm/jfb/Gal/Gal004.html';
|
|
NextBook = 'Ephesians';
|
|
NextBookURL = './Comm/jfb/Eph/Eph000.html';
|
|
NextChapter = 'Galatians 6';
|
|
NextChapterURL = './Comm/jfb/Gal/Gal006.html';
|
|
Title = 'The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians';
|
|
SubTitle1 = 'Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET';
|
|
SubTitle2 = '';
|
|
SubTitle3 = 'CHAPTER 5';
|
|
SubTitle3Cased = 'Chapter 5';
|
|
Author = ' Jamieson, Fausset & Brown';
|
|
imageMasthead = 'jfb.gif';
|
|
authorCite = 'Robert Jamieson; A.R. Fausset; and David Brown';
|
|
</script>
|
|
<script src="./js/Comms/JFB.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|
|
</head><body>
|
|
<p id="Chapter5" align="center">Commentary by A. R. FAUSSET<br>CHAPTER 5
|
|
<p id="Ga5_1"><a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,'1-26');">Gal 5:1-26</a>. 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.
|
|
<p><b>1.</b> The oldest manuscripts read, "in liberty (so ALFORD, MOBERLEY, HUMPHRY, and ELLICOTT. But as there is no <i>Greek</i> for 'in,' as there is in translating in <a onclick="return mV('1Cr',16,13);">1Cr 16:13</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Phl',1,27);">Phl 1:27</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Phl',4,1);">4:1</a>, I prefer 'It is FOR freedom that') Christ hath made us free (not <i>in,</i> or <i>for,</i> a state of bondage). Stand fast, therefore, and be not entangled again <i>in</i> a yoke of bondage" (namely, the law, <a onclick="return mV('Gal',4,24);">Gal 4:24</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Act',15,10);">Act 15:10</a>). On "again," see on JFB for <a href="./Comm/jfb/Gal/Gal004.html#Ga4_9">Gal 4:9</a>.
|
|
<p id="Ga5_2"><b>2. Behold</b>—that is, Mark what I say.
|
|
<br><br><b>I Paul</b>—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.
|
|
<br><br><b>if ye be circumcised</b>—not as ALFORD, "If you will <i>go on being</i> circumcised." Rather, "If ye suffer yourselves to be circumcised," namely, under the notion of its being necessary to <i>justification</i> (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,4);">Gal 5:4</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Act',15,1);">Act 15:1</a>). Circumcision here is not regarded simply by itself (for, viewed as a mere <i>national</i> rite, it was practiced for conciliation's sake by Paul himself, <a onclick="return mV('Act',16,3);">Act 16:3</a>), but as the symbol of <i>Judaism</i> and <i>legalism in general.</i> 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.
|
|
<br><br><b>Christ...profit...nothing</b>— (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',2,21);">Gal 2:21</a>). 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].
|
|
<p id="Ga5_3"><b>3. For</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "Yea, more"; "Moreover."
|
|
<br><br><b>I testify...to every man</b>—as well as "unto you" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,2);">Gal 5:2</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>that is circumcised</b>—that submits to be circumcised. Such a one became a "proselyte of righteousness."
|
|
<br><br><b>the whole law</b>—impossible for man to keep even in part, much less <i>wholly</i> (<a onclick="return mV('Jam',2,10);">Jam 2:10</a>); yet none can be justified by the law, unless he keep it <i>wholly</i> (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',3,10);">Gal 3:10</a>).
|
|
<p id="Ga5_4"><b>4.</b> Literally, "Ye have become void from Christ," that is, your connection with Christ has become void (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,2);">Gal 5:2</a>). <a onclick="return mV('Rom',7,2);">Rom 7:2</a>, "<i>Loosed</i> from the law," where the same <i>Greek</i> occurs as here.
|
|
<br><br><b>whosoever of you are justified</b>—"are being justified," that is, are <i>endeavoring</i> to be justified.
|
|
<br><br><b>by the law</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "IN the law," as the element <i>in</i> which justification is to take place.
|
|
<br><br><b>fallen from grace</b>—Ye no longer "<i>stand</i>" in grace (<a onclick="return mV('Rom',5,2);">Rom 5:2</a>). Grace and legal righteousness cannot co-exist (<a onclick="return mV('Rom',4,4,5);">Rom 4:4-5</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Rom',11,6);">11:6</a>). Christ, by circumcision (<a onclick="return mV('Luk',2,21);">Luk 2:21</a>), 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" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,3);">Gal 5:3</a>). 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 <i>bound,</i> imagined there was an efficacy in them to merit a higher degree of <i>perfection</i> (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',3,3);">Gal 3:3</a>). This accounts for Paul not referring to the decree at all. He took much higher ground. See PALEY'S <i>Horae Paulinae</i>. The natural mind loves outward fetters, and is apt to forge them for itself, to stand in lieu of holiness of heart.
|
|
<p id="Ga5_5"><b>5. For</b>—proof of the assertion, "fallen from grace," by contrasting with the case of <i>legalists,</i> the "hope" of <i>Christians.</i>
|
|
<br><br><b>through the Spirit</b>—<i>Greek,</i> rather, "by the Spirit": in opposition to <i>by the flesh</i> (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',4,29);">Gal 4:29</a>), 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" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,4);">Gal 5:4</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>the hope of righteousness</b>—"We wait for the (realization of the) hope (which is the fruit) of the righteousness (that is, justification which comes) by (literally, '<i>from—out of</i>') faith," <a onclick="return mV('Rom',5,1);">Rom 5:1, 4-5</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Rom',8,24,25);">8:24-25</a>, "<i>Hope ...we</i> with patience <i>wait for</i> 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 <i>hope</i> to be <i>waited for:</i> "the crown of righteousness laid up" (<a onclick="return mV('2Ti',4,8);">2Ti 4:8</a>): "the hope laid up for you in heaven" (<a onclick="return mV('Col',1,5);">Col 1:5</a>; <a onclick="return mV('1Pe',1,3);">1Pe 1:3</a>).
|
|
<p id="Ga5_6"><b>6. For</b>—confirming the truth that it is "by faith" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,5);">Gal 5:5</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>in Jesus Christ</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "in Christ Jesus." In union with <i>Christ</i> (the ANOINTED Saviour), that is, <i>Jesus</i> of Nazareth.
|
|
<br><br><b>nor uncircumcision</b>—This is levelled against those who, being not legalists, or Judaizers, think themselves Christians on this ground alone.
|
|
<br><br><b>faith which worketh by love</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "working by love." This corresponds to "a new creature" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',6,15);">Gal 6:15</a>), as its definition. Thus in <a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,5,6);">Gal 5:5-6</a>, we have the three, "faith," "hope," and "love." The <i>Greek</i> expresses, "Which effectually worketh"; which exhibits its <i>energy</i> by love (so <a onclick="return mV('1Th',2,13);">1Th 2:13</a>). <i>Love</i> is not joined with <i>faith</i> 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" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,14);">Gal 5:14</a>). 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" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,13);">Gal 5:13</a>). Let them, then, seek that "love" which is inseparable from true faith (<a onclick="return mV('Jam',2,8,'12-22');">Jam 2:8, 12-22</a>,). Love is utterly opposed to the enmities which prevailed among the Galatians (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,15,20);">Gal 5:15, 20</a>). The Spirit (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,5);">Gal 5:5</a>) is a Spirit of "faith" and "love" (compare <a onclick="return mV('Rom',14,17);">Rom 14:17</a>; <a onclick="return mV('1Cr',7,19);">1Cr 7:19</a>).
|
|
<p id="Ga5_7"><b>7.</b> Translate, "Ye were running well" in the Gospel race (<a onclick="return mV('1Cr',9,'24-26');">1Cr 9:24-26</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Phl',3,13,14);">Phl 3:13-14</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>who,</b> etc.—none whom you ought to have listened to [BENGEL]: alluding to the Judaizers (compare <a onclick="return mV('Gal',3,1);">Gal 3:1</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>hinder</b>—The <i>Greek</i> means, literally, "hinder by breaking up a road."
|
|
<br><br><b>not obey the truth</b>—not submit yourselves to the true Gospel way of justification.
|
|
<p id="Ga5_8"><b>8. This persuasion</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "<i>The</i> persuasion," namely, to which you are yielding. There is a play on words in the original, the <i>Greek</i> for <i>persuasion</i> being akin to "<i>obey</i>" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,7);">Gal 5:7</a>). This persuasion which ye have <i>obeyed.</i>
|
|
<br><br><b>cometh not of</b>—that is "from." Does not emanate from Him, but from an enemy.
|
|
<br><br><b>that calleth you</b>— (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,13);">Gal 5:13</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Gal',1,6);">Gal 1:6</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Phl',3,14);">Phl 3:14</a>; <a onclick="return mV('1Th',5,24);">1Th 5:24</a>). The calling is the rule of the whole race [BENGEL].
|
|
<p id="Ga5_9"><b>9. A little leaven</b>—the <i>false teaching</i> 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 <i>false doctrine</i> (<a onclick="return mV('Mat',16,12);">Mat 16:12</a>: compare <a onclick="return mV('Mat',13,33);">Mat 13:33</a>). In <a onclick="return mV('1Cr',5,6);">1Cr 5:6</a> it means the corrupting influence of one bad <i>person;</i> so BENGEL understands it here to refer to the person (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,7,8,10);">Gal 5:7-8, 10</a>) who misled them. <a onclick="return mV('Ecc',9,18);">Ecc 9:18</a>, "One sinner destroyeth much good" (<a onclick="return mV('1Cr',15,33);">1Cr 15:33</a>). I prefer to refer it to false <i>doctrine,</i> answering to "persuasion" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,8);">Gal 5:8</a>).
|
|
<p id="Ga5_10"><b>10.</b> <i>Greek,</i> "I (emphatical: '<i>I on my part</i>') have confidence in the Lord <i>with regard to you</i> (<a onclick="return mV('2Th',3,4);">2Th 3:4</a>), that ye will be none otherwise minded" (than what by this Epistle I desire you to be, <a onclick="return mV('Phl',3,15);">Phl 3:15</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>but he that troubleth you</b>— (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',1,7);">Gal 1:7</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Act',15,24);">Act 15:24</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Jos',7,25);">Jos 7:25</a>; <a onclick="return mV('1Ki',18,17,18);">1Ki 18:17-18</a>). Some one, probably, was prominent among the seducers, though the denunciation applies to them all (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',1,7);">Gal 1:7</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Gal',4,17);">4:17</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>shall bear</b>—as a heavy burden.
|
|
<br><br><b>his</b>—<i>his due and inevitable</i> 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.
|
|
<br><br><b>whosoever he be</b>—whether great (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',1,8);">Gal 1:8</a>) or small.
|
|
<p id="Ga5_11"><b>11.</b> 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 (<a onclick="return mV('Act',16,3);">Act 16:3</a>; compare also <a onclick="return mV('Act',20,6);">Act 20:6</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Act',21,24);">21:24</a>). 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 <i>not</i> 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 (<a onclick="return mV('1Cr',7,18,20);">1Cr 7:18, 20</a>; <a onclick="return mV('1Cr',9,20);">9:20</a>). Circumcision, or uncircumcision, are things indifferent in themselves: their lawfulness or unlawfulness depends on the <i>animus</i> 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 <i>Jew by birth</i> to those with whom he was, in order to put no needless stumbling-block to the Gospel in the way of his countrymen.
|
|
<br><br><b>then</b>—Presuming that I did so, "then," in that case, "the offense of (stumbling-block, <a onclick="return mV('1Cr',1,23);">1Cr 1:23</a> 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 <i>the law.</i>" 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 (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,2,4);">Gal 5:2, 4</a>). 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, <i>Pilgrim's Progress</i>] (<a onclick="return mV('Hbr',12,'18-21');">Hbr 12:18-21</a>).
|
|
<p id="Ga5_12"><b>12. they...which trouble you</b>—Translate, as the <i>Greek</i> is different from <a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,10);">Gal 5:10</a>, "they who are <i>unsettling</i> you."
|
|
<br><br><b>were even cut off</b>—even as they desire your foreskin to be <i>cut off</i> and cast away by circumcision, so would that <i>they were even cut off</i> from your communion, being worthless as a castaway foreskin (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',1,7,8);">Gal 1:7-8</a>; compare <a onclick="return mV('Phl',3,2);">Phl 3:2</a>). 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 <i>circumcision</i> be not enough for them, then let them have <i>excision</i> also; an outburst hardly suitable to the gravity of an apostle. But <a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,9,10);">Gal 5:9-10</a> plainly point to <i>excommunication</i> as the judgment threatened against the troublers: and danger of the bad "leaven" spreading, as the reason for it.
|
|
<p id="Ga5_13"><b>13.</b> The "ye" is emphatical, from its position in the <i>Greek,</i> "Ye brethren"; as opposed to those legalists "who trouble you."
|
|
<br><br><b>unto liberty</b>—The <i>Greek</i> expresses, "on a footing of liberty." The <i>state</i> or <i>condition</i> 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.
|
|
<br><br><b>only,</b> etc.—Translate, "Only turn not <i>your</i> liberty into an occasion for the flesh." Do not give the flesh the handle or pretext (<a onclick="return mV('Rom',7,8);">Rom 7:8</a>, "occasion") for its indulgence which it eagerly seeks for; do not let it make Christian "liberty" its pretext for indulgence (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,16,17);">Gal 5:16-17</a>; <a onclick="return mV('1Pe',2,16);">1Pe 2:16</a>; <a onclick="return mV('2Pe',2,19);">2Pe 2:19</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Jud',1,4);">Jude 1:4</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>but by love serve one another</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "Be servants (be in bondage) to one another." If ye must be <i>servants,</i> then <i>be servants to one another in love.</i> While free as to legalism, be <i>bound</i> by Love (the article in the <i>Greek</i> personifies love in the abstract) to serve one another (<a onclick="return mV('1Cr',9,19);">1Cr 9:19</a>). Here he hints at their unloving strifes springing out of lust of power. "For the lust of power is the mother of heresies" [CHRYSOSTOM].
|
|
<p id="Ga5_14"><b>14. all the law</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "the whole law," namely, the Mosaic law. <i>Love to God</i> is presupposed as the root from which <i>love to our neighbor</i> springs; and it is in this tense the latter <i>precept</i> (so "word" means here) is said to be the fulfilling of "<i>all</i> the law" (<a onclick="return mV('Lev',19,18);">Lev 19:18</a>). Love is "the law of Christ" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',6,2);">Gal 6:2</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Mat',7,12);">Mat 7:12</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Mat', 29,39,40);">22:39-40</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Rom',13,9,10);">Rom 13:9-10</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>is fulfilled</b>—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].
|
|
<p id="Ga5_15"><b>15. bite</b>—<i>backbite</i> the character.
|
|
<br><br><b>devour</b>—the substance by injuring, extortion, etc. (<a onclick="return mV('Hab',1,13);">Hab 1:13</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Mat',23,14);">Mat 23:14</a>; <a onclick="return mV('2Cr',11,20);">2Cr 11:20</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>consumed,</b> etc.—Strength of soul, health of body, character, and resources, are all consumed by broils [BENGEL].
|
|
<p id="Ga5_16"><b>16. This I say then</b>—Repeating in other words, and explaining the sentiment in <a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,13);">Gal 5:13</a>, What I mean is this."
|
|
<br><br><b>Walk in the Spirit</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "By (the rule of) the (Holy) Spirit." Compare <a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,'16-18',22,25);">Gal 5:16-18, 22, 25</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Gal',6,'1-8');">Gal 6:1-8</a>, with <a onclick="return mV('Rom',7,22);">Rom 7:22</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Rom',8,11);">8:11</a>. The best way to keep tares out of a bushel is to fill it with wheat.
|
|
<br><br><b>the flesh</b>—the natural man, out of which flow the evils specified (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,'19-21');">Gal 5:19-21</a>). 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 <i>fulfil</i>" 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.
|
|
<p id="Ga5_17"><b>17. For</b>—the reason why walking by the Spirit will exclude fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, namely, their mutual contrariety.
|
|
<br><br><b>the Spirit</b>—not "lusteth," but "tendeth (or some such word is to be supplied) against the flesh."
|
|
<br><br><b>so that ye cannot do the things that ye would</b>—The Spirit strives against the flesh and its evil influence; the flesh against the Spirit and His good influence, <i>so that neither the one nor the other can be fully carried out into action.</i> "But" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,18);">Gal 5:18</a>) where "the Spirit" prevails, the issue of the struggle no longer continues doubtful (<a onclick="return mV('Rom',7,'15-20');">Rom 7:15-20</a>) [BENGEL]. The <i>Greek</i> is, "that ye may not do the things that ye would." "The flesh and Spirit are contrary one to the other," <i>so that</i> you must distinguish what proceeds from the Spirit, and what from the flesh; and <i>you must not fulfil what you desire according to the carnal self,</i> but what the Spirit within you desires [NEANDER]. But the antithesis of <a href= "#" onclick="return mV('Gal',5,18);">Gal 5:18</a> ("But," etc.), where the conflict is <i>decided,</i> shows, I think, that here <a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,17);">Gal 5:17</a> contemplates the inability both for fully accomplishing the good we "would," owing to the opposition of the <i>flesh,</i> and for doing the <i>evil</i> our flesh would desire, owing to the opposition of <i>the Spirit</i> 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" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,16,18);">Gal 5:16, 18</a>).
|
|
<p id="Ga5_18"><b>18.</b> "If ye <i>are</i> led (give yourselves up to be led) <i>by</i> (<i>Greek</i>) the Spirit, ye are not under the law." For ye are not working the works of the flesh (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,16,'19-21');">Gal 5:16, 19-21</a>) which bring one "under the law" (<a onclick="return mV('Rom',8,2, 14);">Rom 8:2, 14</a>). The "Spirit makes free from the law of sin and death" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,23);">Gal 5:23</a>). The law is made for a fleshly man, and for the works of the flesh (<a onclick="return mV('1Ti',1,9);">1Ti 1:9</a>), "not for a righteous man" (<a onclick="return mV('Rom',6,14,15);">Rom 6:14-15</a>).
|
|
<p id="Ga5_19"><b>19-23.</b> Confirming <a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,18);">Gal 5:18</a>, by showing the contrariety between the works of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit.
|
|
<br><br><b>manifest</b>—The hidden <i>fleshly</i> 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.
|
|
<br><br><b>which are these</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "such as," for instance.
|
|
<br><br><b>Adultery</b>—omitted in the oldest manuscripts.
|
|
<br><br><b>lasciviousness</b>—rather, "wantonness" petulance, capricious insolence; it may display itself in "lasciviousness," but not necessarily or constantly so (<a onclick="return mV('Mar',7,21,22);">Mar 7:21-22</a>, 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 "<i>fruit</i> of the Spirit" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,23);">Gal 5:23</a>) 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 <i>works</i> (<a href= "#" onclick="return mV('Eph',5,9, 11);">Eph 5:9, 11</a>). 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 <i>fruit</i> of the Spirit most needed by them (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,13, 15);">Gal 5:13,15</a>). This passage shows that "the flesh" does not mean merely <i>sensuality,</i> as opposed to <i>spirituality:</i> for "divisions" in the catalogue here do not flow from sensuality. The identification of "the natural (<i>Greek,</i> '<i>animal-souled</i>') man," with the "carnal" or <i>fleshly</i> man (<a onclick="return mV('1Cr',2,14);">1Cr 2:14</a>), shows that "the flesh" expresses <i>human nature as estranged from God.</i> 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 <i>seventeen</i> "works of the flesh," only <i>nine</i> manifestations of "the fruit of the Spirit" (compare <a onclick="return mV('Eph',4,31);">Eph 4:31</a>).
|
|
<p id="Ga5_20"><b>20. witchcraft</b>—sorcery; prevalent in Asia (<a onclick="return mV('Act',19,19);">Act 19:19</a>; compare <a onclick="return mV('Rev',21,'all');">Rev 21</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>hatred</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "hatreds."
|
|
<br><br><b>variance</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "strife"; singular in the oldest manuscripts.
|
|
<br><br><b>emulations</b>—in the oldest manuscripts, singular—"emulation," or rather, "jealousy"; for the sake of one's own advantage. "Envyings" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,21);">Gal 5:21</a>) are even without advantage to the person himself [BENGEL].
|
|
<br><br><b>wrath</b>—<i>Greek,</i> plural, "passionate outbreaks" [ALFORD].
|
|
<br><br><b>strife</b>—rather as <i>Greek,</i> "factions," "cabals"; derived from a <i>Greek</i> root, meaning "a worker for hire": hence, <i>unworthy means for compassing ends, factious practices.</i>
|
|
<br><br><b>seditions</b>—"dissensions," as to secular matters.
|
|
<br><br><b>heresies</b>—as to sacred things (see on JFB for <a href="./Comm/jfb/1Cr/1Cr011.html#a1Co11_19">1Co 11:19</a>). Self-constituted <i>parties;</i> from a <i>Greek</i> root, to <i>choose.</i> A <i>schism</i> is a more recent split in a congregation from a difference of opinion. <i>Heresy</i> is a schism become inveterate [AUGUSTINE, <i>Con. Crescon. Don.,</i> 2,7].
|
|
<p id="Ga5_21"><b>21. tell...before</b>—namely, before the event.
|
|
<br><br><b>I...told <i>you</i> in time past</b>—when I was with you.
|
|
<br><br><b>you</b>—who, though maintaining justification by the law, are careless about keeping the law (<a onclick="return mV('Rom',2,'21-23');">Rom 2:21-23</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>not inherit...kingdom of God</b>— (<a onclick="return mV('1Cr',6,9,10);">1Cr 6:9-10</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Eph',5,5);">Eph 5:5</a>).
|
|
<p id="Ga5_22"><b>22. love</b>—the leader of the band of graces (<a onclick="return mV('1Cr',13,'1-13');">1Cr 13:1-13</a> ).
|
|
<br><br><b>gentleness</b>—<i>Greek,</i> "benignity," conciliatory to others; whereas "goodness," though ready to do good, has not such <i>suavity</i> of manner [JEROME]. ALFORD translates, "kindness."
|
|
<br><br><b>faith</b>—"faithfulness"; opposed to "heresies" [BENGEL]. ALFORD refers to <a onclick="return mV('1Cr',13,7);">1Cr 13:7</a>, "Believeth all things": <i>faith</i> in the widest sense, toward God and man. "Trustfulness" [CONYBEARE and HOWSON].
|
|
<p id="Ga5_23"><b>23. temperance</b>—The <i>Greek</i> root implies <i>self-restraint</i> as to one's desires and lusts.
|
|
<br><br><b>against such</b>—not <i>persons,</i> but things, as in <a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,21);">Gal 5:21</a>.
|
|
<br><br><b>no law</b>—confirming <a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,18);">Gal 5:18</a>, "Not under the law" (<a onclick="return mV('1Ti',1,9,10);">1Ti 1:9-10</a>). The law itself commands love (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,14);">Gal 5:14</a>); so far is it from being "against such."
|
|
<p id="Ga5_24"><b>24.</b> The oldest manuscripts read, "They that are of Christ Jesus"; they that belong to Christ Jesus; being "led by (His) Spirit" (<a href= "#" onclick="return mV('Gal',5,18);">Gal 5:18</a>).
|
|
<br><br><b>have crucified the flesh</b>—They nailed it to the cross once for all when they became Christ's, on believing and being baptized (<a href= "#" onclick="return mV('Rom',6,3,4);">Rom 6:3-4</a>): they keep it <i>now</i> in a state of crucifixion (<a onclick="return mV('Rom',6,6);">Rom 6:6</a>): so that the Spirit can produce in them, comparatively uninterrupted by it, "the fruit of the Spirit" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,22);">Gal 5:22</a>). "Man, by faith, is dead to the former standing point of a sinful life, and rises to a new life (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,25);">Gal 5:25</a>) of communion with Christ (<a onclick="return mV('Col',3,3);">Col 3:3</a>). The act by which <i>they have crucified the flesh with its lust,</i> 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" (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,25);">Gal 5:25</a>) [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.
|
|
<br><br><b>with the affections</b>—Translate, "with its passions." Thus they are dead to the law's condemning power, which is only for the fleshly, and their lusts (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,23);">Gal 5:23</a>).
|
|
<p id="Ga5_25"><b>25. in...in</b>—rather, as <i>Greek,</i> "If we live (see on JFB for <a href="./Comm/jfb/Gal/Gal005.html#Ga5_24">Ga 5:24</a>) BY the Spirit, let us also walk (<a onclick="return mV('Gal',5,16);">Gal 5:16</a>; <a onclick="return mV('Gal',6,16);">6:16</a>) 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.
|
|
<p id="Ga5_26"><b>26.</b> <i>Greek,</i> "Let us not BECOME." While not asserting that the Galatians are "<i>vainglorious</i>" now, he says they are liable to <i>become</i> so.
|
|
<br><br><b>provoking one another</b>—an effect of "vaingloriousness" on the <i>stronger:</i> as "envying" is its effect on the <i>weaker.</i> A danger common both to the orthodox and Judaizing Galatians.
|
|
</div></div><div class="return"><a href="#top">Return to Top</a></div>
|
|
<script src="./js/MainFooter.js" type="text/javascript"></script> |