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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE LETTER TO THE GALATIANS

CHAPTER FIVE:
“WALK BY SPIRIT IN CHRIST’S FREEDOM”

[“Fleshly Words and Spiritual Fruitage”]
Key Word: Freedom
Theme Verse: 1

Galatians 5:1 – “Freedom in Christ”

GA5:1 So now because of her freedom Christ has set us free. 128 Remain steadfast, 129 then, and do not subject yourselves all over again to a yoke of slavery. 130

128	Christ has set us free: Literally, “her freedom.” That is, free from the Law of Moses.

129	Steadfast: Against the Christian Judaizers who insisted Christians should observe the law like Jews.

130	Yoke of slavery: To the Law of Moses and the Jewish religious system.

Review Questions

Galatians 5:2-6 – Faith Working Through Love

GA5:2 Now I, Paul, tell you that if you accept circumcision 131 Christ will be of no benefit to you. 132

131	If you receive circumcision: The issue raised in Acts 15:1. [Compare Galatians 6:12.] These are already Jews who have been circumcised but have now become Christians, so Paul has in mind accepting what “circumcision” means and trying to return to the Law of Moses.

132

Christ will be of no benefit: Or, profit you nothing [KJV], no value [KNX], no use at all [PME]. Could Paul make it plainer? Jewish circumcision has no place in the Christian Church as a Jewish regulation. All male converts or proselytes to Judaism had to indicate this by circumcision. Those who convert to the Christian Church do so through water immersion and a process of spiritual circumcision, the stripping off of sinful flesh.

GA5:3 Again I give my own testimony, that any man who accepts circumcision is under obligation to keep the entire Law 133 [of Moses].

133

To keep the entire law: Or, debtor [KJV], fulfill [CON] All the Law of Moses with all of its regulations. For examples, some Judaizing Christians who claim the Law of Moses must be observed have difficulty showing which laws. For many of the Laws of Moses involved a sacrificial element for a variety of ceremonial pollutions. Which of the 600 laws of Moses are NOT binding on Christians? Paul says “the whole Law.” Those who insist the whole Law of Moses must be observed by Christians must explain what laws cannot be observed, such as ceremonial regulations.

GA5:4 If you think you can be pronounced innocent by the Law 134 [of Moses] you have separated yourselves from Christ and fallen away 135 from [God’s] unmerited charity.

134

Separated from Christ: Or, Christ is become no effect unto you [KJV], severed from Christ [ASV], cut off from Christ [CON], done with Christ [MOF], finished with Christ [GDS], cut yourself off from the power of Christ [PME], your relation with Christ is completely severed [NEB]. It is no Christian who insists the Law of Moses must be observed, for such a person has been “severed” from Christ the Head. The KJV [Received Text] uses only APO [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #575, of any kind of separation of one thing from another by which the union or fellowship of the two is destroyed] while the W-H has KATERYGETHETE = you were voided.

135

Fallen away: Or, deserted grace [MOF], you have lost your hold upon God’s favor [GDS], put yourself outside the range of his grace [PME], fallen out of the domain of God’s grace [NEB]. God’s grace – or, undeserved kindness, unmerited favor or charity – is not absolute. A Christian must strive to remain within in it. Compare the dangers at Hebrews 6:4-6; 10:26-31; 2 Peter 2:20-22.

GA5:5 For by means of the Pneuma - and because of deep conviction - we wait for the hope of righteousness. GA5:6 Because in union with Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumsion 136 is of any use, though deep conviction working together with love is. 137

136

Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision: As he has said in Galatians 3:27-29, the Church is neither Jewish nor Greek. No Christian can insist on either circumcision or uncircumcision. There is no law or regulation regarding such within the Church. Those who insist on circumcision have parted from Christ and fallen from Grace.

137

Conviction working together with love: Or, MOF: faith active in love; GDS: faith acting through love; KNX: the faith that finds its expression in love is all that matters. One of the finest summaries of the “law of Christ.” [1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Timothy 1:5] Throughout the Nazarene’s teachings and those of his inspired disciples the two subjects of faith and love, working together – one coming out of the other – are major themes. [1 John 3:23] One cannot have true faith in Christ and lack love.

Review Questions

Galatians 5:7-12 – Who Hindered You?

GA5:7 You, Galatians, were running well! Who hampered you 138 from obedience to the Truth?

138	Who hampered you: The answer is those troublesome Christian Judaizers of Acts 15:1, 2.

GA5:8 This influence is not from the One who invited you. GA5:9 It takes a very small amount of leaven to ferment the whole lump. 139

139

The whole lump: Here Paul’s use of “leaven” is similar to the Nazarene’s use with reference to the Jewish leadership. See notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on Matthew 16:6, 11. This leaven was that Jewish influence which wanted to enforce the Law of Moses on the Christian Church. Even a little of this leaven would have corrupting influences. Some sectarian Christian leaders have attempted to bring various features of the Law of Moses into the Church, but Paul warns against it. This does not mean that certain principles behind many of the Law of Moses are not beneficial, but those that are may be summed up by the royal law of “faith working through love.”

GA5:10 I trust completely in the Master that you will accept no other persuasion than my own. 140 The person causing you trouble will bear his own judgment 141 no matter who he is.

140

No other persuasion than my own: Or, not be led astray [CON], not take a different view [GDS], of the same mind as me [KMX]. Paul continues to battle the Christian Judaizers of Acts 15:1 and those Jewish influences within the Church. Paul wants “one opinion” in the Church [1 Corinthians 1:10] and it ought to be of his own inspired view as Christ’s representative.

141	Bear his own judgment: Those Christian Judaizers like those of Acts 15:1. Note James 3:1-3.

GA5:11 So, brothers, if I was still preaching circumcision why is that I am still being persecuted? 142 If that were so, the obstacle of the stake has been removed. 143

142	I am still being persecuted: Likely his opposers falsely stated that Paul still preached circumcision and observance of the Law of Moses. James says as much in Acts 21:18-25, and the compromise does not work.

143	Obstacle of the stake has been removed: Or, offence of the cross ceased [KJV], the stone at which they stumble is done away [CON], the cross would no longer give offence [KNX], the preaching of the cross provokes would disappear.

GA5:12 I wish those who cause you trouble would just cut off themselves! 144

144	Cut off themselves: Or, mutilate themselves [RSV], cut off [KJV], make eunuchs of themselves [NEB], emasculate themselves [NWT], mutilate themselves [TCN]. It is a strong suggestion that those who preach circumcision should make themselves eunuchs by castration.

Review Questions

Galatians 5:13-15 – Loving Slave Called to Freedom

GA5:13 Now you were all invited to freedom, 145 brothers. But do not use this liberty as a fleshly opportunity. 146 Rather, out of compassionate affection be servants to one another. 147

145	You were invited to freedom: That is, freedom from the Law of Moses and the Jewish religious system. Compare Matthew 22:14.

146	Fleshly opportunity: “Freedom” does mean absolute freedom from God, so that one may do any fleshly act, or teach any manner of doctrine.

147	Through love be servants of one another: Or, CON: by the bondage of love; KNX: serve one another in a spirit of charity.

GA5:14 For the entire Law [of Moses] is fulfilled 148 in the one statement: “You should love your neighbor as yourself.” [Leviticus 19:18]

148	Law is fulfilled: Thus, Christ could say he had not come to destroy the Law of Moses, but rather fulfill it. This he did by a life of love, ending in the sacrifice of himself in behalf of others. [Matthew 5:14-16; John 15:13]

GA5:15 On the other hand, if you continue to bite and devour 149 one another watch out that you are not consumed by one another. 150

149

Bite and devour: Or, TCN: wounding and preying upon; PME: attach and tear one another to pieces; BAR: biting and savaging one another like wild animals. The in-fighting as a result of the schismatic Judaizers, and the political battles that resulted, caused former Christians to become un-Christian in their treatment of others. This was manifest largely by the spirit of being judgmental.

150	Consumed: Or, destroyed [TCN], mutual destruction [NEB].

Review Questions

Galatians 5:16-18 – Keep Walking by Spirit

GA5:16 So now I tell all of you: if you continue to walk by the Pneuma 151 you will not follow through on any fleshly desire. 152

151	Walk by the Pneuma: That is, conduct yourselves in harmony with the Divine Mind. Or, let your steps be guided by [TCN], lead the life of [MOF], live your whole live in [PME]. Manifest by conviction, trust, and faith in God; and, working love toward all, without doing any harm or bad to a fellow.

152

Fleshly desire: Or, will never gratify the cravings of your earthly nature [TCN], never satisfy the passions of the flesh [MOF], not satisfy the desires of your lower nature [PME], carry out no fleshly desire at all [NWT]. The Greek is TELEO [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5055, to bring to a close, to finish, to end] and suggests that the spiritual walk in Christ brings an end to fleshly desires.

GA5:17 For fleshly desire is opposed to the Pneuma, and the desires of the Pneuma 153 are opposed to the flesh. They are opposed to one another so you are prevented from doing what you should.

153	Desires of the Pneuma: Compare Romans 8:4-8.

GA5:18 However, if all of you are led by the Pneuma 154 you are not subject to the Law [of Moses]. 155

154	Led by the Pneuma: Or, make the Spirit the rule of your life [BAR], follow the guidance of [TCN], letting the spirit lead you [KNX]. Compare Romans 8:14.

155

Not subject to the Law: Or, if you follow the guidance of [TCN], letting the spirit lead you [KNX], under the domination of law [BAR]. The spirit of the New Covenant is here as foretold in Jeremiah 31:31-34. Christians are not under the Law of Moses with its hundreds of regulations, including the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath law, or the law of circumcision. No Christian, Jew or non-Jew, need observe any of the Jewish festivals. Christians worship The God “in spirit and truth” [John 4:22-24] and the spirit of God’s law is implanted within them, urging upon them just two principles – deep conviction in God and Christ, and the love for all, friend and foe.

Review Questions

Galatians 5:19-21 – Works of the Flesh Listed

GA5:19 Now fleshly works are obvious 156 – sexual immorality, 157 impurity, 158 loose behavior, 159

156	Fleshly works are obvious: For details on these see the work Nazarene Principles 2000© in Nazarene Commentary 2000© Some of these “works of the flesh” were not specifically covered in the Law of Moses. It is possible the Christian Judaizers were guilty of many of these “works.”

157

Sexual immorality: Or, unchastity [TCN], sexual vice [MOF]. The Greek PORNEIA is from the root PORNE meaning prostitute. In the Scriptures PORNEIA is generally involved with adultery, homosexuality, bestiality, prostitution, and some other forms of unchastity. For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000© on 1 Corinthians 6:9.

158

Impurity: The Greek is AKATHARSIA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #167, in a moral sense: the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living]. Jesus accused the Jewish hierarchy of the same. [Matthew 23:27] See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Romans 1:27; 6:19; Ephesians 4:19; 5:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:7.

159

Loose behavior: Or, indecency [TCN], sensuality [MOF]. The Greek is ASELGEIA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #766, unbridled lust, excess, licentiousness, lasciviousness, wantonness, outrageousness, shamelessness, insolence]. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Romans 13:13; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Ephesians 4:19; 1 Peter 4:3; 2 Peter 2:2; Jude 4. It is almost always associated with sexual immorality and matters that shock public morality.

GA5:20 idolatry, 160 drugs for spiritism, 161 enmity, 162 strife, 163 jealousy, 164 fits of anger, 165 [selfishness], 166 contention, 167 divisions, 168 heresies,

160

Idolatry: From EIDOLOLATRIA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1495] and covers a wide range of reverence, adoration of an object, person, place or thing. The Jews were repulsed by idols and considered them an abomination, and the early Christians more so. It is often associated with greed. See the last verse in First John.

161

Drugs for spiritism: KJV: witchcraft. The Greek is PHARMAKEIA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5332, the use or the administering of drugs; sorcery, magical arts, often found in connection with idolatry and fostered by it] from which the English “pharmacy” comes. It includes all forms of spiritism, spiritualism, and shamanism, often associated with druggery. See the warnings at Deuteronomy 18:10-12. [Leviticus 19:26, 31; Revelation 21:8; 22:15]

162	Enmity: Or, hatreds [KJV], quarrels [NEB], enmities [NWT] John reveals the terrible dangers of hatred as did the Nazarene. [See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Matthew 5:22 and 1 John 3:15] Hate can mean loving someone less than another in certain contexts.

163

Strife: Or, variance [KJV], a contentious temper [NEB]. [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2054] That is, adversarial, confrontational, aggressive. The person who has a nature given to divisiveness due to considerable egotism and arrogance must allow the Spirit to do its work over a period of time. Paul condemns the Jews for this characteristic. [Romans 1:29] The Corinthian congregation struggled with strife. [1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20] Compare also Romans 13:13; 1 Timothy 6:4.

164

Jealousy: Or, emulations [KJV], envy [NEB]. Jealousy is a subject treated often in the Bible and occurs about 70 times. Jealousy is most easily noted by gossip or slander, for it is always the jealous person who speaks ill of another. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on James 3:14, 16. Compare also Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20. The jealous person lacks true love. [1 Corinthians 13:4]

165

Anger: Or, wrath [KJV], passionate anger [CON], fits of rage [NEB], fits of anger [NWT], outburst of explosive temper [BAR]. The Greek THYMOI is in the plural meaning “angers” and thus something of a habitual practice. The truly meek Christian will not be given to bursts of anger but having control of his or her spirit will rather remain silent and calm.

166	Selfishness: Or, selfish ambitions [NEB]. Various translations have a slightly different list of words. On selfishness See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Philippians 2:4. Selfishness is the opposite of love.

167

Contention: Or, strife [KJV], divisions [CON]. The Greek is ERITHIAI (Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2052, a desire to put one’s self forward, a partisan and fractious spirit which does not disdain low arts. [Paul’s] word is found before NT times only in Aristotle where it denotes a self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means.) For an example see Diotrephes in 3 John. This attribute of the flesh is one that has destroyed the Church throughout its history in innumerable ways.

168

Divisions, heresies: Or, seditions [KJV], party spirit [BAR]. Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1370. This is a person who deliberately works to undermining authority and the unity of the Church. An example of such a person is Satan, but consider also Absolam. Some texts have HAIRESEIS from which comes “heresy” rooted in “opinion.” The word has taken on a much stronger negative connotation. Some render this “sects” or “sectarian.” For details see notes in Nazarene Commentary 2000 on the subject of “sect.”

GA5:21 envies, 169 drunkenness, 170 revelries, 171 and such things. 172 I caution all of you, as I warned you earlier, that all those who continue to do these things will never inherit God’s Kingdom. 173

169

Envy: Or, literally “envies.” The Greek is PHTHONOI [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #5355]. Envy is real a form of greed or covetousness for what another person possesses. Some envied Moses. [Psalm 106:16] The Jewish hierarchy envied Jesus. [Matthew 27:18; Mark 15:10] The early Church struggled with the problem. [Philippians 1:15]. Compare also Proverbs 28:22; Romans 1:29; 1 Timothy 6:4; James 4:5. Jealousy may be either good or bad, while envy is always bad, though the word in English may have a milder tone. Like evil jealousy, envy may be marked by gossip and slander. NOTE: the KJV adds “murder” after envy.

170

Drunkenness: In the Greek this is in the plural and so literally “drunkennesses.” It is the habitual drinking to excess, resulting in a drunken state. See Proverbs 23:29-35 for the symptoms and characteristics. The Hebrews and Jews were not abstainers as John the Baptist – those choosing not to drink at all – and on special occasions would enjoy “sober intoxication” as at weddings. [John 2:1ff] Jesus himself said he “came… drinking” and so was accused of being a drunk by the Jews. [Matthew 11:18, 19] Wine was used in moderation by some in the early Church. [1 Corinthians 11:21, 22] Paul told Timothy to stop drinking water – possibly the cause of his stomach problems – and replace it with wine. [1 Timothy 5:23] There are many cautions in the Bible against drunkenness, though a degree of drink is encouraged on the ‘bitter of soul’ and poor and those about to die. [Proverbs 31:6, 7]

171

Revelries: The Greek is KOMOS [coma] [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2970, a nocturnal and riotous procession of half drunken and frolicsome fellows who after supper parade through the streets with torches and music in honour of Bacchus or some other deity, and sing and play before houses of male and female friends; hence used generally of feasts and drinking parties that are protracted till late at night and indulge in revelry].

172	Such things: Paul’s list is not exhaustive, for example he mentions greed and extortion in a similar context in 1 Corinthians 5:11 and homosexuality in 1 Corinthians 6:9. For a more thorough list see Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Romans 1:28-32

173

Never inherit God’s Kingdom: The habitual “works of the flesh” are a serious matter for the Saint who may be blocked from the celestial Kingdom of the Father if their practice continues and becomes engrained. Compare notes on 1 Corinthians 6:9. The habitual practice of one of these places the Saint in great danger.

Review Questions

Galatians 5:22-24 – Pneuma’s Fruitage Listed

GA5:22 On the other hand, the Pneuma’s fruitage is 174 – compassionate affection, 175 contented joy, 176 peaceful harmony and tranquility, 177 patient tolerance, 178 loving kindness, 179 moral virtue and goodness, 180 trusting faithfulness, 181

174

Pneuma’s fruitage: That is, the attributes and characteristics of the Divine Mind and godly thinking. The word is in the singular, meaning fruitage, or the product of the Pneuma. So, all the qualities together mark such fruitage. If one is lacking then it is not the complete fruitage of the Spirit. For details see the work Nazarene Principles 2000© in Nazarene Commentary 2000©.

175

Compassionate affection: That is, loving concern, benevolent concern. Or, AGAPE. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 for details. Such divine, selfless love has been defined as “rightly motivated positive action seeking the highest good of another.” The word occurs about 650 times in the Bible and in the Christian Scriptures the word is about equally divided between John and Paul. The Saint who walks in the Spirit will be characterized by love – always looking with interest and concern upon both friend and enemy, moved to empathy and compassion, and then to some positive effort to be of help, even if this requires self-sacrifice.

176

Contented joy: That is, gladness and satisfaction. “Joy” is a word from a root meaning “smooth” referring to the brow. Though happiness may be involved, it is more associated with being glad or satisfied. Joy is associated with peace, [Romans 14:17; 15:13] as well as faith [Philippians 1:25], and several times with endurance. [Colossians 1:11; Hebrews 12:2; James 1:2] On the latter Jesus said the same. [Matthew 5:11, 12] The Saint is not a person in a constant state of joylessness, characterized by negativity, cynicism and criticism. The face will reflect this joy, and speech will be that which comforts and stirs others to happiness.

177

Peaceful harmony and tranquility: The Greek word is the source of the name Irene. The attribute is associated with a friendly relationship with God, a harmonious unity within the Body of Christ, and internal tranquility. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Matthew 5:9, 24; Mark 9:50; John 14:27; 1 Peter 3:11. The good news is a “Gospel of peace.” [Acts 10:36] Paul’s letters often begin with a wish for peace on the person or congregation. The Saint is not adversarial or confrontational, but characterized by being peaceable and pacific. [Romans 12:18]

178

Patient tolerance: Or, longsuffering [KJV], forbearance [WEY]. The Greek is MACRO-THYMIA [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #3115, patience, forbearance, longsuffering, slowness in avenging wrongs]. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 1 Corinthians 13:4; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:12; 1 Thessalonians 5:14. The Saint is a tolerant person not easily irritated, willing to overlook or forgive legitimate complaints in the spirit of love.

179

Loving kindness: The KJV lacks this attribute. Kindness is best illustrated by the parable of the Good Samaritan. [Luke 10:29-37] God is kind. [Luke 6:35; Romans 2:4; 11:22; Titus 3:4, 5] Christ’s yoke is kind. [Matthew 11:30] See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 1 Corinthians 13:4; 2 Corinthians 6:4-6; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12. The Saint is known as a kind person and this is manifest in hospitality, charity, and compassion for others manifest in good deeds. Kindness begins with concern and interest and is followed by charity.

180

Moral virtue and goodness: Or, generosity [PME]. The Greek is the source of the name Agatha. In this context is mean beneficence and is characterized by giving. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Romans 2:10; Ephesians 5:9, 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 2 Thessalonians 1:11; 1 Peter 3:13. Compare Psalms 119:66, 68. There is a difference between righteous and goodness. The former means only to obey law, while the latter moves a person beyond what the law may require in helping others. The Saint is known as a good person who is giving to others, sharing liberally gifts and blessings, and always seeking what will benefit others.

181

Trusting faithfulness: Or, faith [KJV], good faith [WEY], fidelity [PME]. The Greek, like the English, extends to belief, deep conviction, and trustworthiness. With love, it is one of the premier characteristics of disciples of the Nazarene. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Hebrews 11:1-3, 6. The Saint is a trustworthy person of deep conviction, and this faith is manifest by right speech and conduct. [2 Corinthians 4:12, 13; James 2:14-17] Nowhere in Scripture is faith just a sterile belief. The word groups faith and belief occur almost 900 times in the Bible. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 1 John 3:23.

GA5:23 gentle mildness, 182 discipline and self-control. 183 There is no law to prohibit or punish such things. 184

182

Gentle mildness: Or, meekness [KJV], mildness [NWT]. The Greek is PRAOTES [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #4236]. It is defined by William Barclay in his A New Testament Wordbook, “In classical Greek this is a lovely word. Of things it means ‘gentle’. It is used, for instance, of a gentle breeze or a gentle voice. Of persons it means ‘mild’ or ‘gracious’…. There is gentleness in praus but behind the gentleness there is the strength of steel… It is not a spineless gentleness, a sentimental fondness, a passive quietism.” (London, 1956, pp. 103, 104) Also, Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words says, “[The word] consists not in a person’s ‘outward behaviour only; nor yet in his relations to his fellow-men; as little in his mere natural disposition. Rather it is an inwrought grace of the soul; and the exercises of it are first and chiefly towards God. It is that temper of spirit in which we accept His dealings with us as good, and therefore without disputing or resisting; it is closely linked with the word tapeinophrosune [humility], and follows directly upon it.’” [1981, Vol. 3, pp. 55, 56] Meekness was an outstanding characteristic of both Moses and Jesus. [Numbers 12:3; Matthew 11:28-30] The Saint is not a person who has a “low boiling point” but rather is marked by a yielding meekness, and possessed of a gentle disposition. The quality should mark the Christian wife. [1 Peter 3:3, 4] See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Matthew 5:5.

183

Discipline and self-control: Or, temperance [KJV], self-restraint [PME]. The Greek is EGKRATEIA, or self-rule (ego + rule) [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #1466, self-control (the virtue of one who masters his desires and passions, esp. his sensual appetites)] (Genesis 43:31; Esther 5:10; Psalm 119:101; Proverbs 10:19; Jeremiah 14:10; Acts 24:25) See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on 2 Peter 1:6; and compare 1 Corinthians 7:9; 9:25; 2 Timothy 3:3. The Saint is known as a person who has his or her speech and action under control and so does not easily “fly off the handle” or “reach a boiling point.” Such a person learns to think before speaking and “counting to ten” before taking action.

184	Against such there is no law: Or, PME: no law exists against any of them. The Law of Moses could not legalize these fruits. It is likely the troublesome men among the Galatians do not manifest these fruits.

GA5:24 And so those who belong to Christ have impaled their flesh along with its passions and desires. 185

185

Impaled the flesh with its passions and desires: Or, affections and lusts [KJV], appetites [WEY], loved and lusted for [PME]. See Nazarene Commentary 2000© notes on Romans 6:6. The Saint has learned and trained self to remove sinful motives and inclinations along with their manifestations. This is a life-long process, but Paul’s main thrust is that the Saint is no longer a slave to sin with its evil and harmful desires. As a slave of righteousness the disciple of the Nazarene never ceases in the struggle against that “principle of sin” working within the fallen flesh. [Compare Romans 7:13-25] There is no such thing as a “carnal Christian.” Study the word “righteousness” in First John.

Review Questions

Galatians 5:25-26 – The Spiritual Life-style

GA5:25 If we continue to live spiritually we will also conduct ourselves spiritually. 186

186

Conduct ourselves spiritually: That is, walk in a spiritual life-style. Or, CON: let our steps be guided by the Spirit; TAY: let us follow; NEB: Spirit directs our course; BAR: if the Spirit is the ruling principle of our lives, we must march in step with the Spirit. In contrast to walking in the observance of the Law of Moses as the Christian Judaizers insisted. The real Christian will be manifest by faith and love without the need for hundreds, or hundreds of thousands, of laws and regulations.

GA5:26 May none of us become self-centered, 187 nor adversarial with one another, 188 nor envy one another. 189

187

Self-centered: Or, vain glory, look for honors, conceited; BBAR: we must have no desire for empty prestige. The Greek is KENO-DOXOS (empty + glory) [Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance #2755, glorying without reason, conceited, vain glorious, eager for empty glory]. The way the Christian Judaizers were characterized. Getting ride of self with its egocentric view of the Universe is the beginning of the disciple’s true walk with Christ, the perfect example of a person lacking any self-conceit. [Philippians 2:1-8]

188	Adversarial: Or, provoking to strife, challenging one another.

189	Envy: Or, arousing jealousy.

Review Questions

Summary of Chapter Five