Galatians 5
Galatians 5 is part of “Paul's Gospel Applied” (5–6) in the outline of Galatians.
Galatians 5 summary
In this chapter the apostle comes to make application of his foregoing discourse. He begins it with a general caution, or exhortation (Gal 5:1), which he afterwards enforces by several considerations (Gal 5:2-12). He then presses them to serious practical godliness, which would be the best antidote against the snares of their false teachers; particularly, I. That they should not strive with one another (Gal 5:13-15).
Read the full introduction
In this chapter the apostle comes to make application of his foregoing discourse. He begins it with a general caution, or exhortation (Gal 5:1), which he afterwards enforces by several considerations (Gal 5:2-12). He then presses them to serious practical godliness, which would be the best antidote against the snares of their false teachers; particularly, I. That they should not strive with one another (Gal 5:13-15). II. That they would strive against sin, where he shows, 1. That there is in every one a struggle between flesh and spirit (Gal 5:17). 2. That it is our duty and interest, in this struggle, to side with the better part (Gal 5:16, Gal 5:18). 3. He specifies the works of the flesh, which must be watched against and mortified, and the fruits of the Spirit, which must be brought forth and cherished, and shows of what importance it is that they be so (Gal 5:19-24). And then concludes the chapter with a caution against pride and envy.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Galatians 5
Galatians 5 (ASV)
American Standard Version (public domain)
Christ Has Set Us Free
1For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage. 2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing. 3Yea, I testify again to every man that receiveth circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4Ye are severed from Christ, ye who would be justified by the law; ye are fallen away from grace. 5For we through the Spirit by faith wait for the hope of righteousness. 6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love. 7Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth? 8This persuasion [came] not of him that calleth you. 9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump. 10I have confidence to you-ward in the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be. 11But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted? then hath the stumbling-block of the cross been done away. 12I would that they that unsettle you would even go beyond circumcision.
Freedom in Christ
13For ye, brethren, were called for freedom; only [use] not your freedom for an occasion to the flesh, but through love be servants one to another. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
Walking by the Spirit
16But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would. 18But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law. 19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are [these]: fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousies, wraths, factions, divisions, parties, 21envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23meekness, self-control; against such there is no law. 24And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof. 25If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk. 26Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another.