Galatians 5 Explained – Verse by Verse Commentary

The True Meaning of Galatians 5

The Epistle to the Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who experienced a dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. Paul addresses the Galatian believers in this chapter, warning them against the dangers of abandoning the gospel of grace and reverting to the bondage of the Mosaic law.

Paul emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the freedom that Christ has secured for us, cautioning the Galatians against the temptation to submit to the demands of the Judaizers, who sought to impose circumcision and other Jewish customs as necessary for salvation. He reminds them that true righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not through works of the law (Galatians 2:16). Paul contrasts the works of the flesh with the fruit of the Spirit as the chapter unfolds, highlighting the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. He exhorts the Galatians to walk by the Spirit, resisting the desires of the sinful nature, and to bear the fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Galatians 5:1-6

The verse in Galatians 5:1-6 breaks down into a few key sections. Firstly, it starts with “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” This opening is powerful, emphasizing the freedom that Christians have received through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The freedom mentioned here is not just a physical liberation but a spiritual one from the bondage of sin and the law. This freedom is a central theme in Christianity, as believers are no longer bound by the law but are now guided by the Spirit.

Moving on, the next part mentions “Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” This section warns against falling back into legalism and the burden of trying to earn salvation through adherence to the law. The apostle Paul, who wrote Galatians, had a deep understanding of the Old Testament law as a Pharisee before his conversion. He knew firsthand the weight and futility of trying to be justified by the law. This message is a reminder to the Galatian believers to not return to bondage but to stand firm in the freedom they have in Christ.

The verse continues with “Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.” Here, Paul specifically addresses the issue of circumcision, which was a major point of contention in the early church. Some Jewish Christians were insisting that Gentile believers needed to be circumcised and follow the Mosaic law to be truly saved. Paul vehemently opposes this idea, emphasizing that salvation comes by faith in Christ alone and not by following Jewish customs. Circumcision was a sign of the Old Covenant, but now under the New Covenant established by Christ, faith is the key to salvation.

The next part says, “Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.” This statement underscores the all-or-nothing nature of trying to be justified by the law. If one seeks to earn salvation through one aspect of the law, they are then bound to keep the entire law perfectly, which no one except Jesus could do. This inability of humanity to fulfill the law highlights the necessity of grace through faith in Christ as the only way to be made righteous before God.

The final part of the verse talks about faith working through love. This is a pivotal message in the New Testament, emphasizing that true faith is evidenced by love in action. Love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10) and is the overflow of a heart transformed by the love of God. We, as Christians, serve one another, bear each other’s burdens, and fulfill the law of Christ through love (Galatians 6:2). Galatians 5:1-6 addresses the foundational Christian belief of salvation by faith in Christ alone, not by works of the law. It underscores the freedom believers have in Christ and the importance of standing firm in that freedom. The verse warns against legalism and the dangers of trying to earn salvation through human effort. Instead, the focus is on faith expressing itself through love, embodying the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of believers.

Galatians 5:7-12

The Apostle Paul writes to the Galatians in Galatians 5:7-12, warning them of the danger of being led astray by false teachings. Identify the subject: “Let’s”

Rewritten sentence: Let’s break down this verse into important sections and delve into their meanings. “You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? Paul, in this initial section, is reminding the Galatians of their past dedication to following the truth. He is acknowledging their previous commitment to obeying the teachings they received. However, he is questioning who or what has distracted them from this path now. This serves as a call to self-reflection for the Galatians and a challenge for them to reassess their current situation.

1. “This persuasion is not from him who calls you.”
   Paul is making it clear that the influence that has led the Galatians astray is not from God. He is emphasizing the importance of discerning the source of teachings and ensuring that they align with the true message of the Gospel. This is a timeless message that rings true for all believers, emphasizing the need for spiritual discernment and a firm foundation in the Word of God.

2. “A little leaven leavens the whole lump.”
   This metaphor highlights the pervasive nature of false teachings and how even a small amount of deception can corrupt the entire belief system. Just like leaven affects the entire batch of dough, false teachings can spread and taint the faith of believers. It serves as a warning to be vigilant and not allow any falsehood to take root within the church.

3. “I have confidence in the Lord that you will take no other view, and the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is.”
   Here, Paul expresses his confidence in the Galatians to ultimately reject false teachings and return to the truth. He is also reassuring them that those who spread such misleading doctrines will face consequences for their actions. This underscores the importance of standing firm in the face of deception and trusting in the Lord to bring justice and restoration.

4. “But if I, brothers, still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? The offense of the cross has been removed in that case.”
   Paul addresses the accusations against him, stating that if he were preaching circumcision as the false teachers were claiming, he would not be facing persecution. Paul was encountering opposition and hostility by preaching the true message of the cross and salvation through faith in Christ alone. This highlights the centrality of the cross in the Christian faith and the offense it poses to those who reject it. Galatians 5:7-12 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of staying true to the gospel message and guarding against false teachings. Paul’s words to the Galatians resonate throughout the ages, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith, discerning in their beliefs, and unwavering in their commitment to the truth of God’s Word. The themes of spiritual discernment, perseverance in faith, and the centrality of the cross reverberate through the New Testament, reinforcing the eternal truths of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Galatians 5:13-15

The verse in Galatians 5:13-15 is broken down into three key parts. The first section states: “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” This section emphasizes the idea that as Christians, we are called to walk in freedom, not bound by the law, but by the love and grace of Christ. It is a reminder that our freedom in Christ should not be used as an excuse to satisfy our own sinful desires, but rather it should be used to serve others in love. This echoes Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 22:37-39, where He emphasizes the importance of loving God and loving others as ourselves.

The second section of the verse reads: “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’.” This section highlights the centrality of love in fulfilling the law. Jesus simplified the law in the Old Testament by emphasizing the greatest commandments of loving God and loving others. We reflect the love of God and fulfill the law’s requirements by loving our neighbors as ourselves. This reference to loving your neighbor as yourself is in alignment with Jesus’ teachings in Matthew 5:43-48 about loving even our enemies and those who persecute us.

Lastly, the verse concludes with: “If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.” This warning highlights the destructive nature of conflict and division among believers. When we turn against one another, it not only damages relationships but also weakens the body of Christ. Paul frequently addressed the issue of division in his letters, urging believers to maintain unity and peace within the community of faith (Romans 12:16-18). This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and harmony among Christians, as it is through love and mutual respect that the body of Christ can thrive and fulfill its purpose. Galatians 5:13-15 emphasizes the call to walk in freedom, serve one another in love, fulfill the law through love, and maintain unity within the body of Christ. These timeless messages continue to be relevant for believers today, reminding us of the foundational principles of the Christian faith and the importance of living out these truths in our daily lives.

Galatians 5:16-18

Three key sections in Galatians 5:16-18 are worth breaking down for a deeper understanding of the message conveyed by the apostle Paul.

1. “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” This section emphasizes the importance of living a life guided by the Holy Spirit rather than giving in to the sinful desires of our flesh. Allowing the Spirit to lead us helps us to be less likely to fall into temptation and sin. This verse echoes the teachings of Jesus, who promised to send the Holy Spirit to guide and comfort believers (John 14:16-17). Walking by the Spirit involves being attuned to God’s will, seeking His guidance through prayer and staying connected to Him through reading the Word. It is a constant surrender of our will to God’s, allowing Him to transform us from the inside out.

2. “For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.” This section highlights the ongoing spiritual battle that believers face within themselves. Our sinful nature, inherited from Adam (Romans 5:12), is in constant conflict with the desires given by the Spirit. This inner struggle is a common theme throughout the Bible, as seen in Paul’s own struggles outlined in Romans 7:15-20. The apostle Paul acknowledges that even he, a chosen vessel of Christ, faced this internal battle. It’s crucial for believers to recognize this tension and rely on the strength of the Spirit to overcome the flesh. Through prayer, studying the Word, and fellowship with other believers, we can find victory in this battle.

3. “But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” This final section underscores the liberation that comes from following the guidance of the Spirit. Paul addressed the issue of legalism and the pressure some were facing to adhere strictly to the Mosaic law for salvation in his letter to the Galatians. Paul is highlighting that true freedom and righteousness come not from observance of the law but from a life surrendered to God through the Spirit by emphasizing the role of the Spirit in leading and guiding believers. This teaching is in harmony with other passages in the New Testament, such as Romans 8:1-4, where Paul explains that the law of the Spirit has set believers free from the law of sin and death. Galatians 5:16-18 serves as a powerful exhortation for believers to walk by the Spirit, acknowledging the internal struggle between the flesh and the Spirit, and finding freedom in Christ rather than in legalistic observance of the law. The timeless message of this passage reminds us of the importance of yielding to the Spirit’s guidance, cultivating a life of holiness and obedience to God, and finding true liberation in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 5:19-21

The passage in Galatians 5:19-21 reads, “The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.” I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

This section of Galatians lists various acts of the flesh that Paul warns against, emphasizing the importance of living a life guided by the Spirit rather than succumbing to worldly desires. Sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, and witchcraft all point to behaviors that are contrary to God’s teachings. Throughout the Bible, sexual immorality is consistently condemned and believers are called to maintain purity and integrity in their relationships. Idolatry and witchcraft refer to the worship of false gods and the practice of occult rituals, both of which are serious sins in the eyes of God as they undermine His authority and power.

Paul also addresses sins of the heart, such as hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, and envy. These attitudes and behaviors are destructive not only to individuals but also to the unity of the church. The Bible repeatedly stresses the importance of love, peace, humility, and unity among believers. For instance, in 1 Corinthians 13, known as the “love chapter,” Paul highlights the supremacy of love and its transformative power in relationships.

The mention of drunkenness and orgies in this passage underscores the consequences of indulging in excess and giving in to the desires of the flesh. We, as followers of Christ, are called to exercise self-control and temperance in all aspects of our lives. The Bible states in Proverbs 20:1, “Wine mocks, strong drink rages, and those deceived by them are not wise.”” This verse warns against the perils of alcohol abuse and the importance of moderation in all things. Believers should continuously strive for a life characterized by the fruits of the Spirit, as outlined in the preceding verses of Galatians 5:22-23 – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, as a reminder of Paul’s warning in Galatians 5:19-21. We demonstrate our allegiance to Christ and secure our inheritance in the kingdom of God by abiding in the Spirit and bearing these fruits.

Galatians 5:22-26

The apostle Paul discusses the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-26. This verse is a cornerstone of Christian living and emphasizes the transformation that occurs when a person is filled with the Holy Spirit.

First, let’s break down the important sections of this verse:
– “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23a)
– “Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:23b)
– “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24)
– “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Paul enumerates the characteristics that manifest in a person’s life when they are guided by the Holy Spirit in the first part of this passage. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are attributes of a life lived in close communion with God. These traits are not produced by mere human effort but are fruits that naturally grow in the life of a believer filled with the Spirit. Each of these qualities is interconnected and reinforces the others, painting a picture of a life that is wholly surrendered to God’s will.

The mention of “Against such things there is no law” reinforces the idea that these qualities are not bound by legalistic rules or regulations but flow freely in the life of a Spirit-filled individual. The fruit of the Spirit is pure, honorable, and a reflection of God’s character, in contrast to the works of the flesh that Paul discusses earlier in Galatians 5, which include things like sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, jealousy, and fits of anger.

When Paul states, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires,” he emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel. Believers are called to crucify their sinful nature, symbolizing putting to death the desires and pursuits that are contrary to God’s will. This act of crucifixion is spiritual in nature and signifies a turning away from worldly desires and selfish ambitions.

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit” underscores the ongoing, active relationship believers have with the Holy Spirit. Christians are called to live in alignment with the Spirit’s leading, following His guidance and promptings in every aspect of their lives. This requires a constant surrender of one’s will to God and a willingness to be led by Him.

Finally, Paul warns against pride, conflict, and envy within the Christian community in the closing verse. Believers are urged not to become conceited, provoking others or envying them. Instead, they are called to humility, unity, and love towards one another. This reminder is essential in fostering a harmonious and loving community of believers who are united in their faith and purpose. Galatians 5:22-26 highlights the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in producing godly characteristics in believers, serving as a roadmap for Christian living. It calls Christians to a life of surrender, obedience, and love, reflecting the image of Christ in a world filled with strife and division. This passage encourages believers to walk closely with the Spirit, bearing fruit that glorifies God and testifies to His work in their lives.

After Galatians 5

We have learned about the importance of living in the Spirit and the freedom that comes from following God’s commandments in this chapter. We have been reminded that love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control are the fruits of the Spirit. Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires; let us strive to walk in the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. We are called to live in freedom, serving one another in love as we reflect on the teachings of this chapter. Let us bear one another’s burdens and fulfill the law of Christ, instead of becoming conceited, provoking, and envying one another. We should keep our eyes fixed on the Spirit as we continue our journey in faith, seeking to live lives that honor God and reflect His love to the world around us.