
Galatians 5
Galatians 5 is a pivotal chapter in which Paul addresses the issue of Christian liberty versus the obligations of the Mosaic Law. He passionately urges the Galatians to maintain their freedom in Christ and not revert to legalistic observances, particularly circumcision, which they believe is necessary for salvation. Paul emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith, not the law. This chapter also highlights the importance of living by the Spirit rather than following the desires of the flesh, providing a clear contrast between the fruits of the Spirit and the works of the flesh.
Galatians 5:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing.
3 And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law.
4 You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
This passage emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the freedom that Christ has provided through His sacrifice. Paul warns that returning to the practice of circumcision as a means of justification binds a person to being enslaved to and guided by the entire written law, rejecting the grace of Christ. He clarifies that circumcision, in itself, is not wrong—Paul even circumcised Timothy (Acts 16:3). In that case, the act was to avoid creating obstacles in ministry and to foster better acceptance among legalistic Jews, not as a means of attaining salvation. However, when the Galatians pursued circumcision for religious reasons, believing it would contribute to their salvation or make them more righteous and perfect, it demonstrated a profound misunderstanding of the true gospel. Such actions risk separating them from Christ and falling out of grace. Paul underscores that righteousness cannot be attained through human efforts or legalistic observances but only through faith working in love. Believers eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness through the Spirit by faith, trusting fully in God’s promise rather than their own works.
Galatians 5:6 (NKJV)
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
Paul highlights that in Christ, external rituals like circumcision are irrelevant. What truly matters is a faith that expresses itself through love, indicating that genuine faith naturally results in loving actions towards others.
Galatians 5:7-12 (NKJV)
7 You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth?
8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you.
9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump.
10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will have no other mind; but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is.
11 And I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased.
12 I could wish that those who trouble you would even cut themselves off!
Paul laments how the Galatians, who once ran well in their spiritual journey, have been hindered by false teachers. He makes it clear that this persuasion to adopt legalistic practices, like circumcision, did not come from God. Using the metaphor of leaven, he warns that even a small false teaching can spread and corrupt the entire community. Despite this, Paul expresses confidence that the Galatians will realign with the truth through God's guidance. He also defends himself against accusations that he still preaches circumcision, pointing out that if he did, he would not be persecuted. Instead, his suffering proves that he preaches salvation through Christ alone, not through legalistic rituals. In verse 12, Paul makes a strong and sarcastic remark, saying that those who push circumcision should "cut themselves off" entirely—a reference to self-emasculation—highlighting his frustration and the absurdity of their focus on outward rituals rather than true faith.
Galatians 5:13-15 (NKJV)
13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another!
Paul clarifies that Christian freedom should not be an excuse for self-indulgence but an opportunity to serve each other in love. He summarizes the entire law with the command to love one’s neighbor as oneself, illustrating that love is the fulfillment of the law. He warns against destructive interactions within the community, which threaten to undermine their collective spiritual health.
Galatians 5:16-18 (NKJV)
16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish.
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Paul encourages believers to walk in the Spirit so they do not give in to the desires of the flesh. He explains the internal conflict between the sinful nature, which operates in the body, and the Spirit of Christ living within. Those who are led by the Spirit no longer need the law to dictate their actions because the Spirit prompts them to live in ways that honor God—loving others, practicing kindness, and avoiding sin. However, this does not make the moral law irrelevant. Instead, the Spirit empowers believers to live according to the moral principles of the law naturally, not out of obligation, but out of love for God and others. True freedom in Christ means living righteously, not by legalistic effort, but by the Spirit's guidance, which fulfills the law’s intent.
Galatians 5:19-21 (NKJV)
19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness,
20 idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies,
21 envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
Paul lists the works of the flesh to illustrate the behaviors that are incompatible with the life of the Spirit. This extensive list serves as a warning: those who engage in such behaviors demonstrate that they are not living under the influence of the Spirit and thus will not inherit God’s kingdom.
Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Paul describes the "fruit of the Spirit" as the natural result of a life guided by the Holy Spirit. These qualities—such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—reflect the character of Christ and show what a transformed life looks like. Unlike the works of the flesh, which are driven by selfish desires, the fruit of the Spirit grows as believers stay connected to Christ. For example, love leads to acts of compassion, and self-control helps resist harmful habits. Paul concludes that there is no law against these virtues, as they embody the very essence of God's law, fulfilling His will in a way that legalism never could. This illustrates that true righteousness comes from within through the Spirit’s work, not from external rules.
Galatians 5:24-26 (NKJV)
24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.
Paul explains that those who belong to Christ have "crucified the flesh" with its passions and desires, meaning they have chosen to put their sinful nature to death by surrendering fully to Christ. This does not mean they are perfect, but they no longer live to gratify their selfish impulses. Instead, they live in step with the Spirit, allowing the Spirit to guide their attitudes and actions. Paul urges believers to avoid pride, competition, and envy, which can disrupt unity and spiritual growth. Instead of comparing themselves to others, they are to reflect humility, patience, and love, living in harmony with one another as they grow in Christlikeness.