Explanation of Galatians 5
Freedom in Christ (Galatians 5:1-6)
Paul opens Galatians 5 with a powerful declaration:
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”
(Galatians 5:1)
The “yoke of slavery” refers to the Old Testament ceremonial law, particularly circumcision, which false teachers (the Judaizers) were trying to impose on Gentile believers. Paul warns that if they accept circumcision as a requirement for salvation, they are obligated to keep the whole law (Galatians 5:3). Since justification comes by faith in Christ alone, adding works to the gospel nullifies grace (Galatians 5:4). True believers, Paul argues, wait for the hope of righteousness by faith, not by works of the law (Galatians 5:5-6).
Warning Against False Teaching (Galatians 5:7-12)
Paul rebukes the Galatians for allowing themselves to be hindered from obeying the truth (Galatians 5:7). The false teachers may have seemed persuasive, but their doctrine was like leaven, corrupting the whole lump (Galatians 5:9). He reminds the Galatians that the one who is troubling them will face judgment (Galatians 5:10). Paul also dismisses the idea that he preaches circumcision, pointing out that if he did, he wouldn’t be persecuted for preaching Christ crucified (Galatians 5:11). His frustration with the Judaizers is evident when he sarcastically wishes they would “emasculate themselves” (Galatians 5:12), showing how dangerous their teaching is.
Walking in the Spirit, Not the Flesh (Galatians 5:13-26)
Paul shifts to a practical application of Christian liberty. Freedom in Christ is not an excuse to indulge in sin; rather, it is a call to love and serve one another (Galatians 5:13). The whole law, Paul says, is fulfilled in the command:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
(Galatians 5:14)
If believers live by the flesh, they will be consumed by sinful desires (Galatians 5:15). Instead, they must walk by the Spirit to avoid gratifying the desires of the flesh (Galatians 5:16-18).
Paul contrasts the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) with the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
The works of the flesh include:
- Sexual immorality, impurity, and sensuality
- Idolatry and sorcery
- Enmity, strife, jealousy, and fits of anger
- Rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy
- Drunkenness and orgies
Paul warns that those who live in these sins will not inherit the kingdom of God (Galatians 5:21).
The fruit of the Spirit includes:
- Love, joy, peace
- Patience, kindness, goodness
- Faithfulness, gentleness, self-control
Paul concludes by reminding believers that those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:24). Therefore, they should live by the Spirit and not provoke one another to envy or strife (Galatians 5:25-26).
Summary
Galatians 5 is a call to stand firm in the freedom of the gospel, rejecting any works-based righteousness. True Christian freedom leads to holiness, not lawlessness, and is marked by love and the fruit of the Spirit. Those who walk in the Spirit will bear godly fruit, while those who live in the flesh will reap corruption.
Leave a comment