Reading Plan · Day 336
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Galatians 4-6
Day 336
Previously · Day 335 · Galatians 1-3
The previous day's reading concluded with the Theme of Chapter 3: Paul was concerned the Galatians were returning to the Law, so he gave an overview of the foundational Doctrine of justification by faith. This chapter was a review of one main theme of the Book of Romans: all people (Jews and Gentiles) are justified by faith in God, just as Abraham (the father of the Jews) was justified by faith.
Day 336 Read
Where You Stopped
Galatians 4
1But I say that so long as the heir is a child, he differeth nothing from a bondservant though he is lord of all; 2but is under guardians and stewards until the day appointed of the father.
1Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
Commentary · verses 1-2
3So we also, when we were children, were held in bondage under the rudiments of the world: 4but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,
3Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
Commentary · verses 3-4
The "fulness of the time" would be the time that God gave to Daniel (in Daniel 9) regarding when the Messiah would come.
Doctrine: Jesus was born of a woman and born under the Law.
5that he might redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
5To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
Commentary · verse 5
Doctrine: Jesus was born under the Law so that He could redeem those who were under the Law and make it possible for those not under the Law to be adopted.
6And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
Commentary · verse 6
By believing, we are adopted children of God. Because we are sons of God, He sent His Spirit into our hearts.
7So that thou art no longer a bondservant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir through God.
7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
Commentary · verse 7
Paul confirmed the Galatians (Gentiles) were sons of God without the Law.
8Howbeit at that time, not knowing God, ye were in bondage to them that by nature are no gods: 9but now that ye have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how turn ye back again to the weak and beggarly rudiments, whereunto ye desire to be in bondage over again?
8Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
Commentary · verses 8-9
Paul wanted to know why the Galatians were going back towards the Law when they had been made free from the bondage of the Law by the Spirit. Paul showed the Galatians they were sons of God without the Law and the Law would not add anything to their position, but rather take away from their freedom.
10Ye observe days, and months, and seasons, and years.
11I am afraid of you, lest by any means I have bestowed labor upon you in vain.
10Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
Commentary · verses 10-11
Paul was afraid that he may have wasted his time by laboring towards the Galatians because they were going back to the Law by observing those traditions.
12I beseech you, brethren, become as I am, for I also am become as ye are. Ye did me no wrong: 13but ye know that because of an infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you the first time:
12Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
13Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
Commentary · verses 12-13
An infirmity in Paul's flesh caused him to preach the Gospel to the Galatians when he did. The stoning of Paul in Lystra (Acts 14:19-20) may have been the cause of this physical infirmity. Some people believe that Paul may have been referring to the thorn in his flesh from 2 Corinthians 12.
14and that which was a temptation to you in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but ye received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15Where then is that gratulation of yourselves? for I bear you witness, that, if possible, ye would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.
16So then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth?
14And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
16Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
Commentary · verses 14-16
At first, the Galatians received Paul excellently, "even as Christ Jesus." At some point, Paul was being treated as their enemies. Paul asked if it was because he spoke the truth.
17They zealously seek you in no good way; nay, they desire to shut you out, that ye may seek them.
17They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
Commentary · verse 17
Paul stated the false teachers were desiring to make the Galatians dependent on these false teachers. Notice, Paul was preaching a Gospel of freedom and giving the Galatians freedom. The false teachers were preaching a gospel of bondage and attempting to put the Galatians in bondage.
18But it is good to be zealously sought in a good matter at all times, and not only when I am present with you.
18But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
Commentary · verse 18
Paul gave them the freedom to be pursued by himself and others.
19My little children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ be formed in you— 20but I could wish to be present with you now, and to change my tone; for I am perplexed about you.
19My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
20I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
Commentary · verses 19-20
Paul referenced his laboring to mature them spiritually, then stated he wanted to be with them so he could change his tone. Paul was perplexed about the Galatians and wanted to be present so that he could emphasize the key point: that we are all children of the promise.
Verses 21-31: Paul used the story of Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16 and Genesis 17) to emphasize this point to the Galatians.
21Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
21Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
Commentary · verse 21
Paul began by stating that if you truly wanted to be under the Law, then you would have to accept everything that followed because it came from the Law.
22For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one by the handmaid, and one by the freewoman.
23Howbeit the son by the handmaid is born after the flesh; but the son by the freewoman is born through promise.
22For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
Commentary · verses 22-23
Ishmael was the son of the handmaid (Hagar). Ishmael was an effect of Abram and Sarai attempting to fulfill God's promise in their own strength. Isaac was the son by the freewoman (Sarah) and was God's fulfillment of His promise to Abraham and Sarah.
24Which things contain an allegory: for these women are two covenants; one from mount Sinai, bearing children unto bondage, which is Hagar.
24Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
Commentary · verse 24
Each of these women was part of a different covenant, two different covenants.
25Now this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia and answereth to the Jerusalem that now is: for she is in bondage with her children.
25For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
Commentary · verse 25
Hagar was represented by Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Law. This was symbolic of her being in bondage.
26But the Jerusalem that is above is free, which is our mother.
26But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Commentary · verse 26
Sarah was represented by Jerusalem. However, not the Jerusalem on this earth but the one that is above, the new Jerusalem. This was symbolic of her being a freewoman.
27For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; Break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: For more are the children of the desolate than of her that hath the husband.
27For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
Commentary · verse 27
Paul referenced Isaiah 54:1.
28Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are children of promise.
29But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, so also it is now.
28Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
29But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
Commentary · verses 28-29
Just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac, those who put themselves in bondage by holding to the Law were persecuting believers.
30Howbeit what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaid and her son: for the son of the handmaid shall not inherit with the son of the freewoman.
30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
Commentary · verse 30
Paul quoted Genesis 21:10.
31Wherefore, brethren, we are not children of a handmaid, but of the freewoman.
31So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
Commentary · verse 31
Theme of Chapter 4: Paul emphasized to the Galatians that they were free and saved without the Law and the Law would not only add nothing, it would put them in bondage.
Where You Stopped
Galatians 5
1For freedom did Christ set us free: stand fast therefore, and be not entangled again in a yoke of bondage.
1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Commentary · verse 1
Paul began this section summarizing the previous chapter: freedom in Christ vs. returning to bondage under the Law. Stand fast in Christ where we are free and not in the Law which was bondage. "Stand fast" was the cause, freedom was an effect of this.
2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that, if ye receive circumcision, Christ will profit you nothing.
2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
Commentary · verse 2
Receiving circumcision (relying on the Law) will profit you nothing from Christ.
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.
3For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
Commentary · verses 3-4
When we try to be justified by works (doing things in our own power), we are fallen from grace, we are apart from the Holy Spirit working through us.
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.
5For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Commentary · verses 5-6
Circumcision, in and of itself, is not good or bad. What is important is faith working through love.
7Ye were running well; who hindered you that ye should not obey the truth?
7Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
Commentary · verse 7
The Galatians were making progress and Paul wanted to know what was hindering them by making them think they needed the Law.
8This persuasion came not of him that calleth you.
8This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
Commentary · verse 8
Paul said this false information was not coming from God.
9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
Commentary · verse 9
Just as a little leaven will leaven the whole lump, one deceiving person can make an entire community unprofitable.
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.
10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
Commentary · verse 10
Those who cause others to stumble will bear the judgment of the trouble they caused. This was similar to what Jesus said about causing "one of these little ones to stumble" (Matthew 18:6, Mark 9:42, Luke 17:2): it would be better to have a "great millstone" hung on your neck and dropped in the sea than to cause "one of these little ones to stumble."
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.
11And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
12I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
Commentary · verses 11-12
Paul implied that those who were teaching the Galatians that they needed circumcision would perform a surgery on themselves that went beyond only removing the foreskin.
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.
13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
Commentary · verse 13
Doctrine: Our freedom ought to result in loving others and being servants to each other, not as an excuse to walk in the flesh.
14For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
Commentary · verse 14
The Law is fulfilled (ultimate effect) by loving your neighbor as yourself (which is a direct effect of loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength). This was HOW Jesus fulfilled the Law: through love.
15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16But I say, Walk by the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
Commentary · verses 15-16
Doctrine: Walking in the Spirit (living by grace through faith) will stop us from fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. We do not have to focus on what not to do, like the Law. We can focus on what to do, which is grace.
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.
17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
Commentary · verse 17
Doctrine: The flesh and the Spirit contradict each other. You cannot walk in the Spirit and the flesh simultaneously.
Doctrines on this passage
18But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Commentary · verse 18
Paul further stated that being led by the Spirit would remove you out from under the Law. How is that possible?
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.
19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Commentary · verses 19-21
Verses 19-21 were a list of effects of walking in your flesh. These things will happen if you live according to your flesh. Notice, there are many laws dealing with the destructive effects that result when people do the behaviors in that list.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Commentary · verses 22-23
Verses 22-23 were a list of effects of walking in the Spirit. These things will happen if you live according to the Spirit. Notice, there are no laws against any of these nine effects of walking in the Spirit, which would mean the Law has no effect on people who exhibit these behaviors.
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.
24And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Commentary · verses 24-25
Paul encouraged the Galatians to not only live by the Spirit but to walk by the Spirit. "Walking" implied progress: actions. Remember, the Soul/Mind and the Spirit need to work through the flesh. Living by the Spirit is the Soul/Mind being in agreement. Walking in the Spirit is the Mind/Soul and Spirit able to successfully work through the flesh.
26Let us not become vainglorious, provoking one another, envying one another.
26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Commentary · verse 26
Paul also stated that we should not envy other believers who walk in the Spirit better than us, which was another way the Law could be brought back over us.
Theme of Chapter 5: Paul emphasized that the Law had no effect on believers who walked in the Spirit. Believers who were led by the Holy Spirit (grace) did behaviors that were the opposite of the flesh and there were no laws against these behaviors.
Where You Stopped
Galatians 6
1Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Commentary · verse 1
Paul wanted the Galatians to facilitate the restoration of a man who was overtaken by sin, while being contrastive on themselves so that they were not tempted as well. This was a theme of 2 Corinthians: forgive and receive the repentant sinner.
2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
Commentary · verse 2
Bearing each other's burdens is a part of leadership. Leaders bear pain; leaders do not inflict pain. Notice also, this was connected to fulfilling the "law of Christ." Bearing the burdens of others would be done in love: giving them a value without expecting anything in return.
3For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
Commentary · verse 3
When a man is in pride he deceives himself. Thinking you are "something" is a right WHAT. Being "nothing" is a wrong HOW/WHY, which is similar to being a "reprobate/castaway": appearing to be something good, but not actually having the value/worth/works.
4But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor.
4But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
Commentary · verse 4
Think contrastively; consider you could be wrong. This will cause you to have glory in who you ARE and you will not be dependent on having glory because of others, you will not be a reprobate/castaway.
5For each man shall bear his own burden.
5For every man shall bear his own burden.
Commentary · verse 5
We are accountable for our own actions. A person must learn to bear their own burden before bearing the burdens of others.
6But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
Commentary · verses 6-7
Verse 7 spoke directly toward causality. Denying causality is mocking God because it implies that God is not the First Cause.
8For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life.
8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
Commentary · verse 8
Paul gave examples of causality: sow into your flesh and you will reap corruption; sow into the Spirit and you will reap eternal life.
9And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
Commentary · verse 9
Doctrines on this passage
10So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Commentary · verse 10
We ought to do good to all men but especially other believers. Doing good to other believers will result in profitability with each other, which Jesus said was proof to unbelievers that we are believers: when we love other believers.
11See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand.
11Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
Commentary · verse 11
Many scholars stated that verse 11 meant that Paul had bad vision and had to write with large letters. Paul had dictated his other letters. Some translations interpreted this verse as "See how large of a letter I write unto you with mine own hand." The reason being if Paul had to write with large letters because he couldn't see well, then he probably wouldn't have written the letter himself, but had someone write it for him. The greater implication was that this letter was longer than what we have here because the rest of the letter was the Book of Hebrews. We will look at that perspective during the Book of Hebrews. Regardless, we can see that Paul wrote this letter himself.
12As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
Commentary · verses 12-14
Paul concluded with a warning: the false teachers that convinced others to keep the Law were hypocrites because they did not keep the Law themselves. Paul stated these false teachers were glorying in their ability to make others follow the Law. Paul stated he only gloried in the cross of Jesus Christ.
15For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Commentary · verse 15
Once again, Paul reminded the Galatians that circumcision, in and of itself, was not good and was not bad.
16And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus.
16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
Commentary · verses 16-17
The "marks of Jesus" on Paul's body were the scars he had because of the beatings he undertook. Clearly Paul felt good about these scars in that he called them the "marks of Jesus."
18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
18Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Unto the Galatians written from Rome.
Commentary · verse 18
Theme of Chapter 6: Paul concluded this letter by reminding the Galatians of the main points of his letter. Specifically, Paul emphasized to the Galatians that they were free and saved without the Law and the Law would not only add nothing, it would put them in bondage. Paul stated the false teachers that convinced others to keep the Law were hypocrites because they did not keep the Law themselves. Paul reminded the Galatians that circumcision, in and of itself, was not good and was not bad.
The Book of Galatians was originally written as a letter to the believers in southern Galatia, which was a Roman province in what is now Turkey. Galatia was the area where, on his first missionary journey, Paul established the congregations in Pisidia Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe. This letter was written by Paul around 68 AD from Rome during his time in prison. While this was the fourth book of the section of the New Testament known as the Pauline Epistles, it also began a mini-section of epistles known as the Prison Epistles because they were all written while Paul was in prison. Paul wrote this letter to encourage new believers not to listen to false teachers who were attempting to convince the Galatians they needed to be under the Law in order to have Salvation.
Paul continued showing there was no division between the Jews (heir) and Gentiles (bondservant) once the day appointed of the father arrived, which would be Final Judgment: Salvation and Reward.