Galatians 5 Commentary: Freedom, the Spirit, and the Fruit of Love
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
I 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.
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
For 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.
But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, 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.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5 marks a pivotal shift in Paul's letter. While Galatians 3 and 4 focused on the theological bedrock of justification by faith, chapters 5 and 6 delve into the practical implications: How should Christians live in light of this newfound freedom in Christ? The resounding answer is that we must resist the allure of legalism and the pull of our sinful desires, instead embracing a life empowered by the Holy Spirit and characterized by love.
Stand Firm in Freedom (Galatians 5:1-12)
Paul begins 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). This verse is a cornerstone of Christian liberty. Christ didn't just offer a slight improvement to our old way of life; He radically liberated us from the bondage of sin and the law. Spiritual freedom is deliverance from the power and bondage of sin so that we can serve the living God as well as his people. It is freedom from legalism and the control of the flesh so that we can experience the substitutionary, resurrected life of Christ. It’s living a “thank you” life and a “want to” life (relationship), rather than a “have to” life (law).
The specific "yoke of slavery" Paul addresses is the insistence of the Judaizers that Gentile believers must be circumcised to be truly accepted by God. Paul vehemently opposes this, arguing that adding any requirement to faith in Christ undermines the very essence of grace. If you insist on keeping even a part of the law, "you are obligated to obey the whole law" (Galatians 5:3). To attempt to keep that would cut them off from experiencing the power of the substitutionary life of Christ in their lives. For believers to be alienated from Christ and to have fallen from grace is not a reference to losing salvation. The phrase refers to ceasing to operate from a grace standard and adopting a works-based mentality rather than a relationship-driven one. Doing so leads to nothing but a life of slavery and spiritual defeat—a life lacking joy, love, true obedience, spiritual intimacy, and the power that only grace can provide.
Paul's language is strong, even provocative. He expresses his frustration with those who are unsettling the Galatians. His confidence lies in the Galatians' ultimate rejection of this false teaching and the accountability the troublemakers will face.
Freedom's True Purpose: Love and Service (Galatians 5:13-15)
Having warned against legalism, Paul immediately addresses another potential misuse of freedom: indulging in sinful desires. "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).
Christian freedom isn't a license to do whatever we please; it's liberation from the tyranny of self so that we can freely love and serve others. Spiritual freedom is not the absence of boundaries. We are not to use our freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh, after all, is what got us into our messes in the first place! To be a slave of sin is to be chained to your own selfish desires. Christ came to free us from this.
Paul emphasizes that "the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (Galatians 5:14; quoting Leviticus 19:18). Love for God and for others is both the outgrowth of faith and God’s method for our sanctification. God’s love for us brought us to faith in Christ. Thus, love is to be the motivation that compels us to minister to fellow believers and meet their needs. God is not looking for obedience through law keeping; he’s looking for obedience motivated by love that naturally comes from faith.
The alternative to love is destructive. "But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another" (Galatians 5:15). This vivid imagery warns against the dangers of self-centeredness and conflict within the Christian community.
The Spirit's Power vs. the Flesh's Desires (Galatians 5:16-26)
The key to living out this freedom in love lies in walking by the Spirit. "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). To “carry out the desire of the flesh” is to live life based on a sinful human viewpoint. To “walk by the Spirit” is to discover God’s view on a matter, decide to act on that divine perspective, and depend on the Holy Spirit to empower your obedience.
Paul acknowledges the internal struggle that every believer faces: "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for they are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do" (Galatians 5:17). There’s a civil war happening in every Christian, a battle between the flesh and the Spirit. At times we may think that the flesh and the Spirit can work together in our lives, but Paul reminds us that this is impossible: they are opposed to each other. The two ways of living are based on different perspectives, have different goals, and will lead to different outcomes. The good news for the Galatians (and us) is that those led by the Spirit are not under the law.
To illustrate the stark contrast between these two ways of life, Paul presents two lists. First, he outlines the "works of the flesh" (Galatians 5:19-21), a catalog of sins that are readily apparent and destructive. They include sexual sins (summarized by sexual immorality), superstitious sins (like sorcery), and social sins (like hatreds . . . jealousy . . . selfish ambitions). The point is that such sins are the natural result of living according to the flesh and are evidence we are not walking in the Spirit. Such is not freedom, but slavery.
In stark contrast, Paul presents "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23): "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." While the works of the flesh destroy, the fruit of the Spirit provides life and refreshment. It benefits others. To love is to seek another person’s good—especially when that person can do nothing for you in return. Joy is the settled celebration of the soul within us, even when circumstances don’t make us happy. Peace results when strife gives way to harmony. To exercise patience is to be longsuffering instead of short-tempered. We demonstrate kindness when we help rather than hurt. Goodness summarizes the virtuous acts and attitudes that advance the kingdom of God and benefit others. The fruit of faithfulness brings constancy, perseverance, and dependability. Gentleness is seen in the one who practices tenderness in submission to God. When we say “no” to sin and “yes” to God in the midst of temptation, we exhibit self-control. The fruit of the Spirit is primarily manifested in our relationships.
It's crucial to note that Paul uses the singular "fruit," not "fruits." This suggests that these nine qualities are interconnected aspects of a single, unified character produced by the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit bears fruit in your life when you keep in step with him. The verb for “keep in step” means to march in step with your commander so that he can lead you, step-by-step. Therefore, the Holy Spirit must be included in every move we make if we truly want him to lead us. Live based on the divine perspective of God’s Word and pray for the Spirit’s empowerment. The result will be victory over the flesh, the production of spiritual fruit, and service through love.
Paul concludes with a call to humility. "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another" (Galatians 5:26). Remember: as you submit to the Spirit, he bears fruit through you. You can’t take credit for it. To become arrogant regarding spiritual fruit in your life is to forget its source, and it will serve as a quick way to end the Spirit’s fruit production in you. The same is true of envying the fruit bearing of another. To “love your neighbor as yourself” is to celebrate the goodness in the lives of our spiritual brothers and sisters, just as we would desire them to do for us. Thus, the fruit of the Spirit is to be visibly lived out in the context of the community of the local church.
Galatians 5 is a powerful call to embrace the freedom we have in Christ. This freedom is not an end in itself, but a means to a life of love, service, and spiritual fruitfulness, all empowered by the Holy Spirit. By resisting legalism, rejecting the desires of the flesh, and walking in step with the Spirit, we can experience the abundant life that God intends for us.
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
I 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.
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
For 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.
But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Envyings, 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.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians 5 marks a pivotal shift in Paul's letter. While Galatians 3 and 4 focused on the theological bedrock of justification by faith, chapters 5 and 6 delve into the practical implications: How should Christians live in light of this newfound freedom in Christ? The resounding answer is that we must resist the allure of legalism and the pull of our sinful desires, instead embracing a life empowered by the Holy Spirit and characterized by love.
Stand Firm in Freedom (Galatians 5:1-12)
Paul begins 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). This verse is a cornerstone of Christian liberty. Christ didn't just offer a slight improvement to our old way of life; He radically liberated us from the bondage of sin and the law. Spiritual freedom is deliverance from the power and bondage of sin so that we can serve the living God as well as his people. It is freedom from legalism and the control of the flesh so that we can experience the substitutionary, resurrected life of Christ. It’s living a “thank you” life and a “want to” life (relationship), rather than a “have to” life (law).
The specific "yoke of slavery" Paul addresses is the insistence of the Judaizers that Gentile believers must be circumcised to be truly accepted by God. Paul vehemently opposes this, arguing that adding any requirement to faith in Christ undermines the very essence of grace. If you insist on keeping even a part of the law, "you are obligated to obey the whole law" (Galatians 5:3). To attempt to keep that would cut them off from experiencing the power of the substitutionary life of Christ in their lives. For believers to be alienated from Christ and to have fallen from grace is not a reference to losing salvation. The phrase refers to ceasing to operate from a grace standard and adopting a works-based mentality rather than a relationship-driven one. Doing so leads to nothing but a life of slavery and spiritual defeat—a life lacking joy, love, true obedience, spiritual intimacy, and the power that only grace can provide.
Paul's language is strong, even provocative. He expresses his frustration with those who are unsettling the Galatians. His confidence lies in the Galatians' ultimate rejection of this false teaching and the accountability the troublemakers will face.
Freedom's True Purpose: Love and Service (Galatians 5:13-15)
Having warned against legalism, Paul immediately addresses another potential misuse of freedom: indulging in sinful desires. "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another" (Galatians 5:13).
Christian freedom isn't a license to do whatever we please; it's liberation from the tyranny of self so that we can freely love and serve others. Spiritual freedom is not the absence of boundaries. We are not to use our freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Fulfilling the desires of the flesh, after all, is what got us into our messes in the first place! To be a slave of sin is to be chained to your own selfish desires. Christ came to free us from this.
Paul emphasizes that "the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself'" (Galatians 5:14; quoting Leviticus 19:18). Love for God and for others is both the outgrowth of faith and God’s method for our sanctification. God’s love for us brought us to faith in Christ. Thus, love is to be the motivation that compels us to minister to fellow believers and meet their needs. God is not looking for obedience through law keeping; he’s looking for obedience motivated by love that naturally comes from faith.
The alternative to love is destructive. "But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another" (Galatians 5:15). This vivid imagery warns against the dangers of self-centeredness and conflict within the Christian community.
The Spirit's Power vs. the Flesh's Desires (Galatians 5:16-26)
The key to living out this freedom in love lies in walking by the Spirit. "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh" (Galatians 5:16). To “carry out the desire of the flesh” is to live life based on a sinful human viewpoint. To “walk by the Spirit” is to discover God’s view on a matter, decide to act on that divine perspective, and depend on the Holy Spirit to empower your obedience.
Paul acknowledges the internal struggle that every believer faces: "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for they are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do" (Galatians 5:17). There’s a civil war happening in every Christian, a battle between the flesh and the Spirit. At times we may think that the flesh and the Spirit can work together in our lives, but Paul reminds us that this is impossible: they are opposed to each other. The two ways of living are based on different perspectives, have different goals, and will lead to different outcomes. The good news for the Galatians (and us) is that those led by the Spirit are not under the law.
To illustrate the stark contrast between these two ways of life, Paul presents two lists. First, he outlines the "works of the flesh" (Galatians 5:19-21), a catalog of sins that are readily apparent and destructive. They include sexual sins (summarized by sexual immorality), superstitious sins (like sorcery), and social sins (like hatreds . . . jealousy . . . selfish ambitions). The point is that such sins are the natural result of living according to the flesh and are evidence we are not walking in the Spirit. Such is not freedom, but slavery.
In stark contrast, Paul presents "the fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23): "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control." While the works of the flesh destroy, the fruit of the Spirit provides life and refreshment. It benefits others. To love is to seek another person’s good—especially when that person can do nothing for you in return. Joy is the settled celebration of the soul within us, even when circumstances don’t make us happy. Peace results when strife gives way to harmony. To exercise patience is to be longsuffering instead of short-tempered. We demonstrate kindness when we help rather than hurt. Goodness summarizes the virtuous acts and attitudes that advance the kingdom of God and benefit others. The fruit of faithfulness brings constancy, perseverance, and dependability. Gentleness is seen in the one who practices tenderness in submission to God. When we say “no” to sin and “yes” to God in the midst of temptation, we exhibit self-control. The fruit of the Spirit is primarily manifested in our relationships.
It's crucial to note that Paul uses the singular "fruit," not "fruits." This suggests that these nine qualities are interconnected aspects of a single, unified character produced by the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit bears fruit in your life when you keep in step with him. The verb for “keep in step” means to march in step with your commander so that he can lead you, step-by-step. Therefore, the Holy Spirit must be included in every move we make if we truly want him to lead us. Live based on the divine perspective of God’s Word and pray for the Spirit’s empowerment. The result will be victory over the flesh, the production of spiritual fruit, and service through love.
Paul concludes with a call to humility. "Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another" (Galatians 5:26). Remember: as you submit to the Spirit, he bears fruit through you. You can’t take credit for it. To become arrogant regarding spiritual fruit in your life is to forget its source, and it will serve as a quick way to end the Spirit’s fruit production in you. The same is true of envying the fruit bearing of another. To “love your neighbor as yourself” is to celebrate the goodness in the lives of our spiritual brothers and sisters, just as we would desire them to do for us. Thus, the fruit of the Spirit is to be visibly lived out in the context of the community of the local church.
Galatians 5 is a powerful call to embrace the freedom we have in Christ. This freedom is not an end in itself, but a means to a life of love, service, and spiritual fruitfulness, all empowered by the Holy Spirit. By resisting legalism, rejecting the desires of the flesh, and walking in step with the Spirit, we can experience the abundant life that God intends for us.