Galatians 6 - ESV - Bible Reading / Study Notes

Galatians 6

Bear One Another’s Burdens

6:1 Brothers,¹ if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. 5 For each will have to bear his own load.

6 Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. 7 Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. 8 For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. 9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Final Warning and Benediction

11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which² the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Footnotes

[1] 6:1 Or Brothers and sisters; also verse 18
[2] 6:14 Or through whom

Commentary

v1: Restoring the sinner; the reference here is not to deliberate or habitual sin. The person caught up (or overtaken) needs restoration, not rebuke, contrast 1 Cor 5.11.

There is need for discernment, to identify the problem correctly. And, if we are to restore others, we must be spiritual, we must exercise a spirit of gentleness, and consider ourselves, so that we are not tempted also. Compare also Jude 22-23.

v2: Where something weighs down or hinders another, we are to bear those burdens. The word used here means a load which is to be carried, and then put down.

v3-5: Personal responsibility and accountability. We are not to exalt ourselves, for that is self-deception. We cannot live another person's life, 1 Cor 3.11-15, for each one is personally accountable before God, Rom 14.10,12. We should not compare ourselves with others, for they serve the same Master.

We must examine ourselves; negative self-criticism and introspection are not helpful.

v6: The teacher is a recognised role within the church; it is a specific spiritual gift. The teacher continues to learn, and must remain humble and teachable. Similarly, those who are taught should share those things they have learned, so teacher and those taught are encouraged together.

v7-8: There are consequences of how we live, Ps 78.29; we have a continuing choice, to sow to the flesh or to sow to the Spirit. God is not deceived, for we may try to justify our disobedience; we cannot avoid the consequences of wrong-doing.

v9-10: There is resistance from the enemy, to hinder us from doing good. We must take every opportunity to do good and to carry on doing so. Our special responsibility is to care for fellow believers.

v11: Paul closed his letter with a personal comment. His normal practice was to dictate letters to another, but to write his own greeting, see Rom 16.22; 1 Cor 16.21; Col 4.18.

v12-16: Error is best opposed by a declaration of truth.

By teaching a different message, the Judaizers sought to avoid being persecuting for Christ's sake. The new creation is evidenced by faith expressing itself through love (5.6); how different is the character of the natural man, who promotes circumcision, "that they may boast about your flesh", see 4.17.

Paul's boast is in the cross of Jesus Christ. As a result, there is "new creation," and there is "peace and mercy." He boasted in the only true message. Paul's boast is not in the cross in a sentimental or nostalgic way, but in 'a powerful, life-changing experience dealing the death-blow to any world-based expectations and aspirations that he might have had, including his reputation.' (Terry Virgo, God's Lavish Grace, p109).

v17-18: Paul was spiritual, boasting in the cross of Christ, enjoying the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ in his spirit, but bearing the marks of persecution in his body.

His prayer is simply that his readers similarly enjoy the grace of the Lord.