Galatians 5:23
Verse
Context
Sermons




Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Meekness - Πραοτης· Mildness, indulgence toward the weak and erring, patient suffering of injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge, an even balance of all tempers and passions, the entire opposite to anger. Temperance - Εγκρατεια· Continence, self-government, or moderation, principally with regard to sensual or animal appetites. Moderation in eating, drinking, sleeping, etc. Several very respectable MSS., as D*EFG, with the Vulgate, most copies of the Itala and several of the fathers, add ἁγνεια, chastity. This we are sure cannot be separated from the genuine Christian character, though it may be included in the word εγκρατεια, continence or moderation, immediately preceding. Against such there is no law - Those, whose lives are adorned by the above virtues, cannot be condemned by any law, for the whole purpose and design of the moral law of God is fulfilled in those who have the Spirit of God, producing in their hearts and lives the preceding fruits.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
temperance--The Greek root implies self-restraint as to one's desires and lusts. against such--not persons, but things, as in Gal 5:21. no law--confirming Gal 5:18, "Not under the law" (Ti1 1:9-10). The law itself commands love (Gal 5:14); so far is it from being "against such."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they that are Christ's,.... Not all as yet that are secretly so, who are chosen in him, and by him, are given by the Father to him in covenant, and whom he has purchased by his blood, and considers as his people, his sheep, and his children, though as yet they are not called by his grace; of these, as yet, what follows cannot be said, and therefore must mean such as are openly Christ's, whom he has laid hold on as his own in the effectual calling, who have his Spirit as a spirit of regeneration and sanctification, who have truly believed in Christ, and have given up themselves unto him. have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts: by the flesh is meant, not the natural body to be macerated and afflicted with fastings, watchings, &c. but the corruption of nature, the old man and carnal heart. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "their own flesh"; and so do the Syriac and Ethiopic versions; their concern lying with their own, and not with the corruptions, affections, and lusts of others. By "the affections and lusts" are intended, not the natural affections and passions of the soul, and the desires of it; but its vile and inordinate affections, its corrupt inclinations, evil desires, and deceitful lusts; all which are "crucified" first "with Christ", as the Arabic version reads; see Rom 6:6 and which are so abolished, done away, and destroyed, by the sacrifice of Christ, that the damning power of them over his people is entirely gone. And in consequence of this crucifixion of the body of sin, with Christ upon the cross, when he finished and made an end of it, sin, with its passions and lusts, is crucified by the Spirit of God in regeneration and sanctification; so that it loses its governing power, and has not the dominion it had before: not but that the flesh, or corrupt nature, with its evil affections, and carnal lusts, are still in being, and are alive; as a person fastened to a cross may be alive, though he cannot act and move as before, being under restraints, so the old man, though crucified, and under the restraints of mighty grace, and cannot reign and govern as before, yet is alive, and acts, and operates, and oftentimes has great sway and influence; but whereas he is deprived of his reigning power, he is said to be crucified: and though this act is ascribed to them that are Christ's, yet not as done by them in their own strength, who are not able to grapple with one corruption, but as under the influence of the grace of Christ, and through the power of his Spirit; see Rom 8:13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:23 Gentleness is antithetical to the vices of 5:20 and requires strength (see Prov 15:1, 4; Matt 11:28-29; Eph 4:2). • self-control: The Holy Spirit does not give moral license but empowers people to avoid sin (cp. Gal 5:13; Rom 6:14-18; 1 Thes 4:3-7; 1 Pet 2:16; see also Acts 24:25; Titus 1:8). • There is no law against these things! Paul is stating the obvious, but also making the point that those who are virtuous by the Spirit do not need law to govern them.
Galatians 5:23
Walking by the Spirit
22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Being a Lover of the Truth
By Zac Poonen87024:47MRK 10:21LUK 14:25JHN 6:661CO 16:12GAL 5:23This sermon emphasizes the importance of discerning the source of supernatural experiences, highlighting the need to test teachings and actions against the examples set by Jesus and the apostles. It stresses the value of giving people freedom to choose and follow their conscience, rather than controlling them. The sermon also underscores the significance of preaching the uncompromising truth, even if it leads to people leaving, as seen in the examples of Jesus and His disciples.
The Hart and Hind
By Harriet N. Cook0GAL 5:23The preacher delves into the concept of 'Prautes' which describes a quality of gentle friendliness, meekness, and consideration for others, emphasizing the importance of having a patient trust in difficult circumstances and a restrained patience. This quality is exemplified by Jesus Christ, who displayed strength under control and a humble attitude. Prautes involves a controlled strength that accommodates others' weaknesses, displaying a soothing influence and a submissive attitude to God's will. It is the opposite of arrogance and anger, reflecting a spirit of gentleness and humility in all interactions.
Contending Biblically 3
By Anton Bosch0PSA 127:1PRO 3:5JHN 19:11GAL 5:23GAL 6:1EPH 6:121TH 2:71TI 3:22TI 2:23TIT 3:1Anton Bosch emphasizes the importance of following the clear command in 2 Timothy 2:23-26 to avoid disputes, be gentle to all, and be patient when correcting others' doctrine. He highlights the need for humility, meekness, and the ability to teach when dealing with those in error, stressing that only God can grant repentance and lead individuals to acknowledge the truth. Bosch cautions against pride, arrogance, and a critical spirit, urging believers to approach correction with compassion, mercy, and a heart of brokenness.
Remember Lot!
By J.C. Ryle0PSA 39:1MAT 12:33GAL 5:23JAS 1:26JAS 3:2C. Ernest Tatham discusses the three types of individuals likened to different dogs, emphasizing the importance of being like the dog that knows and loves his master, responding obediently to His voice. The sermon delves into the significance of bridling the tongue, highlighting the power of speech in revealing the condition of one's heart and the need for supernatural Holy Spirit power to control it. James stresses the importance of controlling the tongue as a reflection of true religion, contrasting unbridled speech with self-deception and worthless religion.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Meekness - Πραοτης· Mildness, indulgence toward the weak and erring, patient suffering of injuries without feeling a spirit of revenge, an even balance of all tempers and passions, the entire opposite to anger. Temperance - Εγκρατεια· Continence, self-government, or moderation, principally with regard to sensual or animal appetites. Moderation in eating, drinking, sleeping, etc. Several very respectable MSS., as D*EFG, with the Vulgate, most copies of the Itala and several of the fathers, add ἁγνεια, chastity. This we are sure cannot be separated from the genuine Christian character, though it may be included in the word εγκρατεια, continence or moderation, immediately preceding. Against such there is no law - Those, whose lives are adorned by the above virtues, cannot be condemned by any law, for the whole purpose and design of the moral law of God is fulfilled in those who have the Spirit of God, producing in their hearts and lives the preceding fruits.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
temperance--The Greek root implies self-restraint as to one's desires and lusts. against such--not persons, but things, as in Gal 5:21. no law--confirming Gal 5:18, "Not under the law" (Ti1 1:9-10). The law itself commands love (Gal 5:14); so far is it from being "against such."
John Gill Bible Commentary
And they that are Christ's,.... Not all as yet that are secretly so, who are chosen in him, and by him, are given by the Father to him in covenant, and whom he has purchased by his blood, and considers as his people, his sheep, and his children, though as yet they are not called by his grace; of these, as yet, what follows cannot be said, and therefore must mean such as are openly Christ's, whom he has laid hold on as his own in the effectual calling, who have his Spirit as a spirit of regeneration and sanctification, who have truly believed in Christ, and have given up themselves unto him. have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts: by the flesh is meant, not the natural body to be macerated and afflicted with fastings, watchings, &c. but the corruption of nature, the old man and carnal heart. The Vulgate Latin version reads, "their own flesh"; and so do the Syriac and Ethiopic versions; their concern lying with their own, and not with the corruptions, affections, and lusts of others. By "the affections and lusts" are intended, not the natural affections and passions of the soul, and the desires of it; but its vile and inordinate affections, its corrupt inclinations, evil desires, and deceitful lusts; all which are "crucified" first "with Christ", as the Arabic version reads; see Rom 6:6 and which are so abolished, done away, and destroyed, by the sacrifice of Christ, that the damning power of them over his people is entirely gone. And in consequence of this crucifixion of the body of sin, with Christ upon the cross, when he finished and made an end of it, sin, with its passions and lusts, is crucified by the Spirit of God in regeneration and sanctification; so that it loses its governing power, and has not the dominion it had before: not but that the flesh, or corrupt nature, with its evil affections, and carnal lusts, are still in being, and are alive; as a person fastened to a cross may be alive, though he cannot act and move as before, being under restraints, so the old man, though crucified, and under the restraints of mighty grace, and cannot reign and govern as before, yet is alive, and acts, and operates, and oftentimes has great sway and influence; but whereas he is deprived of his reigning power, he is said to be crucified: and though this act is ascribed to them that are Christ's, yet not as done by them in their own strength, who are not able to grapple with one corruption, but as under the influence of the grace of Christ, and through the power of his Spirit; see Rom 8:13.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
5:23 Gentleness is antithetical to the vices of 5:20 and requires strength (see Prov 15:1, 4; Matt 11:28-29; Eph 4:2). • self-control: The Holy Spirit does not give moral license but empowers people to avoid sin (cp. Gal 5:13; Rom 6:14-18; 1 Thes 4:3-7; 1 Pet 2:16; see also Acts 24:25; Titus 1:8). • There is no law against these things! Paul is stating the obvious, but also making the point that those who are virtuous by the Spirit do not need law to govern them.