Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Galatians 5:16-24

16–24. The nature, outcome, and means of Liberty in daily life

(Galatians 5:16) In contrast to such disputes, which are the visible signs of lives lived by the flesh, walk by the spirit and you will not finish the lust of the flesh. (Galatians 5:17) For though the flesh lusts against the spirit, the spirit also lusts against the flesh (for they are mutually antagonistic) in order that ye may not do your evil desires. (Galatians 5:18) So far is it from this that if you are led by the spirit you are not under even the Law, in which the flesh and sin have found their strength. (Galatians 5:19) In contrast to such a holy life, you can see round you the many works of the flesh, such as first, those of immorality, (Galatians 5:20) and the worship of false gods and traffic in magic arts; secondly, those which are connected with personal ambition and party spirit, (Galatians 5:21) and envyings; thirdly, with those of social, or perhaps religious, festivities; and such like things; with respect to which I warn you now before any commit them, as I said when I was with you, that they who practise such things will not inherit God’s kingdom. (Galatians 5:22) But the spirit produces by, as I may say, a natural growth, graces all connected, affecting the heart, character, and outward behaviour. (Galatians 5:23) No Law can prevent virtues of this kind. (Galatians 5:24) So far from it being able to do so, they who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death on His cross the flesh with its passions and its lusts.

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Cambridge Greek Testament Commentary

Galatians 5:16-24

Old Testament

New Testament