Galatians 5:22-23

The works of the flesh are many, the fruit of the Spirit is one, yet manifold. The works of the flesh are in a measure independent of each other. It cannot be said that every unregenerate man commits all of them. But he who has the Spirit of Christ has in him the root of all Christian graces. The -fruit of the Spirit" is described elsewhere as consisting in -all goodness and righteousness and truth". Ephesians 5:9.

It is possible, though not necessary, to group these graces in three triads. In any such artifical arrangement, there is a danger of limiting or torturing the several terms to make them fall in with a preconceived scheme.

love This stands first, not as distinct from, but as including all the rest.

joy -joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17), manifesting itself in cheerfulness of demeanour, and so recommending the religion of which it is the fruit not a selfish emotion, but a sun whose rays warm and gladden all within the sphere of its influence. The people of God are frequently exhorted to rejoice, e.g. Psalms 33:1; Psalms 97:12; Philippians 4:4, &c.

peace In the conscience, pervading the soul, calming the passions, manifested in the disposition and conduct.

longsuffering An attribute of God, 1 Timothy 1:12; 1Pe 3:20; 2 Peter 3:15. Here it means, patience sustained under injuries and provocation.

gentleness Rather, kindliness. A term frequently applied to God, e.g. Titus 3:4, where it is rendered by both A.V. and R.V. -kindness". So in the LXX. version of Psalms 24:9; Psalms 33:8, &c.

goodness -beneficence".

faith Either -fidelity", -trustworthiness"; or -trustfulness" as opposed to distrust in dealings with others. It may include both. The latter is the consequence of the former. The heart which is conscious of integrity is ever least prone to entertain suspicion.

meekness A grace of the soul which consists in habitual submission to the dealings of God, arising from a sense of His greatness, and the man's own littleness and sin. Hence the meek will regard all the insults and wrongs inflicted by men as permitted by God and a part of His discipline. This word is coupled with -longsuffering", Colossians 3:12, with -lowliness", Ephesians 4:2. For a critical distinction between them see Trench On N. T. Synonyms, pp. 142 148.

temperance -self-mastery", not to be limited, with some of the Fathers, to continence in the sense of virginity, or with many moderns, to abstinence from fermented drinks. The Christian, like the ancient athlete, -exercises self-control in all respects". 1 Corinthians 9:25.

against such there is no law There is a recurrence to what the Apostle had said above, Galatians 5:18. -If ye are led by the Spirit" (i.e. if ye bring forth the fruits of the Spirit) -ye are not under the law", for there is no law to prohibit or condemn such things as these. It is, however, possible to understand - such", as masculine, such characters or persons. Comp. 1 Timothy 1:9-10 where the law is described as aimed not at crimes but at those who commit them. Jowett observes that the law -neither prohibits nor enjoins Christian graces, which belong to a different sphere."