1._Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault _(94) Ambition is a serious and alarming evil. But hardly less injury is frequently done by unseasonable and excessive severity, which, under the plausible name of zeal, springs in many instances from pride, and from dislike and contempt of the brethre... [ Continue Reading ]
2._Bear ye one another’s burdens_. The weaknesses or sins, under which we groan, are called _burdens_. This phrase is singularly appropriate in an exhortation to kind behavior, for nature dictates to us that those who bend under a burden ought to be relieved. He enjoins us to _bear _the burdens. We... [ Continue Reading ]
3._For if a man think himself_. There is an ambiguity in the construction, but Paul’s meaning is clear. The phrase, _When he is nothing_, appears at first view to mean, “if any person, who is in reality nothing, claims to be something;” as there are many men of no real worth who are elated by a fool... [ Continue Reading ]
4._But let every man prove his own work_. By a powerful blow, Paul has already struck down the pride of man. But it frequently happens that, by comparing ourselves with others, the low opinion which we form of them leads us to entertain a high opinion of ourselves. Paul declares that no such compari... [ Continue Reading ]
5._For every man shall bear his own burdens_. To destroy sloth and pride, he brings before us the judgment of God, in which every individual for himself, and without a comparison with others, will give an account of his life. It is thus that we are deceived; for, if a man who has but one eye is plac... [ Continue Reading ]
6._Let him that is taught in the word_. It is probable that the teachers and ministers of the word were at that time neglected. This shewed the basest ingratitude. How disgraceful is it to defraud of their temporal support those by whom our souls are fed! — to refuse an earthly recompense to those f... [ Continue Reading ]
7._God is not mocked_. The design of this observation is to reply to the dishonest excuses which are frequently pleaded. One alleges that he has a family to support, and another asserts that he has no superfluity of wealth to spend in liberality or profusion. The consequence is, that, while such mul... [ Continue Reading ]
8._For he that soweth to his flesh_. Having stated the general sentiment, he now divides it into parts. To _sow to the flesh_, is to look forward to the wants of the present life, without any regard to a future life. They who do this will gather fruit corresponding to the seed which they have sown,... [ Continue Reading ]
9._Let us not be weary in well-doing. Well-doing _( καλὸν) does not simply mean doing our duty, but the performance of acts of kindness, and has a reference to men. We are instructed _not to be weary _in assisting our neighbours, in performing good offices, and in exercising generosity. This precept... [ Continue Reading ]
10._While we have opportunity. _The metaphor is still pursued. Every season is not adapted to tillage and sowing. Active and prudent husbandmen will observe the proper season, and will not indolently allow it to pass unimproved. Since, therefore, God has set apart the whole of the present life for p... [ Continue Reading ]
11._Ye see_. The meaning of the Greek verb ἴδετε, is so far doubtful that it may be taken either in the imperative or indicative mood; but the force of the passage is little if at all affected. To convince the Galatians more fully of his anxiety about them, and at the same time to ensure their caref... [ Continue Reading ]
12._As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh_. Such men pay no regard to edification, but are guided by an ambitious desire to hunt after popular applause. The Greek verb εὐπροσωπὢσαι, (100) is highly expressive, and denotes the kind looks and address which were assumed for the purpose of... [ Continue Reading ]
13._For neither they who hold by circumcision keep the law_. The old version and Erasmus translate thus: _who are circumcised_. But Paul appears to me to refer to teachers only; and for this reason I would prefer to render the words, _those who hold by circumcision, _which would not include all circ... [ Continue Reading ]
14._But God forbid that I should glory_. The designs of the false apostles are here contrasted with his own sincerity. As if he had said, “To avoid being compelled to bear a cross, they deny the cross of Christ, purchase with your flesh the applause of men, and end by triumphing over you. But my tri... [ Continue Reading ]
15._For in Christ Jesus_. The reason why he is crucified to the world, and the world to him, is, that in Christ, to whom he is spiritually united, nothing but a new creature is of any avail. Everything else must be dismissed, must perish. I refer to those things which hinder the renewing of the Spir... [ Continue Reading ]
16._And as many as walk according to this rule_. “May they enjoy all prosperity and happiness!” This is not merely a prayer in their behalf, but a token of approbation. His meaning therefore is, that those who teach this doctrine are worthy of all esteem and regard, and those who reject it do not de... [ Continue Reading ]
17._Let no man trouble me_. He now speaks with the voice of authority for restraining his adversaries, and employs language which his high rank fully authorized. “Let them cease to throw hinderances in the course of my preaching.” He was prepared, for the sake of the church, to encounter difficultie... [ Continue Reading ]
18._The grace _(105) _of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit_. His prayer is not only that God may bestow upon them his grace in large measure, but that they may have a proper feeling of it in their hearts. Then only is it truly enjoyed by us, when it comes to our _spirit_. We ought therefore... [ Continue Reading ]