_Brethren, if a man be overtaken in_ Greek, προληφθη, _surprised into; a fault_ Through his ignorance, inattention, or the stress of temptation, not considering sufficiently what he is going to do; _ye who are spiritual_ Who have received the Spirit of truth, grace, and wisdom, and who continue to l... [ Continue Reading ]
_Bear ye one another's burdens_ Sympathize with and assist each other, in all your weaknesses, grievances, trials. The apostle alludes to the custom of travellers, who, when too heavily laden with their baggage, relieve one another by bearing the burdens of the weak or fatigued, and in that manner s... [ Continue Reading ]
_Let him that is taught in the word_ Who is instructed in the doctrines and precepts of the gospel; _communicate unto him that teacheth _ According to the ability that God hath given him; _in all good things_ All such temporal things as he stands in need of. If, says Macknight, “the teachers, who by... [ Continue Reading ]
_Be not deceived_ As if he had said, It is an easy thing for interested men to find excuses for the neglect of this and other liberalities, which are required for the support and propagation of the gospel of Christ; but do not delude yourselves in this or any other such matter, by the treachery of y... [ Continue Reading ]
_And_ Having then such a prospect of felicity before us; _let us not be weary_ Greek, μη εκκακωμεν, _let us not be discouraged_, or _flag; in well-doing_ Or in sowing to the Spirit, whatever labour and fatigue, whatever expense and difficulty, it may be attended with; _for in due season_ When the ha... [ Continue Reading ]
_Ye see how large a letter_ St. Paul had not yet written a larger to any church; _I have written with my own hand_ In testimony of my great affection for you, and concern for your spiritual welfare. He generally wrote by an amanuensis. The original expression here used, πηλικοις γραμμασιν, which we... [ Continue Reading ]
The sum of all is this: _As many as desire to make a fair show_ Or appearance; that is, to preserve a fair character; _in the flesh_ In external things, or with respect to their observing the Jewish rites and ceremonies; _these_ would _constrain you_ Gentile converts, both by their example and impor... [ Continue Reading ]
_But God forbid that I_ should be actuated by any such selfish or worldly views, or _should glory_ Should boast of any thing I have, or am, or do, or rely on any thing for my acceptance with God; _save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ_ In what Christ hath done and suffered for me; _by whom_ Or,... [ Continue Reading ]
_For in Christ Jesus_ (See on Galatians 5:6,) _neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision_ To prove that we are accepted of God, and possessed of genuine religion; _but a new creature_ Or, _a new creation_, described 2 Corinthians 5:17, where see the note, as also on Galatians 5:6;... [ Continue Reading ]
_Henceforth let no man trouble me_ By calling my commission, my doctrine, or my faithfulness in question; or with contentions against my office, quarrels and disputes on account of my renouncing circumcision and the ceremonies of the Mosaic law; _for I bear_ (and affliction ought not to be added to... [ Continue Reading ]