Saint Paul in this letter warns against those who would repudiate his authority and introduce in the Christian community Jewish practices like circumcision. He proves that his doctrine is of divine origin and then points out that the observances of the Jewish Law are useless to the Christian. The Epistle closes with a series of practical admonitions based on the doctrine he has just explained.
Please see Day 168 OT for meaning of highlighted and italicized nomenclature.
The Spirit of his Son; For we in the Spirit; Led by the Spirit; If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk; But the fruit of the Spirit is: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, modesty, continency. Against such things there is no law.
I make a case indeed that one should transition in life to their Splendid Spiritual Self. Be human. Feel human. Live Spiritually as urged by the Holy Scriptures!
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father.” So that he is no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, an heir also through God.
You who would be justified in the Law are estranged from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
For we in the Spirit wait for the hope of justice in virtue of faith.
For in Christ Jesus… faith which works through charity.
For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh, for those are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you would.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are immorality, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentious, jealousies, anger, quarrels, fractions, parties, envies, murders, drunkenness, carousings, and suchlike.
And concerning these I warn you, as I have warned you, that they who do such things will not attain the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, modesty, continency. Against such things there is no law.
And they who belong to Christ have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk.
But let everyone test his own work, and so he will have glory in himself only, and not in comparison with another.
For what a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows in the flesh, from the flesh also will corruption. But he who sows in the spirit, from the spirit will reap life everlasting.
And in doing good let us not grow tired; for in due time we shall reap if we do not relax.
Therefore, while we have time, let us do good to all men, but especially to those who are of the household of faith.
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your Spirit, brethren. Amen
Slavery and freedom:
So we too, when we were children, were enslaved under the elements of the world.
But when the fullness of time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, that he might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father.” So that he is no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, an heir also through God.
No return to slavery:
But then indeed, not knowing God, you served those who really are not gods.
But now that you have come to know God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, which you desire to serve again?
You are observing days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, lest perhaps I have labored among you in vain.
Following Paul’s example:
Become like me, because I also have become like you, brethren, I beseech you!
Where then is your self-congratulation?
For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your very eyes and given them to me.
Have I then become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
They court you from no good motive; but they would estrange you, that you may court them. But court the good from a good motive always, and not only when I am present with you, my dear children, with whom I am in labor again, until Christ is formed in you!
But I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I do not know what to make of you.
Ismael and Isaac:
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a slave-girl and the other by a free woman. And the son of the slave-girl was born according to the flesh, but the son of the free woman in virtue of the promise.
This is said by way of allegory.
For those are the two covenants: one indeed from Mount Sanai, bringing forth children unto bondage, which is Agar. For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia, which corresponds to the present Jerusalem, and is in slavery with her children.
But the Jerusalem which is above is free, which is our mother. For it is written, “Rejoice though barren, thou that dost not travail; for many are the children of the desolate, more than her that has a husband.”
Travail—painfully difficult or burdensome work; toil; pain, anguish or suffering resulting from mental or physical hardship; the pain of childbirth.
Now we, brethren, are the children of the promise, as Isaac was. But as then he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the spirit, so also it is now.
But what does Scripture say?
“Cast out the slave-girl and her son, for the son of the slave-girl shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.”
Therefore, brethren, we are not children of a slave-girl, but of the free woman—in virtue of the freedom wherewith Christ has made us free.
Circumcision now voidance of Christ:
Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you be circumcised, Christ will be of no advantage to you.
And I testify again to every man who has himself circumcised, that he is bound to observe the whole Law.
You who would be justified in the Law are estranged from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
For we in the Spirit wait for the hope of justice in virtue of faith.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision is of an avail, nor uncircumcision, but faith which works through charity.
Judgment on seducers:
You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven ferments the whole mass.
I have confidence in you in the Lord, that you will not think otherwise; but he who disturbs you will bear the penalty, whoever he may be.
But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted?
Then is the stumbling-block of the cross removed! Would that those who are unsettling you would mutilate themselves.
Paul tells his readers how Christians should live:
For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
But if you bite and devour one another, take heed or you will be consumed by one another.
Works of the flesh; fruits of the Spirit:
But I say: Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
For the flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh, for those are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you would.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are immorality, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentious, jealousies, anger, quarrels, fractions, parties, envies, murders, drunkenness, carousings, and suchlike.
And concerning these I warn you, as I have warned you, that they who do such things will not attain the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, modesty, continency. Against such things there is no law.
And they who belong to Christ have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk.
Let us not become desirous of vainglory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Fraternal correction:
BRETHREN, even if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual instruct such a one in a spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, whereas he is nothing, he deceives himself.
But let everyone test his own work, and so he will have glory in himself only, and not in comparison with another.
For each one will bear his own burden.
Good works:
And let him who is instructed in the word share all good things with his teacher.
Be not deceived, God is not mocked.
For what a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows in the flesh, from the flesh also will corruption. But he who sows in the spirit, from the spirit will reap life everlasting.
And in doing good let us not grow tired; for in due time we shall reap if we do not relax.
Therefore, while we have time, let us do good to all men, but especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Summary:
As many as wish to please in the flesh compel you to be circumcised simply that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
For not even they who are circumcised keep the Law; but they desire you to be circumcised, that they may make a boast of your flesh.
But as for me, God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision but a new creation is of any account.
And whoever follow this rule, peace and mercy upon them, even upon the Israel of God.
Henceforth let no man give me trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body.
The blessing:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen
Day 170: Reading The Bible with a TROML Perspective; Live & Walk in the Spirit; Not the Flesh!
Read and inspired by the New Testament, The Epistle of Saint Paul to the Galatians, Chapters 4-6 (END).
Bible Notes:
Saint Paul in this letter warns against those who would repudiate his authority and introduce in the Christian community Jewish practices like circumcision. He proves that his doctrine is of divine origin and then points out that the observances of the Jewish Law are useless to the Christian. The Epistle closes with a series of practical admonitions based on the doctrine he has just explained.
Galatians Chapter 4: Slavery and freedom; No return to slavery; Following Paul’s example; Ismael and Isaac.
Slavery and freedom:
Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is master of all; but he is under guardians and stewards until the time set by his father.
So we too, when we were children, were enslaved under the elements of the world.
But when the fullness of time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, that he might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba, Father.” So that he is no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son, an heir also through God.
No return to slavery:
But then indeed, not knowing God, you served those who really are not gods.
But now that you have come to know God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, which you desire to serve again?
You are observing days and months and seasons and years. I fear for you, lest perhaps I have labored among you in vain.
Following Paul’s example:
Become like me, because I also have become like you, brethren, I beseech you!
You have done me no wrong. And you know that on account of a physical infirmity I preached the gospel to you formerly; and though I was a trial to you in my flesh, you did not reject or despise me; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
Where then is your self-congratulation?
For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your very eyes and given them to me.
Have I then become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
They court you from no good motive; but they would estrange you, that you may court them. But court the good from a good motive always, and not only when I am present with you, my dear children, with whom I am in labor again, until Christ is formed in you!
But I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I do not know what to make of you.
Ismael and Isaac:
Tell me, you who deserve to be under the Law, have you not read the Law?
For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a slave-girl and the other by a free woman. And the son of the slave-girl was born according to the flesh, but the son of the free woman in virtue of the promise.
This is said by way of allegory.
Allegory—a representation of an abstract or spiritual meaning through concrete or material forms; figurative treatment of one subject under the guise of another; a symbolical narrative.
For those are the two covenants: one indeed from Mount Sanai, bringing forth children unto bondage, which is Agar. For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia, which corresponds to the present Jerusalem, and is in slavery with her children.
But the Jerusalem which is above is free, which is our mother. For it is written, “Rejoice though barren, thou that dost not travail; for many are the children of the desolate, more than her that has a husband.”
Travail—painfully difficult or burdensome work; toil; pain, anguish or suffering resulting from mental or physical hardship; the pain of childbirth.
Now we, brethren, are the children of the promise, as Isaac was. But as then he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the spirit, so also it is now.
But what does Scripture say?
“Cast out the slave-girl and her son, for the son of the slave-girl shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.”
Therefore, brethren, we are not children of a slave-girl, but of the free woman—in virtue of the freedom wherewith Christ has made us free.
Galatians Chapter 5: Circumcision now voidance of Christ; Judgment on seducers; Paul tells his readers how Christians should live; Works of the flesh; fruits of the Spirit.
Circumcision now voidance of Christ:
STAND fast, and do not be caught again under the yoke of slavery.
Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you be circumcised, Christ will be of no advantage to you.
And I testify again to every man who has himself circumcised, that he is bound to observe the whole Law.
You who would be justified in the Law are estranged from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
For we in the Spirit wait for the hope of justice in virtue of faith.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision is of an avail, nor uncircumcision, but faith which works through charity.
Judgment on seducers:
You were running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth?
This persuasion is not from him who calls you. A little leaven ferments the whole mass.
I have confidence in you in the Lord, that you will not think otherwise; but he who disturbs you will bear the penalty, whoever he may be.
But I, brethren, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still persecuted?
Then is the stumbling-block of the cross removed! Would that those who are unsettling you would mutilate themselves.
Paul tells his readers how Christians should live:
For you have been called to liberty, brethren; only do not use liberty as an occasion for sensuality, but by charity serve one another.
For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word; Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.
But if you bite and devour one another, take heed or you will be consumed by one another.
Works of the flesh; fruits of the Spirit:
But I say: Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh.
For the flesh lusts against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh, for those are opposed to each other, so that you do not do what you would.
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.
Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are immorality, uncleanness, licentiousness, idolatry, witchcrafts, enmities, contentious, jealousies, anger, quarrels, fractions, parties, envies, murders, drunkenness, carousings, and suchlike.
And concerning these I warn you, as I have warned you, that they who do such things will not attain the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is: charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, modesty, continency. Against such things there is no law.
And they who belong to Christ have crucified their flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk.
Let us not become desirous of vainglory, provoking one another, envying one another.
Galatians Chapter 6: Fraternal correction; Good works; Summary; The blessing.
Fraternal correction:
BRETHREN, even if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual instruct such a one in a spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, whereas he is nothing, he deceives himself.
But let everyone test his own work, and so he will have glory in himself only, and not in comparison with another.
For each one will bear his own burden.
Good works:
And let him who is instructed in the word share all good things with his teacher.
Be not deceived, God is not mocked.
For what a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows in the flesh, from the flesh also will corruption. But he who sows in the spirit, from the spirit will reap life everlasting.
And in doing good let us not grow tired; for in due time we shall reap if we do not relax.
Therefore, while we have time, let us do good to all men, but especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Summary:
See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand!
As many as wish to please in the flesh compel you to be circumcised simply that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
For not even they who are circumcised keep the Law; but they desire you to be circumcised, that they may make a boast of your flesh.
But as for me, God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision but a new creation is of any account.
And whoever follow this rule, peace and mercy upon them, even upon the Israel of God.
Henceforth let no man give me trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus in my body.
The blessing:
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen
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