Gálatas 6
William Barclay · Citado em PreceptAustin
Gálatas 6
Barclay says "the man who is pneumatikos is the man who is sensitive to the Spirit and whose life is guided by the Spirit (cf Gal 5:18+)." Thus Pneumatikos in the present passage describes the Spirit filled pattern of life which is to be the "normal" Christian life. Barry Horner - At a church this writer pastored many years ago, there were those who believed that we should have congregational sharing meetings at which we would ventilate our problems before all. This verse was used as justification for such a practice, though the writer vigorously opposed it on the grounds that first, Gal 6:1 qualifies that the sharing is only to be with a “spiritual person,” and surely in private, and second, indiscriminate public sharing would only stimulate carnality rather than blessing. (Galatians 6:11-18 Commentary)
Gálatas 6
Barclay - The word that Paul uses for to restore is a word that is used for executing a repair, and it is also used for the work of a surgeon in removing some growth from a man’s body, or in setting a broken limb. The whole atmosphere of the word lays the stress, not on punishment, but on cure; the correction is not thought of as a penalty but as an amendment. And Paul goes on to say that when we see a man fall into a fault or sin we would do well to say, “There but for the grace of God go I.” SPIRITUAL FRUIT OF GENTLENESS Gentleness (Gal 5:23+) is the gift of (fruit of) the Holy Spirit and is mandatory if one is to restore another brother. So if you who are spiritual are restoring, you will be doing it in a spirit of gentleness. "A gentle and humble spirit does not provoke one who has sinned but treats that person with dignity." (Schreiner) Gentleness is in striking contrast with the spirit described in the immediately preceding passage (perhaps not the best chapter break) Gal 5:26+ "boastful, challenging one another, envying one another." Galatians 5:26 describes how the fleshly person responds to another, whereas Galatians 6:1 describes how the Spirit controlled person responds. Anders - A harsh, legalistic reaction to a sinning brother will only make things worse. A gentle, graceful response can help. We can only ask ourselves which response we would want if we were the one caught in a sin. (Holman New Testament Commentary - Galatians) We see parallel passages that speak in essence of gentleness (although they do not use the specific word)... Sufficient for such a one is this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, so that on the contrary you should rather forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. (2 Cor 2:6-7) If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he will be put to shame. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. (2 Th 3:14-15) Comment - You come to them as one who loves and cares. Gentleness (4240)(prautes related to praus = used to describe Jesus Mt 11:29+) describes the quality of not being overly impressed by a sense of one’s self-importance (see Paul in 2 Cor 10:1). Prautes is a quality of gentle friendliness - gentleness, meekness (as strength that accommodates to another's weakness), consideration, restrained patience, patient trust in the midst of difficult circumstances. In Greek literature prautes was sometimes used of a feigned, hypocritical concern for others that is motivated by self-interest. But in the New Testament it is always used of genuine consideration for others. Prautes was used in secular Greek writings to describe a soothing wind, a healing medicine, and a colt that had been broken. In each instance, there is power for a wind can become a storm, too much medicine can kill and a horse can break loose. Thus prautes describes power under control. Prautes is an interesting word. Aristotle defined it as the correct mean between being too angry and being never angry at all. It is the quality of the man whose anger is so controlled that he is always angry at the right time and never at the wrong time. It describes the man who is never angry at any personal wrong he may receive, but who is capable of righteous anger when he sees others wronged. We must be meek, but at the same time we cannot compromise the truth in order to appeal to the backslider. Let us also remember that it is not our job to punish the erring believer, but to help him up. We are to get him back on his feet and back in God's house. Matthew
Gálatas 6
Barclay - Twice in this passage Paul speaks about bearing burdens. There is a kind of burden which falls on a man which comes from the chances and the changes of life; it comes to him from outside; some crisis, some emergency, some sorrow may descend upon him (Gal 6:2). It is fulfilling the law of Christ to help everyone who is up against it. But there is a burden which a man must bear himself (Gal 6:5). The word which Paul uses is the word for the soldier’s pack. There is a duty which none can do for us and a task for which we are personally responsible. There are things which no one, however kind, can do for us, and which, however much we want to, we cannot push off on to someone else. De Haan - The weights or loads we are to help one another bear must be viewed in the light of the preceding verse (Gal. 6:1), where we are admonished to restore a weak brother overtaken in a fault. Instead of condemning such, and discouraging them, we are to assist them and help in overcoming the fault. We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak (Rom. 15:1). It includes instructing young believers, encouraging stumbling saints. It would include comforting the bereaved and afflicted, visiting the sick and lonely, assisting those who are in financial straits, counseling and advising in perplexities, guidance in the Word, and prayer for new converts. There are thousands of burdened souls whom we can help by prayer, encouragement, material assistance, and helpful counsel. How can we lift the burden of the forgotten souls in chronic sickness, in old age, and in poverty! This we believe to be the force of “bear ye another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” This burden-bearing is not a legal obligation, but it goes far beyond the demands of the law. It is motivated by grace and love, and is the obedience to the new law of liberty. (Studies in Galatians) Garlington on how we are to bear one another's burdens - For one, sin always has its consequences, its “burdens.” Frequently, the consequences have a domino effect, meaning that problems can be multiplied and compounded almost indefinitely because of one foundational mistake. To “bear the burdens” of the other, in this case, is to get involved in the difficulties occasioned by sin. Sometimes, of course, these problems are intricate in the extreme, particularly where sexual sin is involved and families are broken as a result. Yet fulfilling the law of Christ may require involvement to this degree. In this light, the logic of 6:2, as it connects with the love-motif of 5:13–6:5, is self-evident: there can be no higher expression of love than bearing one another’s burdens—this is love going into action....In the second place, we are to bear with the person himself/herself. Sin is not eradicated overnight. There may well be a period of time—even a lengthy period—during which the power of sin is being subdued. Since the process is not instantaneous, the original “trespass” may at intervals reappear. Therefore, to bear the burden of sin means to forbear the person who has sinned. Not that we are condoning sin itself, but we are telling the sinner that he is not rejected, either by Christ or by us....To bear one another’s burdens in such a manner is not only to manifest a Godlike (1 Pet 5:7) or Christlike quality (1 Pet 2:24), it is to “fulfill the law of Christ.” (An Exposition of Galatians) FULFILLING THE LAW OF CHRIST And thereby fulfill the law of Christ - Notice the irony -- he had been criticizing those who advocated keeping the Law as a means of salvation and here mentions fulfilling the law of Christ by bearing one another's burdens. The former (legalists) rely on their flesh, but the latter can only fulfill the law of Christ by reliance on the Holy Spirit. The former is natural, the latter is supernatural. Instead of shouldering the burden of legalism, get under each other’s burdens and fulfill the Law of love, which in fact sums up the whole Old Testament Law. (Ro 13:8, Mt 22:37-39, 40) Jamieson, Fausset & Brown say that "Since ye desire “the law,” then fulfil the law of Christ, which is not made up of various minute observances, but whose sole “burden” is “love”. (Galatians 6 Commentary) Lightfoot adds that "‘If you must needs impose burdens on yourselves, let them be the burdens of mutual sympathy. If you must needs observe a law let it be the law of Christ." Matthew
Gálatas 6
Barclay - And so after the storm and stress and tensity of the letter there comes the peace of the benediction. Paul has argued and rebuked and cajoled but his last word is GRACE, for him the only word that mattered. Notice the source of grace is of our Lord Jesus Christ. In his last words to Timothy Paul commands him You therefore, my son, be strong (endunamoo in the present imperative = only possible by continually relying on the Holy Spirit) in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. (2 Ti 2:1+) Related Resource: Table contrasting Grace and Law What do we need God’s grace for? The correct answer is: everything! From birth to regeneration through sanctification, all the way to ultimate glorification—from the cradle to the grave—we are utterly, absolutely, entirely, always dependent on His grace! God’s grace is His all-sufficient provision for every need we will ever have. Jerry Bridges adds “Your worst days are never so bad that you’re beyond the reach of God’s grace. And you best days are never so good that you’re beyond the need of God’s grace.” It is notable that the is the only letter Paul ends with the designation of brethren! So while there are no personal commendations, praise or salutations, Paul wants to leave the Galatians not with criticism but with tender encouragement that they are his brothers in Christ. Would this not stimulate them to seek to respond to his persuasive appeal in this letter? That's a good model for all of us to emulate, especially with those with whom we may have had some spiritual disagreements. As Lightfoot says brethren is "in an unusual and emphatic position (cp. Philemon 1:7). St Paul’s parting word is an expression of tenderness." Lovett says: BRETHREN. After sounding his fears for his wayward Galatians, after delivering those scoldings and rebukes, the last thought of his heart is confidence. It was unusual for him to do so, but he put the word “brethren” at the end of his sentence, just before the solemn amen. Perhaps he means to call their attention to the fact that they are still his precious brothers even though he called them “stupid Galatians” earlier. By putting it at the end of the sentence, this would be the final word in their ears . . . “brethren.” As twilight closes the hustle and bustle of the day, so Paul closes his letter with a loving expression of brotherhood. His parting word is warm, calculated to woo the emotional Galatians. (Lovett's lights on Galatians) Brethren (80)(adelphos from a = denotes unity + delphus = a womb) means brother or near kinsman. "Adelphós generally denotes a fellowship of life based on identity of origin, e.g., members of the same family (Mt. 1:2; Lk 3:1, 19; 6:14); members of the same tribe, countrymen, and so forth (Acts 3:22; 7:23; Ro 9:3). Figuratively, adelphos describes members of the Christian community, spiritual brother, fellow Christian, fellow believer (Ro 8.29). Jews used adelphos to describe fellow countrymen (Acts 3:22). Max Anders summarizes the principles in Galatians 6 • Love is bighearted not bigheaded. • Legalism condemns while grace restores. • You impress others with what you know. You impact others with how you love. • Conceit is deceit. The one who toots his horn the loudest is usually in the deepest fog. • Life is like a boomerang; what you throw is what returns to you. • You harvest spiritually, mentally, relationally, and physically in direct proportion to what you plant. There are no miracle crops. • Not only our deeds, but also our motives, are important. • Spiritual change is an inside job begun with the new birth and sustained by a new power—the Holy Spirit. • Scars for Christ here on earth produce stars from Christ there in heaven. (Holman New Testament Commentary - Galatians) Amen (281)(amen) is a transliteration from the Hebrew word amen which in turn is from the Hebrew verb aman = to be firm, to believe, this word conveying the idea of certainty). Amen is transliterated into Latin and English and many other languages, so that it is practically a universal word. In fact amen has been called the best-known word in human speech. To say “Amen” confirms a statement by someone else. Paul ends two other NT letters with "Amen" - Ro 16:27 and 1 Cor 16:24.
Gálatas 6:7
Barclay: Don’t deceive yourselves; no one can make a fool of God; whatever a man sows this he will also reap. (Westminster John Knox Press) ESV: Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. (ESV) KJV: Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. NET: Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, (NET Bible) NIV: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (NIV - IBS) NLT: Don't be misled-- you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. (NLT - Tyndale House)
Gálatas 6:8
Barclay: He who sows to his own lower nature will from that nature reap a blighted harvest. He who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap life eternal. (Westminster John Knox Press) ESV: For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. (ESV) KJV: For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. NET: because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. (NET Bible) NIV: The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. (NIV - IBS) NLT: Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. (NLT - Tyndale House)
Gálatas 6:9
Barclay: Don’t get tired of doing the fine thing, for, when the proper time comes, we will reap so long as we don’t relax our efforts. (Westminster John Knox Press) ESV: And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (ESV) KJV: And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Gálatas 6:10
Barclay: So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are members of the household of the faith. (Westminster John Knox Press) ESV: So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith. (ESV) KJV: As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. NET: So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith. (NET Bible) NIV: Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. (NIV - IBS) NLT: Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone-- especially to those in the family of faith. (NLT - Tyndale House)
Gálatas 6:14
Barclay: God forbid that I should boast except in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ through whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. (Westminster Press) ICB: I hope I will never brag about things like that. The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is my only reason for bragging. Through the cross of Jesus my world was crucified and I died to the world. KJV: But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. NLT: As for me, may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Because of that cross, my interest in this world has been crucified, and the world’s interest in me has also died. (NLT - Tyndale House)