Ye which are spiritual ; advanced in Christian knowledge and experience. The most spiritual Christians, and those most advanced in knowledge and piety, are still exposed to aggravated sins. This should make them kind and compassionate towards all sinners, and active in efforts to reclaim them. It should make them also watchful, humble, and prayerful; remembering that but for the grace of God they might have been among the chief of sinners.
Prove his own work ; put it to the test by comparing it with God’s word, the Bible.
Then ; if it is shown by that to be right.
In himself alone ; in the evidence which he has of his own conformity in heart and life to God’s truth.
And not in another ; not in his fancied superiority over his neighbor. Each man should compare his views, motives, and conduct with the Bible. If they agree with that they are right, and he may rejoice in them as evidences that he is born of God and is an heir of heaven. But if they do not, they are wrong, and must be changed, or whatever he or others may think, he will be an outcast from God and all good for ever.
Soweth to his flesh ; by the indulgence of the lusts of his flesh. Compare chap Galatians 5:19-21 .
Of the flesh ; as the result of sowing to it.
Reap corruption ; corruption in the widest sense, the ruin of body and soul.
Soweth to the Spirit ; by devoting himself to the works of the Spirit, chap Galatians 5:22-24 . Life is the seed-time for eternity, and the fruit of what each one here sows he will there for ever reap.
A fair show in the flesh ; in outward observances, and thus to be in good repute with men of fleshly minds.
Lest they should suffer ; persecution from the Jews, if they neglected circumcision and preached the doctrines of the cross. False teachers refrain from proclaiming the truth as it is in Jesus, not only because they dislike it, but to avoid the opposition to which it would expose them, and to become popular with the wicked.
Let no man trouble me ; with such opposition as he had received from false teachers.
The marks of the Lord Jesus ; scars of the wounds he had received in the cause of Christ, on account of his attachment to him and his zeal in serving him. Those who have been created in Christ Jesus unto good works, and are living not unto themselves but unto him, have the substance of true religion, and will not be disposed to contend about the shadow. They will earnestly desire and fervently pray that grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and walk according to the rules of his word.
Bibliographical Information Edwards, Justin. "Commentary on Galatians 6". "Edwards' Family Bible New Testament". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/fam/galatians-6.html. American Tract Society. 1851.
Verse 1
Ye which are spiritual ; advanced in Christian knowledge and experience. The most spiritual Christians, and those most advanced in knowledge and piety, are still exposed to aggravated sins. This should make them kind and compassionate towards all sinners, and active in efforts to reclaim them. It should make them also watchful, humble, and prayerful; remembering that but for the grace of God they might have been among the chief of sinners.
Verse 2
One another’s burdens ; of weakness, temptation, and sorrow.
The law of Christ ; to love one another as he has loved them. John 15:12 .
Verse 3
Think himself to be something ; have a high conceit of his own knowledge and attainments as a Christian.
Verse 4
Prove his own work ; put it to the test by comparing it with God’s word, the Bible.
Then ; if it is shown by that to be right.
In himself alone ; in the evidence which he has of his own conformity in heart and life to God’s truth.
And not in another ; not in his fancied superiority over his neighbor. Each man should compare his views, motives, and conduct with the Bible. If they agree with that they are right, and he may rejoice in them as evidences that he is born of God and is an heir of heaven. But if they do not, they are wrong, and must be changed, or whatever he or others may think, he will be an outcast from God and all good for ever.
Verse 5
His own burden ; the load imposed on him by his own sins. The word in the original is different from that used in verse Galatians 6:2 .
Verse 6
All good things ; things needful for his support.
Verse 7
Is not mocked ; will not allow men to trifle with him or his requirements.
Verse 8
Soweth to his flesh ; by the indulgence of the lusts of his flesh. Compare chap Galatians 5:19-21 .
Of the flesh ; as the result of sowing to it.
Reap corruption ; corruption in the widest sense, the ruin of body and soul.
Soweth to the Spirit ; by devoting himself to the works of the Spirit, chap Galatians 5:22-24 . Life is the seed-time for eternity, and the fruit of what each one here sows he will there for ever reap.
Verse 9
In due season ; the proper time, that which God has appointed to give the reward.
Verse 12
A fair show in the flesh ; in outward observances, and thus to be in good repute with men of fleshly minds.
Lest they should suffer ; persecution from the Jews, if they neglected circumcision and preached the doctrines of the cross. False teachers refrain from proclaiming the truth as it is in Jesus, not only because they dislike it, but to avoid the opposition to which it would expose them, and to become popular with the wicked.
Verse 13
Glory in your flesh ; in having induced you to be circumcised, and thus to join their party.
Verse 14
By whom ; or, by which, referring to the cross.
The world is crucified ; has lost its power to control me, and I my desire to follow it.
Verse 15
In Christ Jesus ; chap Galatians 5:6 .
A new creature ; John 3:3 ; 2 Corinthians 5:17 .
Verse 16
This rule ; the truth which he had declared.
The Israel of God ; all his true worshippers.
Verse 17
Let no man trouble me ; with such opposition as he had received from false teachers.
The marks of the Lord Jesus ; scars of the wounds he had received in the cause of Christ, on account of his attachment to him and his zeal in serving him. Those who have been created in Christ Jesus unto good works, and are living not unto themselves but unto him, have the substance of true religion, and will not be disposed to contend about the shadow. They will earnestly desire and fervently pray that grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and walk according to the rules of his word.