Galatians 5:17

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Galatians 5:17

For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit - The inclinations and desires of the flesh are contrary to those of the Spirit. They draw us away in an opposite direction, and while the Spirit of God would lead us one way, our carnal nature would lead us another, and thus produce the painful controversy which exists in our minds. The word “Spirit” here refers to the Spirit of God, and to his influences on the heart.And these are contrary ... - They are opposite in their nature. They never can... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Galatians 5:16-18

Galatians 5:16-18. I say then He now explains what he proposed Galatians 5:13; Walk in, or by, the Spirit Namely, the Spirit of God: follow his guidance, exercise his graces, and bring forth his fruits: at all times endeavour to conduct yourselves as under his influence, and in a way agreeable to the new nature he hath given you. We walk by the Spirit, when we are led, that is, directed and governed by him as a Spirit of truth and grace, of wisdom and holiness. And we walk in the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Galatians 5:13-26

True freedom; true Christianity (5:13-26)Christian freedom does not mean that believers may do as they like. On the contrary, they must think of others and act to please them. This is what the law commands, but those who want to put themselves under the law cannot do it. Instead they are unkind and cruel to each other. The goal that the law aims at is not reached by trying to keep the law, but by acting with true Christian liberty (13-15).Sooner or later Christians find that they do not always... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - Galatians 5:17

against . Greek. kata . App-104 . and . The texts read "for". are contrary . Greek. antikeimai . See 2Co 16:9 . so that = in order that, Greek. hina . cannot = may not (Greek. me) . would . Gr thelo . App-102 . read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Galatians 5:17

Galatians 5:17. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, &c.— As it is plain that by the flesh, which is the same with what the Apostle calls the body of sin and the old man (Romans 6:6.), we are to understand that natural corruption and depravity which is the ruling principle in a state of nature: so by the Spirit, which is here set in opposition to it, and is elsewhere expressed by the new man that is put on by such as are renewed in the Spirit of their mind (Ephesians 4:23-24.), we are... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - Galatians 5:17

17. For—the reason why walking by the Spirit will exclude fulfilling the lusts of the flesh, namely, their mutual contrariety. the Spirit—not "lusteth," but "tendeth (or some such word is to be supplied) against the flesh." so that ye cannot do the things that ye would—The Spirit strives against the flesh and its evil influence; the flesh against the Spirit and His good influence, so that neither the one nor the other can be fully carried out into action. "But" ( :-) where "the Spirit"... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Galatians 5:16-18

The promise of victory 5:16-18 read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Galatians 5:16-26

3. Living by the Holy Spirit 5:16-26Paul had told his readers that they should not live either under the Mosaic Law or licentiously. Now he gave positive direction and explained what the leading of the Holy Spirit means. He did this so his readers would know how to live to the glory of God as Christians. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - Galatians 5:17

This verse does not present two natures fighting each other inside the Christian. The conflicting entities are God’s Holy Spirit within the believer and the believer’s sinful human nature (cf. Galatians 3:3; Galatians 4:29; Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:18; Galatians 5:22; Galatians 5:25; Romans 8:4-6; Romans 8:9; Romans 8:13). We experience conflict whether we side with the Spirit against the flesh or with the flesh against the Spirit. The "things that you please" may be good or evil. It is... read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Galatians 5:1-26

The Nature of Christian Liberty1-12. The futility of seeking justification by attempting to comply with the demands of the Mosaic Law; the inconsistency of works and faith as methods of salvation.Paraphrase. ’(1) Since Christ has freed us from the necessity of obeying these legal demands and customs, let us consistently maintain and use our liberty. (2) To receive circumcision as necessary to salvation is to renounce allegiance to Christ, (3) since submission to this rite commits one to the... read more

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