GALATIANS 6:1-10

These verses appear to contain four random thoughts unrelated to each other or to the Galatian situation. Two ideas, however, emerge as themes from the context of communal strife. Both are rooted in Paul's call to freedom in 5:13.

This section has been analyzed by Barclay as alternating between the bipolar themes of mutual accountability (bear one another's burdens) and personal responsibility (each man will have to bear his own load).

1. mutual accountability (6:1a)

2. personal responsibility (6:1b)

1. mutual accountability (6:2)

2. personal responsibility (6:3-5)

1. mutual accountability (6:6)

2. personal responsibility (6:7-8)

1. mutual accountability (6:9-10)

Galatians 6:1-5 Be overtaken = caught in the act. “Fault” should be more strongly worded. One who is spiritual = one possessing an uncommon amount of the fruit of the Spirit. Q-Which fruit in particular? (love, meekness perhaps). These verses belong together; those who are spiritual are most likely to be attacked by Satan at their weakest point (attitude of pride).

bear one another's burdens – contrast Luke 11:46.

v.1 Personal warmth in using “brothers” is particularly pertinent. Some say that “taken unawares” means an almost inadvertent sin. It should be taken as “even if.” Bonhoeffer – “Nothing can be more cruel than the tenderness that consigns another to his sins. Nothing can be more compassionate than the severe rebuke that calls a brother back from the path of sin.” I once rebuked an employee in my department when they first began working for me. From their behavior in another job, I knew that there would be a good chance they would do something unacceptable in their new position. I never needed to mention the matter again, and that employee eventually rose in the company ranks way above me.

The “overtaken” bit is how we deal with the unexpected situations that test our faithfulness the most. Trespass = lit. “step aside,” pertinent in light of “walk” of Galatians 5:16. The emphasis in Greek is on “you,” which heightens the contrast to “man who is overtaken.” Restore is in the present tense, not a single action but a continual one. Look to yourself, with you in singular (examination is only on an individual basis). An isolated action, not a settled course of action.

v. 2 Dodd: “The law of Christ is essentially concerned with the quality of the act and the direction in which it is moving.” Paul has been talking about the burden of the law; now he uses these two words in an entirely different manner. Like Bob Dylan's “You've Got to Serve Somebody.” Law of Christ is not some body of regulations equivalent to the OT laws. Submission to a person, not a code. Implies that we as Christians are not to think that we must be self-reliant and refuse help of fellow Christians. A new principle of Christ (translation is better than “law”). Law of Christ is to live in the love of the Spirit (5:6,14,22; James 1:25;2:12).

v. 3 We as Christians are literally nothing; our only righteousness is in Christ. Contrasts to the position of the Pharisees.

v. 4 Bearing one another's burdens is not the same as minding other people's business.

v. 5 No contradiction. The contrast to the previous burden is that between (a) a crushing and unexpected blow with (b) a knapsack (lit. soldier's pack) with minimal provisions that we each must carry. The same word as applied in Matt. 11:30 to Christ's burden, which is light. McKnight: “Christians need to help one another in the struggles of life, but each Christian will also have to answer to God individually.”

Galatians 6:6-10 may refer to the Jerusalem relief fund. See especially sowing and reaping references in v. 10, also found in 2 Corinthians 9:6-9 concerning the same fund. Coad: These verses are their own commentary (simplicity of language). Paul returns to the subject of bearing burdens, but specifically in the material sense. Conversely, McKnight believes that these verses mark a turning from specific issues to foundational truths. Take these commands in the context of the rest of Galatians, which has been downgrading the role of works in our salvation.

v. 6 The Greek word “de” implies a connection with the previous verse. Perhaps a countering to anyone who would force a teacher to support himself by quoting the previous verse. “All good things” may mean financial support and/or Christian fellowship. Personal application: I appreciate sharing of spiritual insights from those in my classes. It pays me back for time taken to give the lesson. Not to be looked on as payment, but as a true form of fellowship/sharing. Teach (word related to Catechize) occurs twice in this verse. This is second way we can share burdens (restore fallen brother and support financially). See Rom 15:27 and I Cor. 9:11. Two potential abuses of this principle by the teacher and by the congregation are given by John Stott. Contribution to the minister's salary does not finish one's obligations. You can't treat them as employees whose message you can control.

v. 7 This principle applies to rewards in this life and eternally. We can't avoid the consequences of our acts even if we are saved ultimately. Mock = lit. to turn up one's nose at, snub. This teaching is valid to all, but specifically applied to Christians first.

vv. 7-8 The figure of speech shifts slightly going from one verse to another. The emphasis changes from seed to the soil in which it is sown.

v. 8 Paul may have in mind the Galatians' quarrelsome and envious nature (see Gal. 5:15,26). This sinful nature is not merely flesh in the general sense, but also self-indulgence in the face of other's needs. Corruption = that which results in death. All are guilty today of using resources to gratify our own desires.

v. 9 Some Christians would (like to) sow and reap on the same day. See 2 Thessalonians 3:13. In due season = lit. in its own season (there is an appointed time for spiritual reaping). “Grow weary” may mean also to become neglectful. Lose heart = relaxing effort or becoming exhausted (twin poles to resist)

v. 10 As we have opportunity = while we have the opportunity.

“You who are spiritual” is not a particular order of Christians, but anyone fulfilling 5:25.

“law of Christ” – see 5:13-15 and James 2:8. Two spheres of Christian beneficence given (see I Timothy 5:8 for priorities)

Two burdens – oppressive trials or difficulties, due responsibilities

This may specifically apply to Paul's hope that the Galatians will not ignore the offering to support the Jerusalem church. Other parallel teachings on starting with the household of faith? How about teaching on “he who neglects his family...?”

McKnight notes that both themes of this section “fight against a major Western feature of life...individualism.”