In Galatians 5:16-26, Paul talks about two very different ways of living: life in the Spirit versus life in the flesh. He encourages believers to "walk by the Spirit," which means allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their actions and decisions. When we follow the Spirit, Paul says, we won’t give in to the selfish desires that often lead us astray (Gal. 5:16). The "flesh" represents our human nature with its tendency to focus on what feels good in the moment, often at the expense of what’s right. In the Wesleyan tradition, this struggle is well understood; John Wesley believed that God’s grace, through the Holy Spirit, gives us the power to resist these temptations and helps us grow into the people God created us to be (Collins).
Paul doesn’t just leave it at that—he makes it clear what living by the flesh looks like. He lists things like jealousy, anger, and selfishness, which are all too familiar in our world today (Gal. 5:19-21). But he contrasts these with what happens when we let the Spirit lead: our lives begin to show love, joy, peace, and self-control, among other virtues (Gal. 5:22-23). Wesley would say that these "fruits of the Spirit" are the evidence that God is at work in us. It’s not just about trying harder to be good but about allowing God to transform us from the inside out. When we see these qualities growing in our lives, it’s a sign that we’re on the right path—one that leads us closer to God and helps us live out our faith in everyday life (Outler).
Finally, Paul talks about those who belong to Christ having "crucified the flesh with its passions and desires" (Gal. 5:24-25). This may sound intense, but it simply means that we’ve made a choice to put aside our old ways and live in a new way that’s focused on God. Wesley saw this as part of what he called "Christian perfection," which isn’t about being perfect in a flawless sense but about being perfected in love—where our love for God and others starts to shape everything we do (Wesley, A Plain Account). This isn’t just theoretical; it’s a very practical way of living that Paul is encouraging. He’s reminding us that by living in the Spirit, we can experience a life full of meaning, purpose, and peace, far beyond what our old habits and desires could ever offer.
The Book of Galatians is an epistle, or letter, written by the Apostle Paul to the churches in the region of Galatia, located in modern-day Turkey. The name "Galatians" refers to the people of Galatia, a region inhabited by Celtic tribes known as the Gauls who had settled there around the 3rd century BCE (Longenecker). The letter is known for addressing significant theological issues concerning the nature of the Gospel and the role of the Mosaic Law in the Christian faith.
The Apostle Paul is universally recognized as the author of Galatians. His authorship is confirmed both by internal evidence—such as the autobiographical sections where Paul recounts his personal history and interactions with the apostles in Jerusalem (Galatians 1:11-24)—and by the strong stylistic similarities with his other epistles (Bruce). Early church tradition further supports Paul’s authorship, with early Christian writers like Irenaeus and Tertullian affirming his authorship (Longenecker).
There is some debate among scholars regarding the date of the epistle. The two primary theories are the 'North Galatian' theory, which suggests that Paul addressed the letter to ethnic Galatians in the region's northern part, and the 'South Galatian' theory, which is more widely accepted and suggests that Paul wrote the letter to churches in the Roman province of Galatia in the south. The South Galatian theory proposes that Paul wrote the letter around 48-50 CE, after his first missionary journey and before the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). The North Galatian theory, on the other hand, dates the letter to around 54-56 CE, during Paul's third missionary journey (Bruce).
Paul wrote Galatians to address a crisis in the Galatian churches. False teachers, often identified as Judaizers, had infiltrated these communities, insisting that Gentile Christians must observe the Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, to be fully part of God’s people (Galatians 1:6-7). Paul’s primary purpose in writing was to reaffirm the true Gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from works of the Law (Galatians 2:16). He passionately defends the doctrine of justification by faith. He argues that believers are free from the Law’s bondage, emphasizing the role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life (Galatians 5:1).
Major themes in Galatians include the contrast between law and grace, the role of faith in justification, Christian freedom, the work of the Holy Spirit, and the unity of all believers in Christ regardless of ethnic or cultural background (Bruce).
The structure of Galatians can be divided into three main sections:
Introduction and Defense of Paul’s Apostleship (Galatians 1:1-2:21): Paul begins by defending his authority as an apostle, asserting that his message comes directly from Christ, not from human sources.
Theological Argument: Justification by Faith (Galatians 3:1-4:31): Paul lays out the theological foundation for justification by faith, using the example of Abraham and arguing that the Law was a temporary measure until the coming of Christ.
Practical Exhortations (Galatians 5:1-6:18): In the final chapters, Paul provides ethical instructions, urging the Galatians to live by the Spirit and bear the fruits of the Spirit, rather than succumbing to legalism or libertinism. These instructions include guidance on how to live a life in accordance with the teachings of Christ, emphasizing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Galatians is a foundational text for Christian theology, especially in its articulation of the doctrine of justification by faith, which was pivotal during the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther, for instance, viewed Galatians as one of the most important books of the New Testament, often referring to it as his "Katie von Bora," after his wife, due to his deep affection for it (Luther). The letter’s emphasis on Christian liberty and its explicit rejection of any form of legalism continues to be a source of encouragement and instruction for Christians today, reminding believers of their freedom and new life in Christ.
Galatians 5:16
Paul begins by urging the Galatians to "walk by the Spirit," meaning
they should live their lives under the guidance and influence of the Holy
Spirit. He assures them that if they do this, they "will not gratify the
desires of the flesh." Here, "flesh" refers to the sinful nature
inherent in humanity, which inclines people toward actions that are contrary to
God’s will. This verse introduces the central theme of the passage: the ongoing
conflict between living according to the Spirit and succumbing to the desires
of the flesh (Bruce).
Galatians 5:17
Paul explains that the flesh and the Spirit are in opposition to each other,
creating a tension within believers. The desires of the flesh conflict with
those of the Spirit, leading to a struggle where people often find themselves
unable to do what they truly want—namely, to live in righteousness. This
highlights the internal battle that every believer faces, where the sinful
nature continually opposes the influence of the Holy Spirit (Bruce).
Galatians 5:18
Paul reassures the Galatians that if they are "led by the Spirit,"
they are not under the law. This means that those who live by the Spirit are no
longer bound by the legalistic demands of the Mosaic Law. Instead, their lives
are governed by the Spirit, which enables them to fulfill the law’s true intent
without being constrained by its ritualistic requirements (Dunn).
Galatians 5:19-21
Paul lists the "acts of the flesh," which include behaviors such as
sexual immorality, idolatry, hatred, and envy. These actions are the natural
outcomes of living according to the sinful nature, and Paul warns that those
who practice such things "will not inherit the kingdom of God." This
serves as a stark warning that living in a way that gratifies the flesh is
incompatible with the life that God desires for believers. These verses
contrast sharply with the life that Paul encourages—a life led by the Spirit
(Bruce).
Galatians 5:22-23
In contrast to the acts of the flesh, Paul describes the "fruit of the
Spirit," which includes virtues such as love, joy, peace, patience, and
self-control. These qualities are the natural results of a life lived in
harmony with the Holy Spirit. Paul emphasizes that there is no law against such
things, indicating that these virtues fulfill the moral requirements of the law
in a way that transcends legalism. The "fruit of the Spirit"
represents the character of a life transformed by God’s presence and guidance
(Dunn).
Galatians 5:24
Paul states that "those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the
flesh with its passions and desires." This metaphor of crucifixion
signifies a decisive break from the sinful nature that occurs when one becomes
a follower of Christ. It suggests that believers have made a commitment to
reject their old ways of living, putting to death the sinful impulses that once
dominated their lives. This is a critical aspect of the transformation that
occurs in a believer’s life (Bruce).
Galatians 5:25
Paul exhorts the Galatians to "keep in step with the Spirit." This
phrase indicates that living by the Spirit is not a one-time event but an
ongoing, active process. It suggests that believers must continually align
their lives with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, making choices that reflect
their new identity in Christ. This ongoing process is key to spiritual growth
and maturity (Dunn).
Galatians 5:26
Paul concludes with a warning against becoming "conceited, provoking, and
envying each other." Even as believers live by the Spirit, there remains a
danger of falling into pride or jealousy, which can lead to discord within the
community. Paul’s warning serves as a reminder that true spiritual maturity is
marked by humility and love, not by competition or self-righteousness. This
final verse encourages believers to maintain unity and harmony as they walk by
the Spirit (Bruce).
In Galatians 5:16-26, Paul presents a stark contrast
between living by the Spirit and living according to the flesh, a theme that
resonates deeply within Wesleyan/Methodist theology. John Wesley emphasized the
importance of sanctification—the process by which believers are made holy
through the work of the Holy Spirit. This passage, with its clear delineation
between the "acts of the flesh" and the "fruit of the
Spirit," illustrates the transformative journey of sanctification, where
the believer's life is increasingly conformed to the character of Christ.
Wesleyan theology teaches that walking by the Spirit, as
Paul commands in Galatians 5:16, is essential for overcoming the desires of the
flesh. Wesley understood this to mean that believers, empowered by God’s grace,
are called to live in such a way that the Holy Spirit guides their thoughts,
actions, and desires, leading them away from sin and toward righteousness
(Collins). This ongoing process is not about legalistic adherence to rules but
about a dynamic, Spirit-led life that produces the "fruit of the
Spirit"—qualities like love, joy, peace, and self-control (Gal. 5:22-23).
These virtues are seen as evidence of the Spirit’s sanctifying work, gradually
shaping the believer into the likeness of Christ.
Furthermore, Wesley saw the crucifixion of the flesh with
its passions and desires (Gal. 5:24) as a key aspect of Christian perfection,
which he described not as sinless perfection but as a heart "habitually
filled with the love of God and neighbor" (Wesley, A Plain Account). In this view, believers are called to continually "keep in step with
the Spirit" (Gal. 5:25), meaning they must actively participate in their
sanctification by cooperating with the Spirit’s work in their lives. This
cooperation involves engaging in the means of grace, such as prayer, scripture
reading, and communal worship, which Wesley taught was vital for sustaining a
Spirit-filled life (Maddox). Overall, Galatians 5:16-26, from a Wesleyan
perspective, encapsulates the believer’s journey toward holiness, marked by a
decisive break with the sinful nature and a growing embodiment of the Spirit’s
fruit.
Galatians 5:16:
Paul’s exhortation to "walk by the Spirit" is central to
Wesleyan/Methodist theology, which emphasizes the importance of living a life
led by the Holy Spirit. John Wesley taught that this "walking" is not
passive but an active, continual engagement with the Spirit’s guidance. For
Wesley, this aligns with the process of sanctification, where believers are
empowered by God’s grace to resist the sinful nature, often referred to as the
"flesh" in Paul’s writings (Collins). This verse introduces the key
Wesleyan idea that victory over sin is possible through the Spirit’s power
rather than through human effort alone.
Galatians 5:17:
Paul describes the conflict between the flesh and the Spirit, a struggle that
Wesley recognized as part of the believer’s ongoing journey toward holiness.
Wesley understood this tension as the experience of every Christian who is
being sanctified. The "flesh" represents the inherited sinful
tendencies that oppose God’s will, while the Spirit represents the new life
given to believers. Wesley emphasized that while this struggle is real, the
presence of the Holy Spirit enables believers to choose what is right,
overcoming the desires of the flesh (Maddox).
Galatians 5:18:
When Paul says that those "led by the Spirit" are not under the law,
Wesley interpreted this as liberation from the condemnation of the Mosaic Law.
In Wesleyan theology, this does not mean that the law is irrelevant but that
believers, by living in the Spirit, fulfill the law’s true intent through love.
This reflects Wesley’s view that the law serves to lead people to Christ, and
once in Christ, believers are guided by the Spirit to live out the moral
imperatives of the law in a way that is motivated by grace rather than
obligation (Outler).
Galatians 5:19-21:
Paul lists the "acts of the flesh," such as sexual immorality,
idolatry, and jealousy, which are indicative of a life controlled by the sinful
nature. Wesley would see these behaviors as the natural outgrowth of a life not
surrendered to God’s grace. These acts are incompatible with the kingdom of
God, and Wesley stressed that persistent engagement in these behaviors
indicates a failure to embrace the transformative power of sanctification. For
Wesley, sanctification involves not only avoiding these sinful acts but also
cultivating the opposite virtues (Wesley, Sermons II:169).
Galatians 5:22-23:
In contrast to the acts of the flesh, Paul describes the "fruit of the
Spirit," including love, joy, peace, patience, and self-control. Wesley
saw these virtues as evidence of a life being sanctified by the Spirit. He
believed that as believers grow in grace, these fruits naturally manifest,
reflecting the inward transformation that occurs through the Spirit’s work.
Wesley taught that Christian perfection is about being perfected in love, and
these fruits are the outward signs of that perfection, demonstrating a life
fully surrendered to God’s will (Wesley, A Plain Account).
Galatians 5:24:
Paul asserts that those who belong to Christ "have crucified the flesh
with its passions and desires." Wesley interpreted this crucifixion as a
decisive act in the believer’s life, where the power of sin is broken, and the
believer commits to living according to the Spirit. This aligns with Wesley’s
doctrine of entire sanctification, where the believer experiences a profound
transformation, allowing them to live free from the dominion of sin. This
crucifixion is both an event and a process, requiring continuous surrender to
God’s will (Collins).
Galatians 5:25:
Paul encourages believers to "keep in step with the Spirit," which
Wesley understood as an ongoing commitment to live by the Spirit’s guidance.
This involves daily choices that reflect the believer’s new life in Christ,
supported by the means of grace—such as prayer, scripture, and the
sacraments—which Wesley considered essential for maintaining this walk in the
Spirit. It is through these practices that believers remain aligned with the
Spirit’s leading, growing in grace and holiness (Maddox).
Galatians 5:26:
Paul concludes with a warning against becoming "conceited, provoking, and
envying each other." Wesley viewed this as a caution against spiritual
pride, which can arise even among those striving for holiness. True
sanctification, according to Wesley, is marked by humility and love, not by
competition or jealousy. This final verse serves as a reminder that the goal of
Christian life is not merely to avoid sin but to cultivate a community of love
and mutual support, reflecting the character of Christ (Outler).
