Galatians 5:21

"idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies,"

Key Reflection

Galatians 5:21 lists a series of vices that characterize the life governed by the flesh rather than the Spirit. These include idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, and heresies. In first-century Greco-Roman culture, these behaviors were seen as antithetical to a healthy social order; for instance, rivalries and divisions would undermine the harmony necessary in a community. The list underscores how such practices not only harm individuals but also fracture the body of Christ, making it crucial for believers to walk by the Spirit and avoid these destructive tendencies.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 21. Envyings. See Barnes "2 Co 12:20". Revellings. See Barnes "2 Co 12:20; Ro 13:13". And such like. This class of evils, without attempting to specify all. Of the which I tell you before. In regard to which I forewarn you. As I have also told you in time past. When he was with them. Shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Cannot possibly be saved. See Barnes "1 Co 6:9"; 1 Co 6:10-11. In regard to this passage we may remark, (1.) that it furnishes the most striking and unanswerable proof of human depravity. Paul represents these things as "the works of the flesh"-- the works of the unrenewed nature of man. They are such as human nature, when left to itself, everywhere produces.

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