Galatians 5:26

"If we live by the Spirit, let’s also walk by the Spirit."

Key Reflection

In the first-century context of Galatians 5:26, this instruction from Paul to his readers would have underscored the importance of consistent spiritual living. For believers who had embraced the freedom in Christ through faith (Galatians 5:1), Paul emphasized that their lives should not only reflect initial conversion but also ongoing commitment guided by the Holy Spirit. This meant not just being baptized into Christ once, as some were tempted to believe, but continually walking in the Spirit's power and guidance.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 26. Let us not be desirous of vain glory. The word here used kenodoxoi means, proud or vain of empty advantages, as of birth, property, eloquence, or learning. The reference here is probably to the paltry competitions which arose on account of these supposed advantages. It is possible that this might have been one cause of the difficulties existing in the churches of Galatia, and the apostle is anxious wholly to check and remove it. The Jews prided themselves on their birth; and men are everywhere prone to over-value the supposed advantages of birth and blood.

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