6. For--confirming the truth that it is "by faith"
(Ga 5:5).
in Jesus Christ--Greek, "in Christ Jesus." In union with Christ
(the ANOINTED Saviour), that is, Jesus of Nazareth.
nor uncircumcision--This is levelled against those who, being not
legalists, or Judaizers, think themselves Christians on this ground
alone.
faith which worketh by love--Greek, "working by love." This
corresponds to "a new creature"
(Ga 6:15),
as its definition. Thus in
Ga 5:5, 6,
we have the three, "faith," "hope," and "love." The Greek
expresses, "Which effectually worketh"; which exhibits its
energy by love (so
1Th 2:13).
Love is not joined with faith in justifying, but is the
principle of the works which follow after justification by faith. Let
not legalists, upholding circumcision, think that the essence of the
law is set at naught by the doctrine of justification by faith only.
Nay, "all the law is fulfilled in one word--love," which is the
principle on which "faith worketh"
(Ga 5:14).
Let them, therefore, seek this "faith," which will enable them truly to
fulfil the law. Again, let not those who pride themselves on
uncircumcision think that, because the law does not justify, they are
free to walk after "the flesh"
(Ga 5:13).
Let them, then, seek that "love" which is inseparable from true faith
(Jas 2:8, 12-22).
Love is utterly opposed to the enmities which prevailed among the
Galatians
(Ga 5:15, 20).
The Spirit
(Ga 5:5)
is a Spirit of "faith" and "love" (compare
Ro 14:17;
1Co 7:19).
JFB.
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