But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Read it in contextChristian Liberty and Walking in the Spirit
Start reading at Galatians 5:1 (Galatians 5:1 to Galatians 5:26).
The passage discusses Christian liberty and the contrast between walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit, with the fruit of the Spirit being a key outcome. The specific verse is part of the list of the fruit of the Spirit.
5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
5:2Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
5:3For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
5:4Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5:5For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
5:7Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
5:8This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
5:9A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
5:10I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
5:11And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
5:12I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
5:13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
5:14For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
5:15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
5:16This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
5:17For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
5:18But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
5:19Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
5:21Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
5:23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
5:24And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
5:25If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
5:26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
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Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the author, with the brethren who are with him included in the greeting. Biblical references: Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:2. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Galatians 5:1–6:18): Paul instructs the Galatian believers about liberty, love, walking in the Spirit, restoring an erring believer, and mutual responsibility. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The churches of Galatia, including Gentile converts being pressed about circumcision and observance of the law. Whether the destination is northern or southern Galatia remains debated. Biblical references: Galatians 1:2; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:2. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The main theme is the description of the positive virtues that are produced in a believer's life by the Holy Spirit, contrasting them with the 'works of the flesh.' The verse specifically lists love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith as components of this fruit.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the character and conduct that result from being led by the Holy Spirit, which are distinct from sinful human nature and are not subject to the law.
What is the literary style? Epistle, specifically a didactic section that uses contrasting lists to teach about spiritual living.
When
When was it written? c. A.D. 49 to 55.
When does the event take place? The manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit is an ongoing process in the life of a believer who walks in the Spirit.
Where
Where did it happen? The spiritual transformation and manifestation of the fruit of the Spirit occur within believers wherever they are.
Where was the author located? Antioch or Ephesus.
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Christian Liberty and Walking in the Spirit (Galatians 5:1 to Galatians 5:26).
Start reading at Galatians 5:1. The passage discusses Christian liberty and the contrast between walking in the flesh and walking in the Spirit, with the fruit of the Spirit being a key outcome. The specific verse is part of the list of the fruit of the Spirit.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse presents the positive outcome of walking in the Spirit, which Paul exhorts believers to do. It stands in direct opposition to the 'works of the flesh' (Galatians 5:19-21) and demonstrates the true liberty found in Christ, which is not a license for sin but an empowerment for righteous living through love. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? Jesus Christ perfectly exemplified all the virtues listed as the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, and faith. The Holy Spirit, who produces this fruit in believers, is given by Christ and enables them to grow into His likeness. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Believers today are called to actively walk in the Spirit, allowing the Holy Spirit to cultivate these virtues in their lives. This involves yielding to the Spirit's leading and crucifying the flesh, thereby demonstrating a transformed life that glorifies God and serves others in love. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 5
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholePaul warns that seeking justification through the law abandons the proper ground of confidence in Christ, urging the readers to resist the teaching troubling them.
Connection to the wholeLiberty is directed toward serving in love, and the contrast between flesh and Spirit includes a warning about inheriting the kingdom.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Galatians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ.
Connection to the wholeThe practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.