perfect rule of life. For the desires, although they are troublesome, rage in vain. Since then
such is the power of the Spirit, let us live therein and be content therewith, as he adds himself,
Ver. 25. “If we live142 by the Spirit, by the Spirit let us also walk,”
—being governed by His laws. For this is the force of the words “let us walk,” that is, let
us be content with the power of the Spirit, and seek no help from the Law. Then, signifying
that those who would fain have introduced circumcision were actuated by ambitious motives,
he says,
Ver. 26. “Let us not be vainglorious,”143 which is the cause of all evils, “provoking144
one another” to contentions and strife, “envying one another,” for from vainglory comes
envy and from envy all these countless evils.
142 [Therefore if having crucified the flesh we are dead to it and live by the Spirit, let us conform our conduct
to our new life, let us also walk by the Spirit.—Lightfoot, substantially.—G.A.]
143 [“Paul works round again to the subject of ver. 15 and repeats his warning. It is clear that something had
occurred which alarmed him on this point.”—Lightfoot.—G.A.]
144 [“‘Provoking’ (προκαλούμενοι) on the part of the strong, ‘envying,’ (φθονοῦντες) on the part of the weak.
The strong vauntingly challenged their weaker brethren; the weak could only retaliate with envy,”—Elli-
cott.—G.A.].
84
Galatians 5:1