Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
Galatians Ch.6 / 6 Ch.s
GA:6
* Exhortations to meekness, gentleness, and humility. (1-5) To
kindness towards all men, especially believers. (6-11) The
Galatians guarded against the judaizing teachers. (12-15) A
solemn blessing. (16-18)
#1-5 We are to bear one another's burdens. So we shall fulfil
the law of Christ. This obliges to mutual forbearance and
compassion towards each other, agreeably to his example. It
becomes us to bear one another's burdens, as fellow-travellers.
It is very common for a man to look upon himself as wiser and
better than other men, and as fit to dictate to them. Such a one
deceives himself; by pretending to what he has not, he puts a
cheat upon himself, and sooner or later will find the sad
effects. This will never gain esteem, either with God or men.
Every one is advised to prove his own work. The better we know
our own hearts and ways, the less shall we despise others, and
the more be disposed to help them under infirmities and
afflictions. How light soever men's sins seem to them when
committed, yet they will be found a heavy burden, when they come
to reckon with God about them. No man can pay a ransom for his
brother; and sin is a burden to the soul. It is a spiritual
burden; and the less a man feels it to be such, the more cause
has he to suspect himself. Most men are dead in their sins, and
therefore have no sight or sense of the spiritual burden of sin.
Feeling the weight and burden of our sins, we must seek to be
eased thereof by the Saviour, and be warned against every sin.
#6-11 Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though
they may make a show, and profess it. They may impose upon
others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to impose upon
God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot
be deceived, so he will not be mocked. Our present time is seed
time; in the other world we shall reap as we sow now. As there
are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the
Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a
carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a
course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance
and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in
Christ, and abound in Christian graces, shall of the Spirit reap
life everlasting. We are all very apt to tire in duty,
particularly in doing good. This we should carefully watch and
guard against. Only to perseverance in well-doing is the reward
promised. Here is an exhortation to all to do good in their
places. We should take care to do good in our life-time, and
make this the business of our lives. Especially when fresh
occasions offer, and as far as our power reaches.
#12-15 Proud, vain, and carnal hearts, are content with just so
much religion as will help to keep up a fair show. But the
apostle professes his own faith, hope, and joy; and that his
principal glory was in the cross of Christ. By which is here
meant, his sufferings and death on the cross, the doctrine of
salvation by a crucified Redeemer. By Christ, or by the cross of
Christ, the world is crucified to the believer, and he to the
world. The more we consider the sufferings of the Redeemer from
the world, the less likely shall we be to love the world. The
apostle was as little affected by its charms, as a beholder
would be by any thing which had been graceful in the face of a
crucified person, when he beholds it blackened in the agonies of
death. He was no more affected by the objects around him, than
one who is expiring would be struck with any of the prospects
his dying eyes might view from the cross on which he hung. And
as to those who have truly believed in Christ Jesus, all things
are counted as utterly worthless compared with him. There is a
new creation; old things are passed away, and new views and
dispositions are brought in under the regenerating influences of
God the Holy Spirit. Believers are brought into a new world, and
being created in Christ Jesus unto good works, are formed to a
life of holiness. It is a change of mind and heart, whereby we
are enabled to believe in the Lord Jesus, and to live to God;
and where this inward, practical religion is wanting, outward
professions, or names, will never stand in any stead.
#16-18 A new creation to the image of Christ, as showing faith
in him, is the greatest distinction between one man and another,
and a blessing is declared on all who walk according to this
rule. The blessings are, peace and mercy. Peace with God and our
conscience, and all the comforts of this life, as far as they
are needful. And mercy, an interest in the free love and favour
of God in Christ, the spring and fountain of all other
blessings. The written word of God is the rule we are to go by,
both in its doctrines and precepts. May his grace ever be with
our spirit, to sanctify, quicken, and cheer us, and may we
always be ready to maintain the honour of that which is indeed
our life. The apostle had in his body the marks of the Lord
Jesus, the scars of wounds from persecuting enemies, for his
cleaving to Christ, and the doctrine of the gospel. The apostle
calls the Galatians his brethren, therein he shows his humility
and his tender affection for them; and he takes his leave with a
very serious prayer, that they might enjoy the favour of Christ
Jesus, both in its effects and in its evidences. We need desire
no more to make us happy than the grace of our Lord Jesus
Christ. The apostle does not pray that the law of Moses, or the
righteousness of works, but that the grace of Christ, might be
with them; that it might be in their hearts and with their
spirits, quickening, comforting, and strengthening them: to all
which he sets his Amen; signifying his desire that so it might
be, and his faith that so it would be.