Keraia
Galatians 5

Galatians 5:18

Walking by the Spirit · Galatians 5:16–26
Read Galatians 5

Translations

Modern
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Traditional
But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
Literal
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
Latin
Quod si Spiritu ducimini, non estis sub lege.

Original

Greek
English
But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

Notes

Galatians 5:18

People guided by the Holy Spirit follow the Spirit's authority, not the law. They answer to the Spirit of God, not the law. Paul did not intend to justify breaking civil laws (see Romans 13:1–7; Titus 3:1; compare 1 Peter 2:13–17). He was talking about how to achieve spiritual righteousness before God.

Galatians 5:16–26

A faith without laws will not cause moral ruin. The Holy Spirit guides people, changing their hearts to follow God's will and not sin (see Jeremiah 31:33; Hebrews 8:10).

Galatians 5:13–6:10

Paul explains that justification (being in right relationship with God) comes by faith alone. He then asks, "If we do not follow the law, what guides our behavior?" He answers that the Holy Spirit provides righteousness. The Judaizers (Jewish Christians who believed in following traditional Jewish laws) likely warned that Paul's message of freedom could lead believers to moral failure (5:1). Paul argues that freedom is not an excuse to sin because love guides Christians. We should use our freedom to serve each other with love (see also 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:14–15).

Parallels

Ezekiel 36:16–38 Romans 8:9–11

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Fruit of the Spirit Letter to the Galatians New Covenant Peter, Second Letter of Spirit of God

Topics

Holy Spirit: General Scriptures Concerning Living in Sin The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the Means of Guiding Works: Insufficiency of, for Salvation