What does Galatians 5:19 mean?

Explanation

Galatians 5:19 addresses the concept of "works of the flesh," which are behaviors and attitudes that are contrary to the will and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

The Apostle Paul lists a number of these works in this verse, starting with "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness." These terms describe various forms of sexual sin and moral impurity, which were issues of significant concern in the early Christian communities.

"Adultery" refers to marital unfaithfulness, where an individual has a sexual relationship with someone who is not their spouse.

"Fornication," or "sexual immorality" in other translations, is a broader term encompassing all forms of illicit sexual relations outside of marriage.

"Uncleanness" could be understood as a general term for moral impurity, not restricted only to sexual sins.

"Lasciviousness" is a term that indicates a lack of restraint, often associated with lewdness and overtly sexual behavior.

Paul's emphasis on these sins suggests that they were common temptations and practices among the people at the time, and he highlights the spiritual danger they pose. The "flesh" in Pauline theology often refers to the sinful human nature that is at odds with God's Spirit.

Historical Context

Galatians was written by the Apostle Paul in the mid-first century to the churches he established in the region of Galatia (modern-day Turkey).

This epistle addresses the conflict between Paul's Gospel of grace and the teachings of Judaizers, who insisted that Gentile converts to Christianity must adhere to Jewish law, including circumcision.

The Greco-Roman world at the time was characterized by religious pluralism and ethical philosophies that often differed from Jewish and Christian moral standards. Sexual immorality, as defined by Jewish and Christian ethics, was more widely accepted in Gentile communities.

Thus, early Christians were faced with the challenge of remaining faithful to their moral commitments in a culture with different values.

Theological Insights

Different theological viewpoints offer various interpretations of the "works of the flesh." Traditional Christian theology sees this list as indicative of human sinfulness that separates individuals from God.

The Reformers, like Martin Luther and John Calvin, would emphasize that these works evidence the need for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, not by works of the law.

In contemporary discussions, some theologians might suggest that Paul's list targets not just individual failings but systemic injustices and societal evils. Others may highlight the transformational power of the Holy Spirit to enable believers to overcome these sinful behaviors.

Practical Applications

In modern life, the challenge of overcoming the "works of the flesh" remains. Believers are encouraged to eschew sexual immorality and practice purity in their personal lives.

The verse serves as a caution against behaviors that can damage relationships, personal integrity, and one's relationship with God.

Additionally, the verse can inspire Christians to support one another in their struggles against such temptations, offering accountability, prayer, and practical support.

It also emphasizes the importance of living by the Spirit, which implies developing spiritual disciplines and virtues in direct opposition to the works of the flesh.

Cross-References

• Romans 13:13: "Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying."
• 1 Corinthians 6:9-10: "Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind..."
• Ephesians 5:3: "But fornication, and all uncleanness, or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;"

Language Study

The original Greek text uses several key terms:

• "Moicheia" (μοιχεία): Translated as "adultery," it specifically refers to sexual relations with someone's spouse.
• "Porneia" (πορνεία): Translated as "fornication," this word covers a range of sexual sin outside of marriage.
• "Akatharsia" (ἀκαθαρσία): Translated as "uncleanness," it signifies impurity and can be general or specific to sexual sin.
• "Aselgeia" (ἀσέλγεια): Translated as "lasciviousness," it denotes a lack of restraint, often linked to brazen or indecent sexual behavior.

Understanding these terms in their original context sheds light on the severity and nature of the behaviors Paul condemns.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The early Christian views on sexual morality diverged significantly from those of many surrounding cultures, where temple prostitution, polygamy, and casual sexual relations might have been more commonplace.

Jewish law also had strong prohibitions against such sexual behaviors, which influenced Christian ethics.

Comparison with other ancient myths and religions shows that sexual behavior was often integrated into religious practices, such as fertility cults, which Christianity rejected. This contrast highlights the distinctive moral and ethical framework early Christians were expected to uphold.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern science informs our understanding of human behavior, including sexuality.

It is now known that biological, psychological, and social factors all influence human sexual behavior.

While the verse addresses moral concerns, a scientific perspective would look at the complex interplay of these factors in understanding why individuals might struggle with the "works of the flesh."

The concept of addiction, including to sexual behaviors, can also provide insight into the challenges some face in adhering to moral codes. Through scientific research on the human brain and behavior, there is a deeper understanding of the difficulty of overcoming certain patterns of behavior.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Galatians 5:19 vary, but most agree on the importance of highlighting the difference between living according to the flesh and living by the Spirit. For instance:

• John Stott, a noted Biblical scholar, points out that the "works of the flesh" are evident in their effects on human life and society and calls for Christians to live by the Spirit, which produces very different fruit.
• Matthew Henry’s commentary emphasizes the eternal consequences of these works and the notion that they are diametrically opposed to the kingdom of God.
• The Expositor's Greek Testament discusses the connection of these particular sins with idolatry and emphasizes the serious nature of these works as an opposition to the Christian ethical standard.