Galatians 5:24

Commentary on Galatians 5:24 KJV

Galatians 5:24 is a powerful statement within Paul's letter, encapsulating a core truth about Christian identity and lifestyle. It declares the decisive break believers make with their former way of life when they come to Christ.

Context

Paul's Epistle to the Galatians primarily addresses the tension between grace through faith and works of the Mosaic Law. In chapter 5, Paul shifts from theological debate to practical Christian living, contrasting life "in the Spirit" with life "in the flesh." He lists the "works of the flesh" (Galatians 5:19-21) and then the "fruit of the Spirit" (Galatians 5:22-23). Verse 24 serves as a foundational principle explaining how believers can live by the Spirit and produce its fruit, rather than yielding to the flesh. It underscores the profound transformation that occurs when one truly belongs to Christ.

Key Themes

• Belonging to Christ: The phrase "they that are Christ's" signifies a deep, personal possession and allegiance. It implies a transfer of ownership from sin and self to Christ, establishing a new identity and purpose. This new identity is the basis for the radical change described.
• Crucifying the Flesh: This is the central action. It speaks of a decisive, definitive act of putting to death the sinful nature. It is not a gradual process of self-improvement, but a once-for-all spiritual execution of the old self's dominion over one's life. This concept is echoed in other Pauline epistles, such as Romans 6:6, which states our old man was crucified with Christ.
• Dealing with Affections and Lusts: The "affections" (πάθη - *pathe*) refer to strong passions or impulses, often negative, while "lusts" (ἐπιθυμίαι - *epithymiai*) specifically denote evil desires or cravings. These are the manifestations and expressions of the sinful flesh. By crucifying the flesh, believers are effectively severing the power and influence of these internal drives that lead to sin.
• Radical Transformation: The verse points to a radical and spiritual transformation that occurs at conversion. It implies that a genuine follower of Christ has made a definitive break with the life dominated by sinful desires.

Linguistic Insights

• "Crucified" (ἐσταύρωσαν - *estaurōsan*): The Greek verb is in the aorist tense, indicating a completed action in the past. This isn't a continuous, ongoing struggle to crucify the flesh, but rather a declaration of a definitive break that occurred when one became "Christ's." While the *act* of crucifixion is complete, the *implication* is an ongoing commitment to live in light of that spiritual reality. Believers are called to consider themselves dead to sin and alive to God.
• "Flesh" (σάρκα - *sarka*): In this context, "flesh" does not refer to the physical body itself but to the sinful human nature, the unredeemed part of humanity that is hostile to God and prone to sin. It represents the inherent pull towards sin and self-gratification.
• "Affections" (πάθη - *pathe*): This term refers to strong emotions, passions, or impulses, which can be neutral but are often used in a negative sense in the New Testament to describe unruly or sinful desires.
• "Lusts" (ἐπιθυμίαι - *epithymiai*): This word denotes strong desires or cravings, which can be for good things, but are frequently used to describe evil or forbidden desires.

Practical Application

Galatians 5:24 calls believers to live consistently with their new identity in Christ. While the spiritual act of crucifying the flesh happened at conversion, the daily Christian life involves walking in the reality of that crucifixion. This means:

1. Intentional Living: Actively choosing not to yield to the desires of the sinful nature, but instead to "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:16).
2. Reliance on the Spirit: Recognizing that the power to overcome the flesh comes not from self-effort, but from the indwelling Holy Spirit. It is a Spirit-empowered obedience.
3. Constant Surrender: Daily surrendering one's will, desires, and passions to God's will, allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and transform.
4. Understanding Identity: Embracing the truth that in Christ, the dominion of sin has been broken. We are no longer slaves to sin but servants of righteousness.

This verse serves as a profound reminder that true freedom in Christ involves freedom *from* the tyranny of sin and self, enabling a life lived for God's glory.