Galatians 6:10

KJV

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

KJV (with Strong's)

As {G5613} we have {G2192} therefore {G686}{G3767} opportunity {G2540}, let us do {G2038} good {G18} unto {G4314} all {G3956} men, especially {G1161}{G3122} unto {G4314} them who are of the household {G3609} of faith {G4102}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, as the opportunity arises, let us do what is good to everyone, and especially to the family of those who are trustingly faithful.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.

American Standard Version

So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 6:10 provides a concluding ethical imperative within Paul's letter, urging believers to actively pursue acts of benevolence. It emphasizes a two-tiered approach to Christian charity: a universal call to "do good unto all," demonstrating a broad, Christ-like love for humanity, coupled with a specific, prioritized responsibility to care for "the household of faith," recognizing the unique familial bond and mutual obligations within the spiritual community. This verse underscores the practical outworking of faith, translating theological truth into tangible expressions of love and service, particularly when opportune moments arise.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Galatians 6:10 serves as a climactic summary of Paul's ethical instructions in the latter part of his letter. The preceding verses establish foundational principles for Christian conduct within the community. Paul first calls believers to mutual burden-bearing, highlighting the communal aspect of the law of Christ ([Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing Burdens")). He then transitions to the principle of sowing and reaping, asserting that those who sow to the Spirit will reap eternal life, while those who sow to the flesh will reap corruption ([Galatians 6:7-8](/galatians/6-7-8 "Galatians 6:7-8 - Sowing and Reaping")). This agricultural metaphor is immediately followed by an exhortation not to grow weary in doing good, with the assurance that a harvest will come in due season ([Galatians 6:9](/galatians/6-9 "Galatians 6:9 - Do Not Grow Weary")). Thus, Galatians 6:10 acts as the practical application and summation of these principles, directing the "doing good" that was previously encouraged, specifying both its timing ("as we have therefore opportunity") and its recipients ("all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith"). It is a bridge from the theological arguments against legalism to the practical outworking of Spirit-led living.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Galatia was grappling with the influence of Judaizers who insisted that Gentile Christians must adhere to Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, for salvation. Paul's letter vigorously refutes this, asserting salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. In this context, the call to "do good" is not a return to legalistic works for salvation, but rather the natural fruit of a life transformed by the Spirit. In the Greco-Roman world, philanthropy often served as a means of gaining social status or political influence, or was limited to one's own kin or social group. Paul's instruction transcends these cultural norms by advocating for universal benevolence ("unto all men") while simultaneously prioritizing the unique needs of the Christian community, which was often marginalized and in need of internal support. The concept of a "household" (οἶκος) was central to ancient society, signifying not just a family unit but an entire economic and social entity, including servants and dependents. Applying this to the "household of faith" underscores the deep, familial bond and mutual responsibility among believers, a radical redefinition of community in their time.

* **Key Themes:** Galatians 6:10 encapsulates several key themes prevalent throughout Paul's letter and the broader New Testament. Foremost is the theme of **Christian Liberty and Responsibility**, demonstrating that freedom from the Law does not lead to license but to a Spirit-empowered life of love and service ([Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Freedom for Service")). It also highlights **Practical Love (Agape)** as the defining characteristic of believers, moving beyond mere theological assent to tangible acts of kindness and support. This love is both expansive, extending to all humanity, and intensive, focusing particularly on fellow believers, reflecting the New Testament emphasis on the unity and mutual care within the body of Christ ([Ephesians 4:1-3](/ephesians/4-1-3 "Ephesians 4:1-3 - Unity of the Spirit")). The verse further emphasizes the **Urgency of Opportunity**, teaching believers to be discerning and proactive in seizing moments to do good, rather than passively waiting. Finally, it reinforces the **Community of Faith** as a distinct and prioritized sphere of Christian responsibility, where believers are called to bear one another's burdens and cultivate a strong, supportive spiritual family, echoing the principle found in [1 Corinthians 12:25](/1_corinthians/12-25 "1 Corinthians 12:25 - Care for One Another").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **opportunity (Greek, _kairós'_):** This word signifies a specific, opportune, or fitting time, a moment when conditions are ripe for action, rather than merely a chronological period (χρόνος, _chronos_). Paul's use of _kairós_ here implies a discerning readiness to act when needs or possibilities arise, urging believers to be proactive and intentional in recognizing and seizing moments for good deeds. It suggests a qualitative understanding of time, emphasizing the significance of the present moment for ethical action.
* **do good (Greek, _ergázomai'_):** Derived from _ergon_ (work), _ergázomai_ means "to toil, to work, to effect, to be engaged in or with." In this context, it denotes active, intentional labor or effort directed towards producing good. It's not merely wishing well but actively performing beneficial acts, committing to actions that result in positive outcomes for others. This emphasizes the practical, hands-on nature of Christian benevolence.
* **household (Greek, _oikeîos'_):** This term, stemming from _oikos_ (house), refers to those who belong to a household, a family, or are domestic adherents. It implies a close, intimate relationship, a sense of belonging and mutual responsibility. When applied to the "household of faith," it powerfully conveys the idea of believers as members of God's family, bound by shared spiritual kinship and a unique obligation to care for one another as one would for their own kin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"As we have therefore opportunity":** This opening clause acts as a temporal and conditional qualifier for the subsequent command. The "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) links back to the preceding discussion on sowing to the Spirit and not growing weary in doing good. It implies that because believers are living by the Spirit and awaiting a harvest, they should actively seek out and utilize opportune moments (_kairós_) for good works. This is not a passive waiting for opportunities to present themselves, but an active posture of readiness and discernment to engage in beneficial action whenever the circumstances allow or call for it.
* **"let us do good unto all [men]":** This is the primary command, establishing the broad scope of Christian benevolence. The phrase "do good" (G2038, _ergázomai_ G18, _agathós_) signifies actively performing acts that are intrinsically beneficial, virtuous, and morally right. The inclusion of "all [men]" (G3956, _pâs_) underscores the universal nature of Christian love and charity. Believers are called to extend kindness, compassion, and practical help to everyone, regardless of their background, beliefs, or relationship to the Christian community. This reflects the expansive, indiscriminate love of God for all humanity.
* **"especially unto them who are of the household of faith":** This crucial qualifier introduces a specific prioritization within the universal call to do good. While the scope of benevolence is "all men," there is a heightened, particular responsibility towards fellow believers. The "household of faith" (G3609, _oikeîos_ G4102, _pístis_) vividly portrays the church as God's family, bound by a common faith and spiritual kinship. This "especially" (G3122, _málista_) indicates that while Christians are to be a blessing to the world, their primary and most immediate care should be directed towards those within their spiritual family, ensuring that the internal community is robust, supported, and flourishing. This priority acknowledges the unique bond and shared journey of faith.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Exhortation** throughout this verse, directly commanding and encouraging believers to act. The imperative "let us do good" is a clear call to action. A significant device is **Emphasis through Prioritization**, seen in the phrase "especially unto them who are of the household of faith." This structure highlights a specific group within a broader category, underscoring a particular responsibility without negating the general one. The phrase "household of faith" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying the community of believers as a family unit, implying intimacy, mutual dependence, and shared responsibility, much like a physical household. This familial imagery evokes a sense of belonging and deep communal obligation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 6:10 stands as a powerful theological statement on the nature of Christian love and responsibility. It articulates a balanced approach to benevolence, rooted in the understanding that genuine faith is active and outwardly expressed. The call to do good "unto all men" reflects the universal scope of God's love, which extends to all humanity, mirroring the divine grace that is offered to everyone. Simultaneously, the prioritized care for "the household of faith" underscores the unique and profound bond among believers, who are united by the Spirit and called to function as a supportive, mutually dependent family. This dual emphasis prevents both an insular, exclusive Christianity and a diluted, unfocused benevolence, ensuring that the church is both a light to the world and a haven for its members. It teaches that our spiritual freedom in Christ is not for self-indulgence but for serving others, with a particular focus on nurturing the body of Christ.

* [John 13:34-35](/john/13-34-35 "John 13:34-35 - A New Commandment: Love One Another")
* [1 John 3:16-18](/1_john/3-16-18 "1 John 3:16-18 - Love in Action")
* [Matthew 25:34-40](/matthew/25-34-40 "Matthew 25:34-40 - The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 6:10 is a profound call to intentional and discerning action in our daily lives. It challenges us to move beyond passive goodwill to active benevolence, recognizing that opportunities to "do good" are not random occurrences but divine appointments. This verse prompts us to cultivate a mindset of readiness, always looking for ways to be a blessing to those around us. It encourages us to consider our spheres of influence—our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and communities—as fertile ground for sowing acts of kindness, compassion, and practical help. Furthermore, it places a special emphasis on our responsibility within the Christian family. Are we actively seeking out and meeting the needs of our brothers and sisters in Christ? Are we quick to offer support, encouragement, and practical assistance to those within the "household of faith" who are struggling, hurting, or in need? Living out this verse means embodying Christ's love in a tangible, prioritized way, ensuring that both the world sees our good works and that the church thrives as a loving, supportive community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "opportunities" for doing good have I noticed recently, and how have I responded to them?**
* **In what practical ways can I extend kindness and help to "all men" in my daily interactions, even those outside my immediate circle?**
* **How am I actively contributing to the well-being and support of "the household of faith" in my local church or Christian community?**
* **Am I prone to growing weary in doing good, and what steps can I take to persevere in acts of love and service?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul say "especially unto them who are of the household of faith" when we are called to love everyone?**

Answer: Paul's instruction here is not about exclusion but about priority and emphasis. While Christians are indeed called to love and do good to all people, reflecting God's universal love, there is a unique and intensified responsibility towards fellow believers. This is because the "household of faith" represents the spiritual family of God, bound by a common faith, shared spiritual journey, and mutual dependence as members of Christ's body. Just as a physical family has a primary responsibility to care for its own, the spiritual family has a special obligation to support, encourage, and meet the needs of its members. This ensures the internal health and strength of the church, enabling it to be a more effective witness to the world. It's about building a strong base of love and support within the community so that it can then effectively extend that love outward.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 6:10 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the quintessential example of one who seized every "opportunity" to "do good," tirelessly ministering to the sick, feeding the hungry, teaching the lost, and ultimately offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice. His life was a continuous act of benevolence "unto all men," demonstrating God's boundless love for a fallen world, as powerfully articulated in [John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love for the World"). Yet, Jesus also showed a profound, "especially" prioritized care for His disciples, the nascent "household of faith." He poured His life into them, teaching them, praying for them, and preparing them to carry on His mission, as seen in His intimate final discourses in [John 14-17](/john/14 "John 14 - Jesus Comforts His Disciples"). His command to "love one another as I have loved you" in [John 13:34](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - New Commandment") directly establishes the priority of love within the Christian community. Thus, believers, empowered by the Spirit of Christ, are called to emulate His pattern: extending compassion and good works universally, while simultaneously nurturing and strengthening the bonds of love and mutual support within the church, reflecting the very heart of the One who gave Himself for both the world and His bride.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

Proverbs 3:27

¶ Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do [it].

1 Thessalonians 5:15

See that none render evil for evil unto any [man]; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all [men].

Titus 3:8

[This is] a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

Matthew 25:40

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done [it] unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done [it] unto me.

3 John 1:5

Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers;

3 John 1:8

We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.