Galatians 5:19-21 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,… The list of fleshly sins here given is not an exhaustive one; merely samples. Seventeen distinct sins are specified, which may be roughly grouped in four classes. 1. Sensuality — viz., "adultery, fornication, uncleanness, wantonness." 2. Idolatry, or unlawful dealing in things spiritual; consisting of "idolatry," or the open recognition of false gods, and "sorcery or witchcraft," the secret tampering with the powers of evil. 3. Malice, or violation of the principle of brotherly love; such as "hatreds, strife, rivalry, outbursts of wrath, cabals, dissensions, heretical factions, envyings, murders." 4. Intemperance — viz., "drunkenness and riotous revelry." These vices are probably named by St. Paul as being those to which the Galatians had been specially addicted, and to which they might now be tempted. From early habit a Gentile Church would be exposed to sins of the first two classes, sensuality and idolatry. Sins of the third class, consisting of breaches of brotherly love, would be a probable consequence of their religious dissensions. Vices of the fourth class, when once established, are not easily shaken off, and, as we know from the example of the Corinthian Church, may even find their way into the holiest services of the Christian religion. But we must not confine this catalogue of sins to the Galatians, as though it had no application to ourselves (1 Corinthians 10:11, 12). (Emilius Bayley, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, |
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