Galatians 6:10

10 So then, as we have occasion, let us do good towards all, and specially towards those of the household of faith.

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Galatians 6:10 Meaning and Commentary

Galatians 6:10

As we have therefore opportunity
Or "ability", so the phrase is sometimes used F26; as occasion requires, objects offer, as there is ability of well doing, and that continues; while the time of life lasts, which is the time for sowing, or doing good works:

let us do good unto all men;
not only to our relations, friends, and acquaintance, but to all men; to them that are strangers to us, of whatsoever nation, Jew or Gentile; and of whatsoever religion or sect, yea, even to our very enemies:

especially unto them who are of the household of faith:
the children of God, that belong to his family, are true believers in Christ, hold the doctrine of faith, make a profession of it, and keep it fast; these are more especially to be the objects of Christian beneficence and liberality. The apostle may have sense reference to a practice among the Jews, who took a particular care of the children of good men that were poor;

``there were two chambers in the temple, the one was called the chamber of secrets, and the other the chamber of vessels: into the chamber of secrets, religious men used to put privately, whereby were privately maintained the poor (Mybwj ynb) , "of the children of good men" F1.''

The Targumist on ( Jeremiah 5:3 ) has a phrase much like to this applied to God, paraphrasing the passage thus; is it not, O Lord, revealed before thee, (atwnmyh ydbel abjwal) , "to do good to the servants of faith?"


FOOTNOTES:

F26 See Hammond on. Phil. iv. 10.
F1 Misn. Shekalim, c. 5. sect. 6.

Galatians 6:10 In-Context

8 For he that sows to his own flesh, shall reap corruption from the flesh; but he that sows to the Spirit, from the Spirit shall reap eternal life:
9 but let us not lose heart in doing good; for in due time, if we do not faint, we shall reap.
10 So then, as we have occasion, let us do good towards all, and specially towards those of the household of faith.
11 See how long a letter I have written to you with my own hand.
12 As many as desire to have a fair appearance in [the] flesh, these compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not be persecuted because of the cross of Christ.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. This supposes more positive activity of service than 'doing good,' in ver. 9, which is the character of conduct. 'Let us do good' here is the service and labour in which it is shown.
The Darby Translation is in the public domain.