Galatians 5:5

For--proof of the assertion, "fallen from grace," by contrasting with the case of legalists, the "hope" of Christians. through the Spirit--Greek, rather, "by the Spirit": in opposition to by the flesh (Gal 4:29), or fleshly ways of justification, as circumcision and legal ordinances. "We" is emphatical, and contrasted with "whosoever of you would be justified by the law" (Gal 5:4). the hope of righteousness--"We wait for the (realization of the) hope (which is the fruit) of the righteousness (that is, justification which comes) by (literally, 'from--out of') faith," Rom 5:1, Rom 5:4-5; Rom 8:24-25, "Hope . . . we with patience wait for it." This is a farther step than being "justified"; not only are we this, but "wait for the hope" which is connected with it, and is its full consummation. "Righteousness," in the sense of justification, is by the believer once for all already attained: but the consummation of it in future perfection above is the object of hope to be waited for: "the crown of righteousness laid up" (Ti2 4:8): "the hope laid up for you in heaven" (Col 1:5; Pe1 1:3).

In this chapter the apostle comes to make application of his foregoing discourse. He begins it with a general caution, or exhortation (Gal 5:1), which he afterwards enforces by several considerations (Gal 5:2-12). He then presses them to serious practical godliness, which would be the best antidote against the snares of their false teachers; particularly, I. That they should not strive with one another (Gal 5:13-15). II. That they would strive against sin, where he shows, 1. That there is in every one a struggle between flesh and spirit (Gal 5:17). 2. That it is our duty and interest, in this struggle, to side with the better part (Gal 5:16, Gal 5:18). 3. He specifies the works of the flesh, which must be watched against and mortified, and the fruits of the Spirit, which must be brought forth and cherished, and shows of what importance it is that they be so (Gal 5:19-24). And then concludes the chapter with a caution against pride and envy.

5:5 The alternative to living by faith in the law is to live by complete reliance on the Spirit to make us pleasing to God. • eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us (or eagerly await by faith the hope that righteousness gives us): We receive God’s righteousness at our salvation (Rom 5:9-11; 10:10), in an ongoing way through the Spirit’s sanctification (Rom 8:1-14), and fully at the resurrection when Christ returns (Rom 8:18-30). It is God’s power that provides righteousness, and he fulfills his promise (Gal 3:14, 22).