Charles Ellicott Commentary Galatians 5:21

"envyings, drunkenness, revellings, and such like; of which I forewarn you, even as I did forewarn you, that they who practise such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God." — Galatians 5:21 (ASV)

Murders.—There is considerable doubt as to whether this word belongs in the text. It is missing from the two oldest manuscripts and some other good authorities. Internal considerations can support either its omission or its retention.

I tell you before.—I foretell (or, forewarn) you; I tell you before the event proves my words to be true—that is, before the day of judgment.

As I have also told you in time past.—As I also told you before. The idea is the same as in the last phrase. In the Greek, all that corresponds to “in time past” is the use of the past tense. The occasion seems to have been St. Paul’s last or second visit to Galatia.

The kingdom of God.—The Messianic kingdom; often called this in the Gospels (especially the second and third), and also by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:9–10; 1 Corinthians 15:50.