Charles Ellicott Commentary Galatians 5:23

"meekness, self-control; against such there is no law." — Galatians 5:23 (ASV)

Meekness, temperance.—“Meekness” is something more than “mildness,” which has been suggested as an alternative translation. “Mildness” would represent that side of the virtue which is turned towards others; but it also has another side, which is turned towards God—a gentle submissiveness to the divine will. By “temperance” is meant, in a general sense, “self-control”—a firm control over the passions.

Against such—that is, “against such things;” not, as it was understood by many of the older commentators, “against such persons.”

There is no law.—For such things law has no condemnation, and therefore they are removed beyond the sphere of law. This is the first and obvious meaning; it may be noticed, however, that these delicate Christian graces are above law as well as beyond. The cruder legal system of commands, sanctioned by punishment, would have no power to produce them; they can only grow in a more favorable and softer soil, under the direct influence of the Spirit.