Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Galatians 5:14

"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, [even] in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." — Galatians 5:14 (ASV)

Throughout his letter Paul has been arguing against law and in defense of the Gospel of pure grace. Now, in a most striking fashion, he returns to law and seems to speak favorably of it, stressing that when Christians love and serve others, the law is fulfilled. There is a play on two meanings of the Greek word translated “summed up” (GK 4444). On the one hand, it refers to the fact that the law can aptly be summarized by Lev 19:18 (a common rabbinic opinion, also endorsed by Jesus in Mt 22:39). On the other hand, the word can mean “fulfilled” (cf. Romans 13:8); in this sense Paul is suggesting that it is actually out of the new life of love made possible within the Christian community through the Spirit that the law finds fulfillment.

This use of the word “law” (GK 3795) is most instructive, because it shows that in spite of all Paul has said, there remains a sense in which the requirements of the law are a proper concern for Christians. This does not mean that the Christian is to make progress in holiness by once again setting up a system of rules and regulations. But the essential ends of the law will be met in those who, being called by God and being filled with the Spirit, allow God to produce the Spirit’s fruit within them. Faith in Christ is the bond that forms the basis for the fulfillment of God’s holy will in one’s life.