Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Galatians 5:18

"But if ye are led by the Spirit, ye are not under the law." — Galatians 5:18 (ASV)

The final verse of this section is best taken as a summary in which Paul reminds the Galatians that, though he is now talking of the need to live a godly life, he is not thereby reverting to legalism. Life by the Spirit is neither legalism nor license—nor a middle way between them. It is a life of faith and love that allows a person to be led by the Spirit.