John Calvin Commentary Galatians 6:1

"Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted." — Galatians 6:1 (ASV)

We have no good works which God rewards except those which we derive from his grace.

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in any fault Ambition is a serious and alarming evil. But hardly less injury is frequently done by unseasonable and excessive severity, which, under the plausible name of zeal, often springs from pride, and from dislike and contempt of their brothers. Most men seize on the faults of their brothers as an occasion for insulting them and for using reproachful and cruel language. If the pleasure they take in upbraiding were equaled by their desire to produce amendment, they would act differently. Reproof, and often sharp and severe reproof, must be administered to offenders. But while we must not shrink from a faithful testimony against sin, we must also not omit to mix oil with the vinegar.

We are taught here to correct the faults of our brothers in a mild manner, and to consider no rebukes as partaking of a religious and Christian character which do not breathe the spirit of meekness. To gain this object, he explains the design of pious reproofs, which is, to restore him who is fallen, to place him in his former condition. That design will never be accomplished by violence, or by a disposition to accuse, or by fierceness of manner or language; and consequently, we must display a gentle and meek spirit if we intend to heal our brother. And lest anyone should satisfy himself with assuming the outward form, he demands the spirit of meekness; for no one is prepared for chastising a brother until he has succeeded in acquiring a gentle spirit.

Another argument for gentleness in correcting our brothers is contained in the expression, "if a man be overtaken". If he has been carried away through lack of consideration, or through the cunning arts of a deceiver, it would be cruel to treat such a man with harshness. Now, we know that the devil is always lying in wait and has a thousand ways of leading us astray.

When we perceive that a brother has transgressed, let us consider that he has fallen into the snares of Satan; let us be moved with compassion and prepare our minds to exercise forgiveness. But offenses and falls of this description must undoubtedly be distinguished from deep-seated crimes, accompanied by deliberate and obstinate disregard of the authority of God.

Such a display of wicked and perverse disobedience to God must be met with greater severity, for what advantage would be gained by gentle treatment? The particle if also (ἐὰν καὶ) implies that not only the weak who have been tempted, but those who have yielded to temptation, shall receive forbearance.

Ye who are spiritual. This is not spoken in irony; for, however spiritual they might be, still they were not wholly filled with the Spirit. It belongs to such persons to raise up the fallen. To what better purpose can their superior attainments be applied than to promote the salvation of their brothers? The more eminently anyone is endowed with Divine grace, the more strongly they are bound to promote the edification of those who have been less favored.

But such is our folly, that in our best duties we are apt to fail, and therefore need the exhortation which the apostle gives to guard against the influence of carnal views.

Considering thyself. It is not without reason that the apostle passes from the plural to the singular number. He gives weight to his admonition when he addresses each person individually and bids him look carefully into himself. "Whoever you are that take upon yourself the office of reproving others, look to yourself." Nothing is more difficult than to bring us to acknowledge or examine our own weakness. Whatever may be our acuteness in detecting the faults of others, we do not see, as the saying is, "the wallet that hangs behind our own back"; and therefore, to arouse us to greater activity, he employs the singular number.

These words may be understood in two ways. Since we acknowledge that we are liable to sin, we more willingly grant to others the forgiveness that we, in our turn, expect will be extended to us. Some interpret them in this manner: "You who are a sinner, and need the compassion of your brothers, should not show yourself fierce and implacable to others."

But I would rather choose to expound them as a warning given by Paul, that in correcting others, we should not ourselves commit sin. There is a danger here that deserves our most careful attention, and against which it is difficult to guard, for nothing is easier than to exceed the proper limits. The word tempt, however, may very properly be understood in this passage as extended to the whole life. Whenever we have occasion to pronounce censure, let us begin with ourselves, and, remembering our own weakness, let us be indulgent to others.