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Verse Takeaways
1
Zeal for the Right Reason
Paul is not condemning passion or enthusiasm. Commentators clarify that he affirms zeal when it's for "a good thing"—the truth of the gospel. This contrasts sharply with the self-serving zeal of the false teachers. The lesson is that our passion must be directed toward God's purposes, not personal agendas or factions.
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Book Overview
Galatians
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Commentaries
8
Albert Barnes
On Galatians 4:18
18th Century
Theologian
But it is good to be zealously affected. The meaning of this is, "Understand me: I do not speak against zeal. I have not a word to say in …
AT Robertson
On Galatians 4:18
To be zealously sought in a good matter (ζηλουσθα εν καλω). Present passive infinitive. It is only in an evil matter that it is ba…
Charles Ellicott
On Galatians 4:18
19th Century
Bishop
It is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing.—A disinterested zeal between teachers and taught is indeed good in itself. The…
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Charles Spurgeon
On Galatians 4:18–21
19th Century
Preacher
But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. My little children, of whom I travail …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Galatians 4:18
Though there are several possible meanings of this verse depending on who is exercising such zeal, it is best to refer the zeal to the Galatians, w…
John Calvin
On Galatians 4:18
16th Century
Theologian
But it is good to be the object of jealousy. It is hard to say whether this refers to himself or to the Galatians. Good ministers are exho…
John Gill
On Galatians 4:18
17th Century
Pastor
But it is good to be zealously affected
A zealous affection when right is very commendable, as the instances of Phin…
Matthew Henry
On Galatians 4:12–18
17th Century
Minister
The apostle desires that they would be of one mind with him regarding the law of Moses, as well as united with him in love. In reproving others, we…