Fathers

Galatians 6

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Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren’t tempted. Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each man examine his own work, and then he will have reason to boast in himself, and not in someone else. For each man will bear his own burden. But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches. Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith. See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand. As many as desire to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised; just so they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even they who receive circumcision don’t keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God’s Israel. From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus branded on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

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What the Fathers say

Galatians 6:1

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

Forasmuch as under cover of a rebuke they gratified their private feelings, and professing to do so for faults which had been committed, were advancing their own ambition, he says, "Brethren, if a man be overtaken." He said not if a man commit but if he be "overtaken" that is, if he be carried away. …

Homily on Galatians 6 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Since many among them, thinking to restrain those who were sinning, acted in this under the influence of their own passions, being moved to it by love of authority, he says: "if indeed one falls," that is, is carried away by the force of the demonic, "you who are spiritual, restore him," that is, do not punish, but instruct in a spirit of meekness. He did not say "with meekness," but "in the Spirit of meekness," showing that this is pleasing to the Spirit, and that the lenient correction of sinners is a gift of spiritual grace. …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Oecumenius

Many, overcome by an ambitious striving for dominion, satisfied their desire in reproving the faults of their neighbors; which he corrects by saying: If anyone is caught in a sin. For this is the kind of thing, anticipated, "you who are spiritual." Those who live according to the spirit, "restore," that is, correct such a one. Then, casting out self-love, he says, "in a spirit of gentleness." That is to say, in gentleness, which is a gift of the Holy Spirit. …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Western Saints

Augustine of Hippo

One is overtaken on those occasions either when one sins without seeing at the time that it is a sin or when one sees this and is still overcome. One sins either in ignorance of truth or under the limitations of infirmity.

Against Lying 22 ↗

Jerome

Brothers, even if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Knowing that Paul was a servant of God, who did not desire the death of a sinner but their repentance (Ezekiel 18:23, 33). And except for the Trinity, every creature, though it may not sin, is still capable of sinning. …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

After leading the Galatians back to the state of truth as to divine things, the Apostle then leads them back as to things human, instructing them how to behave toward men. First, how to act toward the upright; Secondly, toward those who are wicked (v. 11). With respect to the first, he does three things: First, he teaches how superiors should act toward inferiors; Secondly, how equals toward equals (v. 2); Thirdly, how inferiors toward superiors (v. 6). …

Commentary on Galatians ↗