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 6:5

Eastern Fathers

John Chrysostom

"For each man shall bear his own burden." He appears to state a reason prohibitory of boasting against another; but at the same time he corrects the boaster, so that he may no more entertain high thoughts of himself by bringing to his remembrance his own errors, and pressing upon his conscience the idea of a burden, and of being heavily laden.

Homily on Galatians 6 ↗

Theophylact of Ohrid

Why do you boast before your neighbor? Both you and he will each bear your own burden, and then the work of each will be evaluated. Therefore, when you have a burden and labors, do not boast of your good deed either before others or before yourself.

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Oecumenius

"For each will bear his own burden." For why boast over your neighbor? he says. And you, also, will bear your own burden. And then each one's work will be tested.

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Western Saints

Jerome

For each one will bear his own burden. It seems to contradict what was said before, where it says: Bear one another's burdens: for if each one bears his own burden, he will not be able to bear another's burdens. But it must be understood that there he commanded that we, as sinners in this life, bear one another's burdens and help each other in this present age. …

Commentary on Galatians ↗

Thomas Aquinas

The reason for avoiding pride is the reward or punishment that will be rendered to each one according to his merits or demerits. Hence he says, "For every one shall bear his own burden." But this seems contrary to what he had said earlier, namely, "Bear ye one another's burdens." But it should be known that he was speaking there of the burden of supporting weakness, a burden which we ought to carry one for another; but now he is speaking of the burden of rendering an account. …

Commentary on Galatians ↗