5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; 6 only do not use your freedom as an opportunity to indulge your flesh, 7 but through love serve one another. 8
1 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.
2 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.
3 sn That is, if Paul still teaches observance of the Mosaic law (preaches circumcision), why is he still being persecuted by his opponents, who insist that Gentile converts to Christianity must observe the Mosaic law?
4 sn The offense of the cross refers to the offense to Jews caused by preaching Christ crucified.
5 tn Or “nullified.”
6 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:11.
7 tn Grk “as an opportunity for the flesh”; BDAG 915 s.v. σάρξ 2.c.α states: “In Paul’s thought esp., all parts of the body constitute a totality known as σ. or flesh, which is dominated by sin to such a degree that wherever flesh is, all forms of sin are likew. present, and no good thing can live in the σάρξ…Gal 5:13, 24;…Opp. τὸ πνεῦμα…Gal 3:3; 5:16, 17ab; 6:8ab.”
8 tn It is possible that the verb δουλεύετε (douleuete) should be translated “serve one another in a humble manner” here, referring to the way in which slaves serve their masters (see L&N 35.27).