Galatians 6:1
Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
Study Note
Study Note
Paul's instruction to those who are 'spiritual' to restore those caught in a fault 'in a spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted' models a pastoral ethics of restorative confrontation. The Greek 'prolamphthe' (caught, overtaken) implies that the sinning person was perhaps surprised by a temptation rather than deliberately choosing wrong, suggesting the restoration is for those who stumbled rather than those who hardened themselves. The qualification 'you who are spiritual' is not an elitist category but a description of those walking in the Spirit (5:16, 25) — restoration belongs to the Spirit-filled life. The self-examination clause ('considering yourself, lest you also be tempted') prevents the pride that often accompanies moral correction.
Other Translations
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.
Brethren, if a man also may be overtaken in any trespass, ye who <FI>are<Fi> spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of meekness, considering thyself--lest thou also may be tempted;
Brothers, if a man is taken in any wrongdoing, you who are of the Spirit will put such a one right in a spirit of love; keeping watch on yourself, for fear that you yourself may be tested.
Cross References
And Noah began to be an husbandman, and he planted a vineyard:
And Noah awoke from his wine, and knew what his younger son had done unto him.
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Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my …
And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; …
This is the water of Meribah; because the children of Israel strove with the Lord, and he was sanctified in …
And it came to pass in an eveningtide, that David arose from off his bed, and walked upon the roof …
And Nathan departed unto his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife bare unto David, and it …
Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.
Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.