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
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Now Peter sat without in the palace: and a damsel came unto him, saying, Thou also wast with Jesus of …
Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if …
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not …
Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall …
But go ye and learn what that meaneth, I will have mercy, and not sacrifice: for I am not come …