What Does Galatians 5:24 Mean?

(24) But such things are just what the Christian would do. He will have nothing to make him act differently. He will not need to be taught peaceableness, goodness, or self-control, for the impulses which run counter to these are dead within him: they were killed at the moment when he gave himself up wholly to a crucified Saviour. **And.**—Better, *How,* or *But;* introducing a summary conclusion from what has gone before, applying it to the Christian. **They that are Christ’s.**—The reading of the oldest MSS. is, *they that are of Christ Jesus.* The Messianic character of the Christian scheme is put forward prominently: “they that belong to Jesus, the Messiah.” **Have crucified the flesh.**—Strictly, *crucified:* viz., in their baptism. A full comment on this expression is afforded by Romans 6:2-14, where see Notes. The relation into which the Christian is brought with Christ is such as to neutralise and deaden all the sensual impulses within him; and inasmuch as the central point in that relation is the crucifixion: inasmuch, further, as crucifixion is death, and the Christian is bound to make the death of his Master his own, so far as relates to sin, he is said not merely to “kill” but to “crucify” the flesh, with its evil appetites and passions. **Affections and lusts.**—Passions and desires. “Affections” are passive—susceptibility to evil impressions; “lusts” active—desire for that which is forbidden.