After Paul’s enumeration of these multifaceted traits called the “Fruit of the Spirit,” he adds a singly (nearly cryptic) line: “Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:23b
What does this mean?
The pronoun “such” is neuter in gender, clearly signifying that Paul is now speaking of these “things,” his now famous nine-fold “list” (love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance).
In fact, “toioutos” (in our King James Bible “such”) is a demonstrative pronoun, THESE things! No doubt now, there is no law against love or joy or peace!
Whoever herd of legislating longsuffering or gentleness?
“Against” is the preposition “kata,” here meaning “in reference to,” or “for the purpose of.” Moses and the Law cannot “touch” the quality and abundance and magnanimity of the Holy Spirit’s “Fruit” in human lives, in saved people.
There “is” no law, a verb in the indicative mood and in the present tense! No law will exist against it … perpetually! However long you live, you can proclaim that right “now” there is no law against the Work of the Holy Spirit!” (No legitimate law, anyway.)
But there may be more here.
“Against such there is no law.” Galatians 5:23b
The Law will never “hound/oppose” any genuine manifestation the Fruit of the Spirit … because in reality the “Fruit of the Spirit” completes, fulfills, satisfies, demonstrates the goal(s) of the Law! Following God’s Plan precisely in life on earth!
The Law cannot bring us complete spiritual victory!
The Holy Spirit can.
The Law cannot reproduce godliness in us!
Not to the extent the Holy Spirit can … and does.
Then one more thought.
The Law is given to “restrain.” That is why there are so many negatives housed therein. Remember this, just a sample: “Thou shalt NOT kill. Thou shalt NOT commit adultery. Thou shalt NOT steal. Thou shalt NOT bear false witness against thy neighbour. Thou shalt NOT covet.” Exodus 20:13-17 … things NOT allowed, prohibitions!
But the “Fruit of the Spirit?” No restraint here! To any overflowing capacity, you may build these traits into your lives! More and more and more … to your heart’s desire … have all you want! Love and joy and peace, and longsuffering and gentleness and goodness and faith and meekness and temperance!!!
Wow!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Romans 8:4 is Paul’s divinely inspired (and succinct) encapsulation of today’s Text: “That the righteousness of the LAW might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the (Holy) SPIRIT.
Amen!