Word order (in a sentence) is important … at least in the Greek language.

And today’s Text, Galatians 6:1, is proof of that assertion.

Here it is in our King James Version: “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.”

And just as in English, the Greek Text (“Textus Receptus” or the “Received Text”) has “Brethren” first as well, the initial word in the Verse.

Now this is significant for at lest two reasons.

One is practical, the other more spiritual.

Paul is clearly acknowledging that the Galatians (those who were part of the Church the Apostle founded there several months prior to his writing this Epistle) were genuinely born-again Christians!

They were not heathen!

They were no longer merely Gentiles!

Or hypocrites!

Or “false brethren,” a term used at least twice in Paul’s extant vocabulary!

These were saved men (and women) for whom Paul has carried this heavy (Law versus Grace) burden.

“BRETHREN!” 

The Greek noun is “adelphos,” meaning “two or more born from the same womb!”

The word is plural here, too. Paul is addressing the Church body, as a whole. As opposed to just the Pastor or a head Deacon or some charter member.

The other reason … no doubt … is to teach these Believers that followers of Jesus have an obligation one to another … to encourage and uplift our fellow soldiers along the way, in the battle!

Wow!

The verse also incidentally teaches that there are levels of spiritual grown evident in any Church Fellowship! “Ye which are spiritual” help the “weaker members!” 

There are over a dozen “one to another” verses in the New Testament … each reminding us that we do not live “unto ourselves” as Christians.

As in Ephesians 4:32, just one example … “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”

Wow!

And that impressive list includes our Text today … “restore one another!”

Here it is more fully expressed: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, RESTORE such an one in the spirit of meekness ….”

More on this Truth tomorrow. In fact, we have just begun with Galatians 6:1, the Lord willing.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell