For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
For - confirming the truth that it is 'from faith' (Galatians 5:5) that the 'waiting hope' springs.
In Jesus Christ - Greek, 'in Christ Jesus.' In union with Christ (the ANOINTED) - that is, Jesus of Nazareth: the mean of which union is faith.
Nor uncircumcision - leveled against those who, being not legalists or Judaizers, think themselves Christians on this ground alone.
Faith which worketh, [ energoumenee (G1754 ); energetically working; exhibiting its energy] by, [ dia (G1223 ): through] love. This corresponds to "a new creature" (Galatians 6:15). Thus in Galatians 5:5-6 are the three, "faith," "hope," and "love" (1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). Love is not joined with faith in justifying, but is the principle of the works which follow after justification by faith. Let not legalists think that the essence of the law is set at nought in justification by faith only. Nay, "all the law is fulfilled in ... love," the principle on which "faith worketh" (Galatians 5:14). [Energeitai in the New Testament is always used actively: it puts forth energy from itself: the force of the middle voice, generally applied to things: energei active voice, persons.] The Romanist translation is thus untenable, 'which is made perfect by love.' Let them then seek "faith" to fulfill the law. Again, let not those who pride themselves on uncircumcision think that, because the law does not justify, they are free to walk after "the flesh" (Galatians 5:13). Let them seek "love," inseparable from true faith (James 2:8; James 2:12-22). Love is opposed to the enmities which prevailed (Galatians 5:15; Galatians 5:20). The Spirit (Galatians 5:5) is a Spirit of "faith" and "love" (cf. Romans 14:17; 1 Corinthians 7:19).