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.
Brethren - to conciliate kindly attention. Greek, 'If a man even be surprised' (i:e., caught in the very act before he could escape) х kai (G2532) proleemphthee (G4301): the kai implies that the pro (G4253) is an aggravation, not a palliation, of the offence] (Ellicott). Bengel, 'If a man (therefore one claiming the forbearing sympathy of his FELLOW-MEN) even be taken first in a fault before yourselves.' If another has really been the first to offend: for often he who is first to find fault is the one who has first transgressed. Be taken, the passive, reminds us of the enemy's power and our common infirmity.
A fault, х paraptoomati (G3900)] - 'a fall;' such as failing back into legal bondage х hamartia (G266) is 'sin' in general]. Here he warns those who have not so fallen-`the spiritual'-to be not 'vainglorious' (Galatians 5:26), but forbearing to such (Romans 15:1). The teachers are mainly addressed, Galatians 6:1-5; the hearers, Galatians 6:6-10 (Ellicott).
Restore, х katartizete (G2675)] is used of a dislocated limb, reduced to its place. Such is the tenderness with which we should treat a fallen member in restoring him to a better state.
The spirit of meekness - a spirit characterized prominently by meekness, the work of the Holy Spirit in our spirit (Galatians 5:23; Galatians 5:25). "Meekness " is that spirit toward God whereby we accept His dealings without disputing; then, toward men, whereby we endure meekly provocations, and do not withdraw from the burdens which their sins impose upon us (Trench).
Considering thyself - transition from the plural to the singular. When congregations are addressed, each should take home the monition to himself.
Thou also be tempted - as is likely to happen those who reprove others without meekness (cf. Matthew 7:2-5; 2 Timothy 2:25; James 2:13). The sense of our own weakness should make us indulgent to others.