Galatians 6:10
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse doesn't just tell us to be generous, but to "work out the good." This emphasizes that doing good isn't passive; it's an active, moral engagement that we're meant to cultivate and practice diligently, especially within the family of faith.
So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter, transitioning from discussing the fruit of the Spirit and the importance of personal responsibility to a practical call to action. Following his reminder that everyone will reap what they sow and the danger of growing weary in doing good, he urges believers to seize every opportunity. This verse serves as the concluding encouragement to actively practice the love and generosity that flows from a Spirit-filled life.
Life throws us curveballs, but it also presents us with moments to shine. Paul tells us to seize these chances, not just when they're easy, but whenever they appear.
Paul uses the word 'opportunity' (kairos) to highlight that our time for doing good isn't limitless. It's a specific season, a window of time we have to act.
We're called to be generous to everyone, but there's a special place in our hearts and actions for those who share our spiritual family.
Paul distinguishes between doing good to 'all men' and 'especially' to those 'of the household of faith.' This doesn't mean ignoring the needs of outsiders, but it highlights a unique responsibility within the Christian community.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
oikeios tēs pisteōs · Greek Noun/Adjective
The community of believers who are united through faith in Christ, viewed as a family where God is the Father and members have reciprocal responsibilities to one another.
This verse comes from a letter written by Paul to the churches in Galatia, a region experiencing significant tension over whether Gentile believers needed to follow Jewish law. The instruction to 'do good to all, especially to those of the household of faith' arises directly from Paul's passionate defense of salvation by faith alone, emphasizing that genuine faith naturally leads to loving action, both broadly and within the Christian community.
c. AD 48-55— this verse
Paul's Letter to the Galatians
Paul writes to the churches in Galatia, likely during his third missionary journey, to address serious theological errors concerning the necessity of circumcision and adherence to the Mosaic Law for Gentile believers. This letter strongly defends the doctrine of justification by faith alone.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
During this period, Paul ministered in Corinth. This letter to the Galatians likely reflects the challenges and theological debates he was experiencing and addressing throughout his ministry at this time, particularly regarding the inclusion of Gentiles in the church.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent an extended period in Ephesus. The issues addressed in Galatians, concerning the nature of Christian freedom and the dangers of legalism, remained central concerns throughout his missionary endeavors.
c. AD 60-62
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
While imprisoned in Rome, Paul wrote letters such as Philippians and Colossians. Even during this time, the themes of living out the faith authentically, as urged in Galatians, and the importance of community and mutual support remained vital.
This parable powerfully illustrates the 'do good to everyone' principle by showing that compassion should transcend social, religious, and ethnic boundaries, just as Galatians 6:10 encourages doing good to all.
Ephesians 2:19This passage directly speaks to the 'household of faith' by describing believers as members of God's household, highlighting the special connection and belonging found within the Christian community.
1 Timothy 5:8This verse underscores a responsibility to care for one's own family, which provides a parallel to Paul's emphasis on prioritizing the needs of the 'household of faith' within the broader call to do good.
Hebrews 13:16This verse echoes the call to 'do good' and 'to share what you have,' reinforcing the practical, sacrificial nature of generosity that flows from a life lived for God.
Acts 4:32-35The early church's radical sharing of possessions demonstrates a profound commitment to the 'household of faith,' showing a community willing to meet each other's needs generously out of their common bond in Christ.
cambridgeGalatians 6:10: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
10 . A noble practical conclusion from what precedes. The time of reaping is ‘God’s own’—the season of sowing, ours. But that season is presented to us as ‘opportunity.’ If we ask how we are to recognise and so improve it, the answer is given by St Paul ( 2 Timothy 4:2 ) ‘In season, out of season’—not waiting for occasions, but making them. As we have ] This m…
vincentGalatians 6:10: "As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
As we have opportunity (ὡς καιρὸν ἔχωμεν)As there is a proper season for reaping, there is likewise a proper season for sowing. As this season comes to us, let us sow to the Spirit by doing good. Comp. Ephesians 5:16; Colossians 4:5.Let us do good (ἐργαζώμεθα τὸ ἀγαθὸν)Let us work the good. For the distinctive force of ἐργάζεσθαι see on 3 John 1:5;…
The verse doesn't just tell us to be generous, but to "work out the good." This emphasizes that doing good isn't passive; it's an active, moral engagement that we're meant to cultivate and practice diligently, especially within the family of faith.
Paul is wrapping up his letter, transitioning from discussing the fruit of the Spirit and the importance of personal responsibility to a practical call to action. Following his reminder that everyone will reap what they sow and the danger of growing weary in doing good, he urges believers to seize every opportunity. This verse serves as the concluding encouragement to actively practice the love and generosity that flows from a Spirit-filled life.
Paul is wrapping up his letter, transitioning from discussing the fruit of the Spirit and the importance of personal responsibility to a practical call to action. Following his reminder that everyone will reap what they sow and the danger of growing weary in doing good, he urges believers to seize every opportunity. This verse serves as the concluding encouragement to actively practice the love and generosity that flows from a Spirit-filled life.
"So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." — The verse doesn't just tell us to be generous, but to "work out the good." This emphasizes that doing good isn't passive; it's an active, moral engagement that we're meant to cultivate and practice d…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
