Various social sins that disrupt community life are grouped together. They are emphasized in the vice list, likely because these sins plagued the Galatian church.1 Strife
focuses on the contention that divides people from one another (Romans 1:29; Romans 13:13; 2 Corinthians 12:20; 1 Timothy 6:4). Jealousy
can be positive when it is a zeal for God and what is good (Romans 10:2; 2 Corinthians 7:7, 2 Corinthians 7:11; 2 Corinthians 9:2; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Philippians 3:6), but also negative when it is about self-glorification (Romans 13:13; 1 Corinthians 3:3; 2 Corinthians 12:20), when you resent the good that someone else enjoys.2 Fits of anger
refers to savage flashes of anger that are poured out on others, an uncontrolled temper. Rivalries
brings discord since it focuses on honour for self and ignores others (Romans 2:8; 2 Corinthians 12:20; Philippians 1:17; Philippians 2:3; James 3:14, James 3:16). Dissensions
calls attention to division and fragmentation in a community as a result of sin. Factions
denotes a sect, exclusive cliques that create division where there should be none (1 Corinthians 11:19). Envy
is a desire to possess what others have, to be unsatisfied with the gifts that God has given to you,3 to rejoice at the misfortunes of others (Romans 1:29; 1 Timothy 6:4; Titus 3:3).4
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions,