The relation of this verse to what precedes cannot easily be seen. Some have assumed a connection because of the Greek connective (“and” or “but”) which begins the sentence. This particular connective, however, is sometimes used to start a new section, and its presence here is not necessarily significant. Furthermore, the subject matter of the verse is entirely new and does not seem to be connected either with what immediately precedes or with the theme of the entire epistle. In view of this, some take this verse as the beginning of a new section (verses 6-10), consisting of unrelated general exhortations.

At any rate, this verse speaks of the relationship between “the one who is being taught the word” and “the one who is teaching.” The “word” in this context clearly refers to the whole Christian message, and the man being taught is one who is “under Christian instruction” (Phillips, compare New English Bible “under instruction in the faith”), that is, a catechumen.

Paul describes the relationship between catechumen and teacher as a partnership (the word he uses means “share” or “be a partner in”). But what does it mean to be partners “in all good things”? Does “good things” refer to spiritual matters? In other words, is Paul saying that the disciple must be receptive to everything that the teacher is imparting? Or does “good things” refer to material goods? That is, is Paul admonishing the disciple to make a financial contribution toward the support of the teacher? The latter interpretation seems to be more probable, and so it is made clear in some translations (Jerusalem Bible “People under instruction should always contribute something to the support of the man who is instructing them”; compare Phillips).

Some suggest that Paul is being intentionally ambiguous here, for he wants both material and spiritual aspects included in the partnership between disciple and teacher. Retention of the Greek form (as in Good News Translation, New English Bible, Revised Standard Version, New American Bible, Moffatt et cetera) would, of course, preserve this ambiguity.

Quoted with permission from Arichea, Daniel C. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Galatians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1976. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .