Galatians 5:15

Bite and devour one another. A vivid metaphor that paints a picture of cannibalism. The Galatians were conducting themselves like wild, ravenous beasts. By word and deed they were preying upon one another. Activities such as gossip, slander, and sharp dealing are no doubt included.

Consumed one of another. Church history records the sad fate of one religious group after another in which Paul’s fateful warning was fulfilled. The unity of the faith, and the unity of believers within the unity of the faith, was the subject of our Lord’s prayer recorded in John 17. With such a condition prevailing as that here described by Paul, no Christian group can enjoy a healthy religious experience.