Galatians 5:20

Idolatry. Anything that takes the place of God in our affections becomes an idol. Heathen worship commonly included immoral practices and encouraged its devotees to engage in them (see Vol. II, pp. 39, 40; see on Deut. 23:17).

Witchcraft. Gr. pharmakeia, literally, “poison,” “magic potion,” “the administering of drugs,” and thus “sorcery” (see on Ex. 7:11), the supposed ability to produce magic spells. Paul encountered the practice of sorcery at Ephesus (see on Acts 19:19). Ancient sorcery and modern Spiritualism have much in common. John includes sorcery among the sins of those who are finally shut out from God’s presence (Rev. 21:8; cf. chs. 9:21; 18:23).

Variance. Or, “hostility,” “enmity.”

Emulations. Or, “envy,” “jealousy.”

Seditions. Rather, “dissension,” “division.”

Heresies. Gr. haireseis (see on 1 Cor. 11:19), here meaning “factions.” Compare the situation in the church at Corinth (see 1 Cor. 1:12, 13). The true Christian spirit is one of unity (see on John 17:21).