Note 1 at Gal. 6:1: The word "overtaken" carries the idea of something that comes upon a person by surprise (see ref. a at this verse). Also, the word "fault" comes from the Greek word PARAPTOMA meaning, "a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (willful) transgression" (Strong). Therefore, Paul is giving these instructions about how to help someone who is sincere, but in error.

Note 2 at Gal. 6:1: The spiritual ones, who Paul instructs to restore those who are overtaken in a fault, are those who are dependent upon and led by the Holy Spirit (see ref. b at this verse).

Note 3 at Gal. 6:1: The Greek word that was translated "restore" literally meant to set a bone that had been broken. It takes time for broken bones to mend, and usually activities have to be restricted during the healing process. Likewise, spiritual restoration takes time and usually necessitates a change of routine. If the individual goes back to the same circumstances, chances are he will make the same wrong choices he did before.

Also, just as setting a broken bone in the natural is painful but necessary, the restoration process is always painful. Those who fail to deal with the issues completely because it is painful are similar to those who don't set a broken bone. The bone will never be straight again. But enduring a moment of pain as the bone is set will let the bone mend properly and become as strong as it was before.

Just as a cast protects the broken bone from further injury, a person who has fallen should be surrounded by brothers and sisters who are committed to keeping the fallen individual from making the injury worse. Submission to spiritual authority is just as important to a person who has fallen as a cast is to a person with a broken bone.

Until the healing is complete, the cast and the curtailed lifestyle have to be maintained even though it may be inconvenient and uncomfortable. Trying to return to "normal" prematurely can prevent the bone from ever being completely healed.