Setting – Paul is concluding his letter by recapping that circumcision adds nothing to ones salvation
Content – Paul normally has a scribe write for him, but in this case he himself writes the letter, to press upon the Galatians the importance of the subject (v. 11) “See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.” The Judaizers are imposing the law requirements for the good of themselves, but not the Galatians. The Judaizers also won’t be persecuted for this requirement because it comes along side the old Jewish ways (v. 12) “Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” In fact, they can’t even keep the law themselves (v. 13a) “those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves”
Paul doesn’t boast in others, as the Judaizers are, rather (v. 14a) “may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ”. A good concluding or summarizing statement, (v. 15) “For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” For those who follow this rule (v. 16b) “peace and mercy {be} upon them, and upon the Israel of God.”
Paul shares with us a little about his brand marks of persecutions (v. 17) “From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus”, persecution from following Christ. Paul conclusion sounds more like his opening statement in his other letters, (v. 18) “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.”
Application – Here the Judaizers were convincing the Galatians to become circumcised and it looks like the purpose was to benefit the Judaizers and not the Galatians. This can be similar to churches whose focus is numbers and programs rather than the growth of the believer. In the same way, we must check our motives when helping other believers. We sometimes feel that another individual doesn’t measure up to where they should be so gossip grows instead of a loving confrontation of the believer. Helping others grow in Christ is burdensome and help doesn’t come as a formula to follow.
Content – Paul normally has a scribe write for him, but in this case he himself writes the letter, to press upon the Galatians the importance of the subject (v. 11) “See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.” The Judaizers are imposing the law requirements for the good of themselves, but not the Galatians. The Judaizers also won’t be persecuted for this requirement because it comes along side the old Jewish ways (v. 12) “Those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.” In fact, they can’t even keep the law themselves (v. 13a) “those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves”
Paul doesn’t boast in others, as the Judaizers are, rather (v. 14a) “may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ”. A good concluding or summarizing statement, (v. 15) “For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.” For those who follow this rule (v. 16b) “peace and mercy {be} upon them, and upon the Israel of God.”
Paul shares with us a little about his brand marks of persecutions (v. 17) “From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus”, persecution from following Christ. Paul conclusion sounds more like his opening statement in his other letters, (v. 18) “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.”
Application – Here the Judaizers were convincing the Galatians to become circumcised and it looks like the purpose was to benefit the Judaizers and not the Galatians. This can be similar to churches whose focus is numbers and programs rather than the growth of the believer. In the same way, we must check our motives when helping other believers. We sometimes feel that another individual doesn’t measure up to where they should be so gossip grows instead of a loving confrontation of the believer. Helping others grow in Christ is burdensome and help doesn’t come as a formula to follow.
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