Galatians 6:11-18
Q.1. What was Paul’s criticism of the Judaizers? How did Paul view the cross? Is circumcision still appropriate? – (Gal.6:11-16)
Paul’s reference to the large letters in his own handwriting has led some to believe that his ‘thorn in the flesh’ was an eye ailment (Gal.6:11 c.f. 2 Cor.12:7). He claimed that many of the Judaizers were advocating circumcision, so that they and their families could avoid persecution from the Jewish authorities. This was in spite of the fact that the Cross of Christ had made such practices obsolete (Gal.6:12 c.f. Heb.8:13). Paul added that the Judaizers were trying to improve their standing, by pressing the Gentiles to be circumcised (Gal.6:13). Paul had only one plea – … the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world (Gal.6:14). He gave no credence to the empty applause of people. He was clear that – neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation (Gal.6:15). What matters, is whether or not we are being transformed by the Gospel, from the inside out.
Q.2. Why did Paul refer to the Israel of God? What were Paul’s brand-marks? Do these marks keep us from trouble? How did Paul end his letter? (Gal.6:16-18)
Paul encouraged both the Gentile and Jewish believers in the Galatian churches to strive for oneness – And those who will walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God (Gal.6:16 c.f. Eph.4:1-3). In contrast, for those who gloried in their sign of circumcision, Paul drew attention to the disfigurement he had suffered for the cause of Christ – From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus (Gal.6:17). He accepted these ‘brand-marks’ as part and parcel of following His Saviour. We also should be prepared to suffer for Christ if it is His will for us (c.f. 2 Cor.11:23-27). Paul closed his letter by invoking the grace of Christ on those receiving his message – The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren (Gal.6:18).