Galatians Chapter 6
In chapter six, Paul continues the same theme of loving each other:
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ (2).
This needs little explanation in light of chapter five. The person who follows and fulfills the law is the one who loves his brother. The Galatians, so focused on the external elements of the law such as physical circumcision, were neglecting their duty to love each other.
Finally, Paul returns again to the topic of circumcision. He begins with, “See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand” (11). Whether Paul dictated the letter up to this point or wrote the entire letter in his own hand is debated. In either case, the importance of this verse is that Paul is stressing that the readers ought to take note of what Paul is saying (either here in his closing or the letter as a whole), for he writes the words himself. As Fung states, “The fact that these verses are written in Paul’s own hand and are written in unusually large letters is an indication of their special importance” (301). By stating that he is writing the words, with large letters no less, Paul emphasizes his message, which is a restatement of what he has said all along:
Finally, Paul returns again to the topic of circumcision. He begins with, “See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand” (11). Whether Paul dictated the letter up to this point or wrote the entire letter in his own hand is debated. In either case, the importance of this verse is that Paul is stressing that the readers ought to take note of what Paul is saying (either here in his closing or the letter as a whole), for he writes the words himself. As Fung states, “The fact that these verses are written in Paul’s own hand and are written in unusually large letters is an indication of their special importance” (301). By stating that he is writing the words, with large letters no less, Paul emphasizes his message, which is a restatement of what he has said all along:
It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God (6:12–16).
Note, again, that the circumcision is forced (see chapter two), and Paul is right to take issue with this. Circumcision is not a requirement for or prerequisite to salvation and should not be forced upon anyone. Paul goes on to say that those who are forcing circumcision are doing it for “a good showing …. that they may not be persecuted” (12) and “that they may boast in your flesh” (13). The Judaizers were circumcising as an external sign to gain man's approval, but cared little about the internal condition of their hearts. This is reminiscent of Jesus' criticism of the Pharisees:
They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues (Matthew 23:5–6).
Paul can rightfully say that the Judaizers, though circumcised, do not themselves keep the law (13; cf. Romans 2:17-29). Why? Because they are not acting in love for each other, as we discussed in detail in the last chapter. Paul is again revealing their hypocrisy.
In verse 15 Paul repeats the same idea as he did in 5:6, yet this time he replaces “faith working in love” with “a new creation.” The idea, however, is similar. The external sign (physical circumcision, or lack thereof) is meaningless without the internal change: the new creation that we have become in Christ. “A new creation” represents the circumcision of our hearts by the Spirit, and that is what counts. Whether or not we are circumcised does not affect our acceptance into God's kingdom. On the other hand, our being made into a new creation by the work of Christ, through the power of the Spirit, is of utmost importance.
In verse 15 Paul repeats the same idea as he did in 5:6, yet this time he replaces “faith working in love” with “a new creation.” The idea, however, is similar. The external sign (physical circumcision, or lack thereof) is meaningless without the internal change: the new creation that we have become in Christ. “A new creation” represents the circumcision of our hearts by the Spirit, and that is what counts. Whether or not we are circumcised does not affect our acceptance into God's kingdom. On the other hand, our being made into a new creation by the work of Christ, through the power of the Spirit, is of utmost importance.