Galatians 6:1-18 - G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

Having dealt with the conduct of liberty thus broadly, the apostle now made some detailed application of the principles enunciated, giving an important illustration pertinent to the whole question of the relation between himself and the Galatian Christians. They were to communicate to the necessity of the teachers in all things, remembering that God is not mocked. He is a God of law and order, and as the sowing is, so must be the reaping.

The conclusion of the epistle opened with a personal touch as the apostle referred to the large characters in which he had written. Finally, he summarized the whole subject of the false teachers. The principle on which they had attempted to compel the Galatians to be circumcised was the desire to make a fair show in the flesh in order that they might escape persecution. As against this, the apostle declared that he desired only to glory in the Cross. This glorying is experimental. Through that Cross the world had been crucified to him, and he to the world; and in that very personal crucifixion which had endured persecution and suffering he gloried, and in naught beside.

He then pronounced peace and mercy on those who walk by that rule, glorying only in the Cross, and "upon the Israel of God." What a touch of splendid independence there is in the words, "Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus." The very shame and suffering and persecution which the false teachers would escape the apostle declares have stamped him with the true insignia of his office. The scars on his body left by the stripes and the stones speak of his loyalty to, and fellowship with, his Master, and render him splendidly independent of all human opinion and declining to be troubled by any man. The whole letter closes with a benediction.

Galatians 6:1-18

1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.

5 For every man shall bear his own burden.

6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whoma the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. [To the Galatians written from Rome.]