Galatians 6:16 - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible

Bible Comments

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

As many - contrasting with the "as many," Galatians 6:12. rule [canon] - a straight rule, to detect crookedness; the rule of faith.

Peace - from God (Ephesians 2:14-17; Ephesians 6:23), the effect.

Mercy (Romans 15:9) - the cause.

Israel of God - not the Israel after the flesh (1 Corinthians 10:18), among whom those teachers wish to enroll you, but the spiritual seed of Abraham by faith (Romans 2:28-29; Galatians 3:9; Galatians 3:29; Philippians 3:3). The "and" may imply that as the former clause, "as many," etc., refers to Gentile believers, so "the Israel of God" to Jewish believers. But "and" may be explanatory: even.

Galatians 6:16

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