Galatians Chapter 6
1 Brothers, even if a man is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to yourself so that you also aren't tempted.
2 Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3 For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But let each man examine his own work, and then he will have reason to boast in himself, and not in someone else.
5 For each man will bear his own burden.
6 But let him who is taught in the word share all good things with him who teaches.
7 Don't be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.
9 Let's not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up.
10 So then, as we have opportunity, let's do what is good towards all men, and especially towards those who are of the household of the faith.
11 See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand.
12 As many as desire to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised; just so they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13 For even they who receive circumcision don't keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh.
14 But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
16 As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God's Israel.
17 From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus branded on my body.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
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Galatians Chapter 6 Guide
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.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Galatians Chapter 6 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- Exhortations to meekness, gentleness, and humility. -- (1-5)
- To kindness towards all men, especially believers. -- (6-11)
- The Galatians guarded against the judaizing teachers. -- (12-15)
- A solemn blessing. -- (16-18)
Verses 1-5
We are to bear one another's burdens. So we shall fulfil the law of Christ. This obliges to mutual forbearance and compassion towards each other, agreeably to his example. It becomes us to bear one another's burdens, as fellow-travellers. It is very common for a man to look upon himself as wiser and better than other men, and as fit to dictate to them. Such a one deceives himself; by pretending to what he has not, he puts a cheat upon himself, and sooner or later will find the sad effects. This will never gain esteem, either with God or men. Every one is advised to prove his own work. The better we know our own hearts and ways, the less shall we despise others, and the more be disposed to help them under infirmities and afflictions. How light soever men's sins seem to them when committed, yet they will be found a heavy burden, when they come to reckon with God about them. No man can pay a ransom for his brother; and sin is a burden to the soul. It is a spiritual burden; and the less a man feels it to be such, the more cause has he to suspect himself. Most men are dead in their sins, and therefore have no sight or sense of the spiritual burden of sin. Feeling the weight and burden of our sins, we must seek to be eased thereof by the Saviour, and be warned against every sin.
Verses 6-11
Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show, and profess it. They may impose upon others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to impose upon God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot be deceived, so he will not be mocked. Our present time is seed time; in the other world we shall reap as we sow now. As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter. Those who live a carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a course than misery and ruin. But those who, under the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in Christ, and abound in Christian graces, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. We are all very apt to tire in duty, particularly in doing good. This we should carefully watch and guard against. Only to perseverance in well-doing is the reward promised. Here is an exhortation to all to do good in their places. We should take care to do good in our life-time, and make this the business of our lives. Especially when fresh occasions offer, and as far as our power reaches.
Verses 12-15
Proud, vain, and carnal hearts, are content with just so much religion as will help to keep up a fair show. But the apostle professes his own faith, hope, and joy; and that his principal glory was in the cross of Christ. By which is here meant, his sufferings and death on the cross, the doctrine of salvation by a crucified Redeemer. By Christ, or by the cross of Christ, the world is crucified to the believer, and he to the world. The more we consider the sufferings of the Redeemer from the world, the less likely shall we be to love the world. The apostle was as little affected by its charms, as a beholder would be by any thing which had been graceful in the face of a crucified person, when he beholds it blackened in the agonies of death. He was no more affected by the objects around him, than one who is expiring would be struck with any of the prospects his dying eyes might view from the cross on which he hung. And as to those who have truly believed in Christ Jesus, all things are counted as utterly worthless compared with him. There is a new creation; old things are passed away, and new views and dispositions are brought in under the regenerating influences of God the Holy Spirit. Believers are brought into a new world, and being created in Christ Jesus unto good works, are formed to a life of holiness. It is a change of mind and heart, whereby we are enabled to believe in the Lord Jesus, and to live to God; and where this inward, practical religion is wanting, outward professions, or names, will never stand in any stead.
Verses 16-18
A new creation to the image of Christ, as showing faith in him, is the greatest distinction between one man and another, and a blessing is declared on all who walk according to this rule. The blessings are, peace and mercy. Peace with God and our conscience, and all the comforts of this life, as far as they are needful. And mercy, an interest in the free love and favour of God in Christ, the spring and fountain of all other blessings. The written word of God is the rule we are to go by, both in its doctrines and precepts. May his grace ever be with our spirit, to sanctify, quicken, and cheer us, and may we always be ready to maintain the honour of that which is indeed our life. The apostle had in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus, the scars of wounds from persecuting enemies, for his cleaving to Christ, and the doctrine of the gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians his brethren, therein he shows his humility and his tender affection for them; and he takes his leave with a very serious prayer, that they might enjoy the favour of Christ Jesus, both in its effects and in its evidences. We need desire no more to make us happy than the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. The apostle does not pray that the law of Moses, or the righteousness of works, but that the grace of Christ, might be with them; that it might be in their hearts and with their spirits, quickening, comforting, and strengthening them: to all which he sets his Amen; signifying his desire that so it might be, and his faith that so it would be.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.