New Testament
Galatians 6
Overview
Paul applies life in the Spirit to community life. Those who are spiritual should restore a person caught in sin "in a spirit of gentleness," watching themselves lest they too be tempted, and "bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (6:1-2)—balanced at once by "each will have to bear his own load" (6:5), distinguishing crushing burdens from personal responsibility. He commands generosity toward gospel teachers (6:6) and states the principle of the harvest: "whatever one sows, that will he also reap"—sow to the flesh, reap corruption; sow to the Spirit, reap eternal life (6:7-8)—urging them not to "grow weary of doing good" (6:9-10). Then Paul takes the pen in his own hand for a large-lettered closing (6:11), exposing the agitators' real motive: they push circumcision "to make a good showing in the flesh" and "avoid persecution for the cross" (6:12-13). Against this he sets his only boast: "the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world" (6:14). The final word: "neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation" (6:15), with a blessing of peace on "the Israel of God" and a plea grounded in the marks of Jesus he bears on his body (6:16-18).
1Brethren, 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.
2Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5For every man shall bear his own burden.
6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8For 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.
9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men , especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
11Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
12As 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.
13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.