Galatians 6:11-18

Galatians 6:11-18.  Paul mentions large letters as proof that he is personally writing this letter (or at least this end part of it).  In Galatians 4:13-15 Paul mentions that he originally came to their region because he was ill and also mentions something about his eyes.  It appears that he had some illness that affected and was still affecting his vision.  That is why the letters are big in at least this part of the letter.  Paul may have dictated part of the letter to a friend who wrote it down for him.  This was quite common in the ancient world and even today people will have secretaries type up letters for them.  Scholars call these secretaries “amanuensis”.  In Romans 16:22 Paul’s “secretary” for that letter even identifies himself.  Paul probably wrote this part of the letter personally to make a bigger impact on the Galatians, this is personal.  In this conclusion to the letter he points out the motive of the Judaizers.  They want to avoid trouble from those around them for being a part of this group of Jesus’ follower that is full of uncircumcised Gentiles.  The sad thing is that they don’t even keep the whole Law themselves.  They just want to force the Gentile Christians into keeping some of the Law so they can boast about it and stay out of trouble with their friends.  Paul says he wants his only boast to be in Jesus.  He says he is dead to the world, the opinions of those around him don’t matter to him.  What really matter is having a new relationship with God not following Jewish customs (or keeping them for that matter).  Paul then wishes for peace in the lives of those who live by the Spirit, whether Gentile believers or Jewish believers (the Israel of God).  To him they are brothers.  God thank you that being part of your forever family is not based on being part of some earthly family or following some rules.  Thank you for this undeserved gift (grace).  Help me walk by your Spirit and share your love with others.  Amen (let it be).

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