Although most of the letter to the Galatians was physically written down by a scribe according to St. Paul’s dictation, the Apostle now picks up the pen himself to write the conclusion of the letter. His large letters authenticate the letter as coming from him, as he emphasizes once more to the Galatians the necessity of holding onto the true Gospel. Those who insist upon circumcision only want to boast in themselves; St. Paul would have the Galatians boast only in Christ crucified. In the final estimation, whether or not a person is circumcised is beside the point. Whether or not a person is a new creation in Christ crucified is what really matters.
Rev. Kyle Mietzner, battalion chaplain with the 10th Mountain Division of the United States Army at Fort Drum, NY, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Galatians 6:11-18.
“No Other Gospel” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the epistle of Galatians. St. Paul writes an urgent letter to the Galatians lest they forsake the one true Gospel. The apostle calls the Galatians away from the teaching of the Judaizers, because salvation does not come when we add any sort of works to what Jesus has done for us. We are only saved by God’s grace in Christ Jesus.
Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God’s Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen.
Sharper Iron is underwritten by Lutheran Church Extension Fund, where your investments help support the work of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Visit lcef.org.
Galatians 6:11-18
Final Warning and Benediction
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, 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, by which[a] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
Footnotes
- Galatians 6:14 Or through whom
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. esv.org
