1 Brethren, 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.
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For 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.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all [men], especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
12 As 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.
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 But 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.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace [be] on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [be] with your spirit. Amen.
Overview of Galatians Chapter 6
Galatians Chapter 6 serves as the concluding chapter of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, where he emphasizes the importance of living by the Spirit, mutual support among believers, and the consequences of one’s actions. Paul encourages the Galatians to uphold one another in love and to remain steadfast in their faith, while also warning against the dangers of legalism and self-righteousness.
The Call to Restore
In the opening verses, Paul addresses the need for restoration among believers:
- Verse 1: Paul urges those who are spiritual to restore someone caught in sin gently, highlighting the importance of humility and self-awareness.
- Verse 2: He encourages believers to bear one another’s burdens, fulfilling the law of Christ, which emphasizes love and support within the community.
The Danger of Pride
Paul warns against pride and self-deception:
- Verse 3: He cautions that if anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
- Verse 4: Each person is encouraged to examine their own actions rather than compare themselves to others.
- Verse 5: Paul states that each will carry their own load, emphasizing personal responsibility.
Support and Teaching within the Community
Paul emphasizes the importance of mutual support and the role of teachers:
- Verse 6: He instructs that those who are taught the word should share all good things with their teacher, establishing a reciprocal relationship.
- Verses 7-8: Paul warns that one reaps what one sows, illustrating the principle of consequences related to one’s actions—sowing to the flesh leads to destruction, while sowing to the Spirit leads to eternal life.
Perseverance in Doing Good
Paul encourages perseverance in good deeds:
- Verse 9: He encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good, promising that they will reap a harvest if they do not give up.
- Verse 10: Paul emphasizes the importance of doing good to all, especially to those who belong to the family of believers, reinforcing the idea of community support.
Final Warnings and Personal Remarks
In the latter part of the chapter, Paul addresses the issue of legalism and his own personal experiences:
- Verses 11-13: Paul points out the motives of those who advocate for circumcision, suggesting they do so to avoid persecution and to boast in the flesh.
- Verse 14: He declares that he will boast only in the cross of Christ, which signifies the transformative power of grace over the law.
- Verse 15: Paul emphasizes that physical circumcision or uncircumcision means nothing; what matters is becoming a new creation in Christ.
Conclusion and Benediction
Paul concludes the chapter with a blessing:
- Verse 16: He pronounces peace and mercy upon those who follow this rule, highlighting the significance of living according to the Spirit.
- Verses 17-18: Paul expresses his personal marks of suffering for Christ and concludes with a reminder of grace, reinforcing the central theme of the letter.
