Repeated word:
(1) boast v.13,14
a. the false teachers
v.13 For those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast about your flesh.
Paul pointed out to the Galatians that the false teachers forced them to be circumcised for 2 reasons: 1. to avoid being persecuted v.12, probably by their own Judiaizer believers who pushed their own theology; 2. to boast that they could make the Gentle to become Jews. Why did Paul think this is a kind of boasting? Because they did not do it for the sake of obeying the Law. They did not obey the law themselves. Their motive was only to please other Judiaizer believers. To have a face in front of them.
6:12 Those who want to make a good showing in external matters are trying to force you to be circumcised.
b. Paul boasted only in the Cross
Compared with the false teachers who avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ v.12, Paul boasted only in the cross of "our Lord Jesus Christ." The One who died on the cross was personal to Paul. How?
v.14b through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world
(BDAG)[crucified] destroy through connection with the crucifixion of Christ...the believer who is inseparably united to the Lord has died on the cross to the kind of life that belongs to this world
In this context, Paul's desire to boast or to look good in front of others has been destroyed or disconnected when he accepted the salvation of Jesus. This kind of desire/life only belongs to this world, not his cup of tea anymore.
6:15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation!
I understand circumcision does not count, but why does uncircumcision not count? In this context, the circumcision are the Jews and the uncircumcision are the Gentile. It is because those who see the new creation matters and behave in accordance will have peace and mercy and they are the Israelites of God.
6:16 And all who will behave in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God.
“all who behave in accordance with this rule” are “the Israel of God.” In other words, in this latter view, “even” = “that is.”
Reflection: Do we enjoy boasting in the worldly things? Or do we like to look good in front of others? How successful is our ministry/church? Or how successful are your children?
Our tie to this desire has been destroyed. This is fact. See ourselves with this fact and trust God will help us.
What counts to you? Is it the new creation/the new life we have now in Christ? If yes, then behave or walk in this rule or in accordance to this. Let this be a mark to you (instead of the mark of circumcision).
6:17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.
As a devoted Jew, Paul surely had been circumcised, but he wanted to be known by the "marks of Jesus on my body." We may have things that we could boast to the world, but let us now be known by our walk in the Lord.
Audrey
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