Galatians 6

KJV · Chapter 6/6

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. Unto the Galatians written from Rome.

📖 Chapter study

Summary

Paul closes the letter with practical instructions about restoring with gentleness those who fall into sin, bearing one another's burdens, and the principle that each person reaps what they sow. He reaffirms that what truly matters is not circumcision, but being a new creation in Christ.

Explanation

The closing instructions balance personal responsibility with community: each person must examine their own work, but also help 'bear the burdens' of others, thereby fulfilling the law of Christ, which is love. The principle of 'sowing and reaping' (v. 7-8) teaches an enduring spiritual law: investing in the flesh (selfish desires) leads to corruption, while investing in the Spirit produces eternal life, encouraging perseverance in doing good without growing weary. Paul closes by reaffirming the central theme of the entire letter: neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value — what matters is being a 'new creature' in Christ. His personal mention of writing 'with what large letters' by his own hand (v. 11) suggests a vision problem that forced him to use large letters, adding a human, vulnerable touch to the letter's solemn closing.

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