Scripture Daily

Context No. 2956 of 4322 · Galatians

Context · Reflection

Galatians 6:11-18: in context

11See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand. 12As many as desire to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised, just so they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13For even they who receive circumcision don’t keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, so that they may boast in your flesh. 14But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God’s Israel. 17From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus branded on my body. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Paul takes up the pen himself for the closing, writing in large letters. Those pressing you to be circumcised, he says, only want to make a good showing in the flesh and avoid persecution for the cross. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. What counts is not circumcision but a new creation.

Paul sets two things to boast in against each other: outward religious achievement, keeping up appearances that impress and cost nothing, versus the cross of Christ, which has cost him and cut him off from the world's approval. He will glory only in the cross, because through it everything else, the world's esteem, his own record, his need to look good, has been crucified. What finally matters is not a religious performance but a new creation. And he bears, he says, the marks of Jesus on his own body.

What do I actually boast in, my religious performance and reputation, or the cross of Christ that crucifies my need for the world's approval?

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