It Starts Small

¹¹ See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

¹² Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. ¹³ Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh. ¹⁴ May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. ¹⁵ Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. ¹⁶ Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to 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 and sisters. Amen.

 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!

Many Bible scholars fervently contend that Paul’s “thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:6-7) could very well have been poor eyesight. Verses like this passionately support this notion. Imagine Paul, struggling with his vision, resorting to writing in enormous letters just to see his own words! This mighty apostle often relied on secretaries, pouring out his heart through dictated letters. Yet, this message was so profoundly important that he chose to scribe it himself! With deliberate conviction, Paul even highlights his unique writing style to assure the Galatians of his personal touch. Throughout this heartfelt epistle, he wields powerful arguments, ardently imploring the Galatians not to yield to the Judaizers. In this very act, we witness yet another layer of his commitment. Paul views this matter as critically urgent. He takes up the pen himself. He wants to ensure they recognize his love and personal investment in their spiritual journey. He appeals to his authority as an apostle. His relationship with them runs deep. Paul strives earnestly to steer them away from misleading teachings. He wants to guide them back to the truth.

Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised.

The false teachers were fueled by a dangerous religious pride. Much like the Pharisees in Jesus’ time, these individuals cloaked themselves in self-righteousness. Obsessed with outward appearances, they were willing to do anything to project a favorable image. By clinging to a works-based mindset, the false teachers convinced themselves of their own imagined spiritual superiority. We must guard against the insidious trap of religious pride. We are not inherently better than others simply because we engage in certain spiritual practices like attending church or tithing. Such actions do not grant us worthiness in God’s eyes; only Jesus, the Lamb of God, is truly worthy. Reflect on your life—what potential areas might allow religious pride to creep in?

The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.

Paul passionately underscores yet another motive behind the Judaizers’ obsession with adhering to the law. They sought to shield themselves from the harsh realities of persecution. They believed that Jews would never turn against their own. Jews were the circumcised who faithfully practiced the Old Testament law. After all, why would they ever lay accusations against one of their own kin?

However, they would relentlessly persecute Christians, driven by an overwhelming fear of painting a target on their own backs. In their desperation, they chose the path of least resistance. They clung to the familiar and the comfortable. They desperately upheld Jewish practices and traditions. Their hearts ached for something more profound and transformative.

¹² In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

2 Timothy 3:12

Every believer who earnestly follows Jesus will undoubtedly face persecution, each in their own measure. Let us not allow the fear of persecution to influence our motivations! Stand resolutely for the truth! There will be countless moments when choosing the path of righteousness puts a target on your back. Do not shrink back! Do not waver or compromise! Be bold in your convictions. Be wise in your actions. Be unwaveringly faithful!

Not even those who are circumcised keep the law,

No one can keep the law! This undeniable truth resonates throughout the Old Testament, echoing through its pages with clarity. Jesus is the sole individual in history who perfectly fulfills the law’s demands. Every other person, without exception, falls short of this divine standard (Romans 3:23). This is exactly why trusting in ourselves is completely pointless. We urgently need a Savior who can lift us from our failures. We need someone who can grant us true hope!

 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Paul resolutely chose to take pride solely in the cross, and we must embrace this conviction too! Let us consistently turn the spotlight away from ourselves and redirect it to God, who alone deserves all the glory. Reflect for a moment: what are some sly, subtle ways you might seek validation or recognition from others? More importantly, how can you powerfully weave giving glory to God into your everyday life?

Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation. 

Paul fervently emphasizes throughout this powerful book that circumcision holds no power to save anyone. It cannot, in any way, earn you God’s favor! Some may smugly proclaim, “Ha! I’ve never been circumcised, and I never will be!” basking in the misguided pride of being free from the law. But let’s be clear—pride can take root in the most unexpected places! Paul passionately clarifies that uncircumcision means nothing in the grand scheme of things. Many uncircumcised souls face eternal separation from God. A person is not worthy of God’s magnificent grace just because they refuse circumcision. What truly counts is a matter of the heart!

We can passionately summarize Paul’s powerful message in the book of Galatians like this: no action of yours can ever earn you the right standing with God!

Rules will not rescue you! Religion will not redeem you! Traditions hold no power to save you! The only path to salvation is through the miraculous act of God. He regenerates your spirit and transforms you into a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). This can only be realized when you place your faith in Christ and genuinely repent of your sins!

I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

Paul endured relentless persecution for his unwavering commitment to Jesus. He was also dedicated to spreading the gospel. He had faced brutal beatings, merciless whippings, and the cruelty of stoning. Throughout his epistle, we’ve seen Paul use every conceivable argument. He urges the Galatians to return to the authentic gospel they once knew. Now, at the climactic conclusion of the book, he flings one final, impassioned plea at them: “I have suffered immensely! Please, do not add to my suffering any further!”

No amount of good works can save you. If you take away just one profound truth from this book, let it be this. It is faith in Jesus Christ alone that brings salvation! Therefore, the message from Galatians implores you to honestly recognize in your heart your inability to earn His favor. Acknowledge this truth before the Lord. Throw yourself upon God’s boundless mercy, relying on the Lord, who is powerful enough to save! The insights gained from this book should envelop each of us in a spirit of humility. They should also ignite a deep appreciation for the incredible grace of God!

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Cross-References

• Matthew 5:10
• Deuteronomy 30:6
• Jeremiah 4:4
• Romans 2:29

Discussion Questions

• Why might Paul have made the comment about his handwriting style here in verse 12?
• What shift does this show us in his letter? (He is reaching the conclusion/ending.)
• What is the motivation of those trying to make the Galatians get circumcised (12-13)?
• In what way does the cross of Christ represent the fact that the world had been crucified to Paul? What about that Paul had been crucified to the world?
• Would Paul win if he convinced everyone not to be circumcised? Why or why not?
• What brand-marks did Paul bear?

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