
Galatians 6
Galatians 6 serves as a concluding chapter to Paul’s letter to the Galatians, focusing on practical aspects of Christian living and community responsibilities. It emphasizes the importance of bearing one another's burdens, sowing to the Spirit rather than to the flesh, and doing good to all, especially to those in the Christian community. Paul wraps up with final exhortations and a summary of his main points, reinforcing his message with a personal touch by taking the pen in his own hand.
Galatians 6:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.
2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
3 For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
4 But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For each one shall bear his own load.
This passage emphasizes the importance of humility, accountability, and personal responsibility in the life of a believer. The passage calls for gentleness when restoring someone caught in sin, reminding us to approach with a spirit of meekness, mindful of our own vulnerabilities. Believers are encouraged to bear one another's burdens, reflecting Christ's love, yet not neglecting their personal accountability to live according to God's principles. Each person must examine their own heart and conduct, avoiding comparison with others, as every individual will ultimately answer to God for their own choices and actions. This fosters a balanced Christian walk—helping others in love while maintaining personal integrity.
Galatians 6:6 (NKJV)
6 Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.
This verse highlights the principle of sharing all good things with those who teach the Word, emphasizing the importance of supporting spiritual leaders who dedicate their lives to ministering. This sharing is not limited to material support but extends to encouragement, respect, and participation in the spiritual work. Just as a farmer shares the fruit of his labor with those who help tend the fields, believers are called to be generous toward those who nurture their spiritual growth. For example, supporting a Bible study leader or pastor through prayer, words of appreciation, or practical help reflects a heart of gratitude for their guidance in faith. This principle reinforces the idea that spiritual blessings should inspire tangible acts of kindness and support within the faith community.
Galatians 6:7-8 (NKJV)
7 Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life.
This passage presents a powerful reminder of God’s unchangeable principle of sowing and reaping. It warns that we cannot deceive God—our choices, whether spiritual or selfish, have lasting consequences. To sow to the flesh means indulging in sinful desires, selfish ambitions, and worldly pleasures, which ultimately lead to moral decay and eternal loss. In contrast, sowing to the Spirit involves seeking God’s will, practicing love, faithfulness, and self-discipline, and cultivating a life aligned with God’s Word, leading to eternal life. For example, dedicating time to prayer, service, and acts of kindness plants seeds of righteousness, fostering spiritual growth and joy. On the other hand, prioritizing greed, dishonesty, or indulgence may seem rewarding at first but will eventually result in emptiness and destruction. Just as a farmer carefully sows good seed to expect a fruitful harvest, we must be intentional in our spiritual choices, knowing that what we sow today will determine the harvest we reap in this life and the life to come.
Galatians 6:9-10 (NKJV)
9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
This passage encourages believers to persevere in doing good, even when the results are not immediately visible. It reminds us that there is a due season when we will reap a reward if we remain faithful and do not lose heart. This speaks to the importance of patience and trust in God's perfect timing. Verse 10 extends this principle to how we treat others, urging us to actively seek opportunities to help, especially within the community of faith. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing resources, or offering encouragement, these good works reflect Christ’s love. The passage assures that no effort done in love is wasted and reminds believers that the harvest of blessings—whether seen in this life or in eternity—will come to those who persist in doing what is right.
Galatians 6:11 (NKJV)
11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!
Paul is drawing attention to the fact that he is writing this part himself rather than using a scribe, which was his usual practice. The phrase "large letters" may indicate his physical limitations, such as poor eyesight, or it could be a stylistic choice to emphasize the importance of his final message—like using bold or capital letters today. Some scholars suggest that Paul may have written the entire letter himself because of the urgency and seriousness of the message. However, even if he only wrote the conclusion, it was meant to authenticate the letter and show his deep, personal concern for the Galatians as he warned them against false teachings and urged them to remain faithful to the truth of the gospel.
Galatians 6:12-13 (NKJV)
12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these try to compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
13 For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
This passage exposes the true motives of those urging the Galatians to be circumcised. Paul explains that these individuals were more concerned with making an outward impression and avoiding persecution for their association with the cross of Christ. In other words, they wanted to avoid the suffering and rejection that came with preaching salvation through faith in Christ alone, which contradicted Jewish traditions. By promoting circumcision, they hoped to maintain favor with the Jewish community and escape criticism. However, Paul highlights their hypocrisy—they themselves did not fully obey the law but insisted on others being circumcised so they could boast about their influence and appear righteous. This passage warns against religious practices done for appearances or approval rather than genuine faith, emphasizing that true faith is marked by allegiance to Christ and His sacrifice, even if it brings opposition or suffering.
Galatians 6:14-15 (NKJV)
14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
This passage emphasizes that true boasting should only be in the cross of Christ, through which believers are set free from the world's sinful values and self-centered ambitions. Paul rejects any pride in religious rituals, such as circumcision, because they have no power to bring salvation. Instead, he exalts the cross as the symbol of God's grace and power to transform lives. Through Christ's sacrifice, believers experience a spiritual "new creation"—a complete renewal of heart and mind. Paul’s message is clear: outward ceremonies or cultural identities mean nothing in comparison to the inward transformation that comes from being born again in Christ. This passage invites believers to focus on their spiritual rebirth and live by the principles of the new life found in Jesus, rather than clinging to empty external forms of religion.
Galatians 6:16-18 (NKJV)
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From now on let no one 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.
Paul closes his letter with a blessing and a personal statement about his devotion to Christ. In verse 16, he pronounces peace and mercy on all who live by the principle of faith in Christ rather than reliance on religious rituals. He refers to them as the "Israel of God," meaning the true people of God who are spiritually reborn, regardless of ethnic background. In verse 17, Paul pleads for no further opposition or questioning of his apostolic authority, saying, “I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” These marks refer to the physical scars he bore from beatings, stonings, and persecution, which testified to his loyalty to Christ and the suffering he endured for the gospel’s sake. Unlike the false teachers who boasted in outward rituals like circumcision, Paul’s scars were the true "marks" of his commitment. Finally, in verse 18, Paul ends with a prayer for the grace of Christ to be with the Galatians, reminding them that the Christian life begins and ends with God’s grace. His closing words reflect both his deep love for them and his firm resolve to uphold the truth of the gospel, no matter the cost.