6:1 in a spirit of humility Those who live by the Spirit should restore those who sin with the gentleness and humility.

6:2 the law of Christ Paul likely uses this phrase to challenge the misguided understanding of the law held by his opponents. Instead of adhering to the agitators’ view of the law, believers should keep the law of Christ—which probably represents Jesus’ interpretation of the Mosaic law. Even if Paul does not have Jesus’ teaching in mind, the phrase certainly involves love of neighbor (5:13–14; compare Matt 19:19; John 13:34).

6:3 if anyone thinks he is something Paul is encouraging humility—a proper view of self in relation to God and others. Arrogance and pride can deter people from serving others. Such behavior harms everyone—both the community of believers and the prideful individual.

Humility Devotional

6:4 each one examine his own work Earlier in the letter, Paul discusses works of the law, which do not lead to righteousness (e.g., Gal 2:16). Here he addresses the work of the gospel, which every believer is called to pursue.

6:5 each one will carry his own burden Although this verse seems to contradict v. 2, the context is different. Here Paul addresses individual accountability for doing the work of the gospel; each believer needs to do his or her part. Verse 2 is about mutual support within the body of Christ; believers should persevere together through hardships.

6:6 must share in all good things Paul instructs the Galatians to regard their teachers as ministry partners and help meet their needs.

6:7 this he will also reap Paul uses an agricultural metaphor to encourage the Galatians to live by the Spirit. A person cannot engage in works of the flesh (5:19) and expect to experience God’s life.

6:8 eternal life This is not limited to life after death but begins in the present, as the believer is transformed by God’s Spirit (5:22–23; Rom 8:2, 10–11).

6:9 let us not grow weary in doing good Although believers cannot justify themselves by their actions, good works reflect the love of God and have a central place in the lives of His people (Eph 2:10).

6:10 all people Paul urges the Galatians to bless everyone through their good works.

those who belong to the household of faith While believers should do good to all people, they should particularly assist those who belong to the community of believers.

6:11 what large letters I am writing This detail suggests that Paul relieved his scribe and wrote the rest of the letter himself. It is possible that Paul uses this phrase to draw attention to the passage that immediately follows, in which he summarizes several of the letter’s themes.

6:12 wanting to make a good showing Paul seems to be indicating that the agitators are concerned about their own reputations as law-keepers. It is possible that, by promoting the practice of circumcision, they are seeking to identify publicly as Jews and thereby avoid persecution. In Graeco-Roman society, Jews tended to be accepted more readily than Christians.

6:13 not even those who are circumcised observe the law Paul points out the hypocrisy of those who advocate that Gentiles should be circumcised.

6:14 world has been crucified to me Paul states that he has died to the values of the world: selfishness, ambition, and pride.

6:15 neither is circumcision anything Paul’s devaluation of circumcision is astonishing, given his Jewish heritage and training in the law. Here, Paul puts circumcision in its proper place: It cannot define the status of the believer, nor can it transform the believer. What matters for Paul is the new-creation work of God, through Christ’s death and resurrection and the indwelling power of His Spirit.

6:16 Israel of God There are several ways of understanding this phrase. It could indicate those who come to faith in Christ and follow the rule described in Gal 6:15. It also could refer specifically to believing Jews.

6:17 the marks of Jesus Paul refers to the persecution he endured for preaching the gospel message (e.g., Acts 14:19; 21:30–32). Paul interprets his suffering on behalf of the gospel in terms of Jesus’ crucifixion, because he shares in it (Gal 2:19–20; 6:14).

6:18 grace of our Lord Paul closes most of his letters with a reference to grace (e.g., Rom 16:20; 1 Cor 16:23; Phil 4:23).