11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh who would force you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon 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. Amen.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Paul’s letters were written by a scribe while he dictated. At the end of his letters, he sometimes wrote a personal conclusion as he did here. Writing in large letters could be a sign of emphasis as he concluded. It could also be because he suffered from an eye condition (see Gal 4:15).
Paul’s conclusion re-emphasises his warning that we stay away from legalism. The Judaizers pushed for circumcision because it was an outward sign that they had succeeded in getting converts and could boast in their results. The problem was that even they were unable to keep the law—no one can. Their motivation was to avoid the persecution that came from the true gospel. Paul wasn’t interested in boasting except to boast in Jesus Christ through whole the world was crucified to him and he to the world. There is no spiritual significance to circumcision or uncircumcision. The only thing of spiritual significance is the new creation. As believers, we are a part of a new creation (2 Cor 5:17) and we should live in light of that truth. We must live as children of God, prepare for ruling with Christ, and expect His imminent return.
Does that summarise how you live? Are you living as a child of God? Are you sowing to the Spirit, expecting to reap reward one day in heaven? Are you living with the expectation that Christ could return at any moment?