For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
Read it in contextThe closing contrast
Start reading at Galatians 6:11 (Galatians 6:11 to Galatians 6:18).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul exposes the motives behind the circumcision campaign and closes by locating his own boast in the cross and the significance of a new creature.
6:11Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
6:12As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
6:13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
6:14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
6:15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
6:16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
6:17From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
6:18Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the author, with the brethren who are with him included in the greeting. Biblical references: Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:2. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Galatians 5:1–6:18): Paul instructs the Galatian believers about liberty, love, walking in the Spirit, restoring an erring believer, and mutual responsibility. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The churches of Galatia, including Gentile converts being pressed about circumcision and observance of the law. Whether the destination is northern or southern Galatia remains debated. Biblical references: Galatians 1:2; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:2. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The closing contrast. Read Galatians 6:11 through Galatians 6:18 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Paul exposes the motives behind the circumcision campaign and closes by locating his own boast in the cross and the significance of a new creature. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter responds to an active dispute affecting the Galatian churches. Its modern dating depends in part on identifying the visit and communities under discussion. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The churches of Galatia are addressed. Jerusalem, Antioch, Arabia, and other places occur in Paul's account; the precise location of writing is not explicitly stated. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The closing contrast (Galatians 6:11 to Galatians 6:18).
Start reading at Galatians 6:11. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul argues from Christ's giving of Himself, redemption, and the promise to Abraham. He rejects reliance on the law as the basis of justification while calling the readers to walk in the Spirit. See Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Defend the gospel without using liberty as an occasion for the flesh. Keep the letter's calls to faith working through love and perseverance in doing good alongside its rejection of boasting in the law. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 6
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholePaul describes Spirit-shaped mutual care and personal responsibility, warning about sowing to the flesh and urging endurance in doing good.
Connection to the wholePaul exposes the motives behind the circumcision campaign and closes by locating his own boast in the cross and the significance of a new creature.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Galatians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ.
Connection to the wholeThe practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.