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Bear and Share Burdens

Brethren, if a man is [a]overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of (A)gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (B)Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill (C)the law of Christ. For (D)if anyone thinks himself to be something, when (E)he is nothing, he deceives himself. But (F)let each one examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and (G)not in another. For (H)each one shall bear his own load.

Be Generous and Do Good

(I)Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches.

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for (J)whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. 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 (K)everlasting life. And (L)let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap (M)if we do not lose heart. 10 (N)Therefore, as we have opportunity, (O)let us do good to all, (P)especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Glory Only in the Cross

11 See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand! 12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, (Q)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. 14 But God forbid that I should boast except in the (R)cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by [b]whom the world has been crucified to me, and (S)I to the world. 15 For (T)in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.

Blessing and a Plea

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.

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 6:1 caught
  2. Galatians 6:14 Or which, the cross

Bear One Another’s Burdens

Brothers, if anyone is caught in any sin, you who are spiritual [that is, you who are responsive to the guidance of the Spirit] are to restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness [not with a sense of superiority or self-righteousness], keeping a watchful eye on yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. Carry one another’s burdens and in this way you will fulfill the requirements of the law of Christ [that is, the law of Christian love].(A) For if anyone thinks he is something [special] when [in fact] he is nothing [special except in his own eyes], he deceives himself. But each one must carefully scrutinize his own work [examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior], and then he can have the personal satisfaction and inner joy of doing something commendable [a]without comparing himself to another. For every person will have to bear [with patience] his own burden [of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible].

The one who is taught the word [of God] is to share all good things with his teacher [contributing to his spiritual and material support]. Do not be deceived, God is not mocked [He will not allow Himself to be ridiculed, nor treated with contempt nor allow His precepts to be scornfully set aside]; for whatever a man sows, this and this only is what he will reap. For the one who sows to his flesh [his sinful capacity, his worldliness, his disgraceful impulses] will reap from the flesh ruin and destruction, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not grow weary or become discouraged in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap, if we do not give in. 10 So then, while we [as individual believers] have the opportunity, let us do good to all people [not only being helpful, but also doing that which promotes their spiritual well-being], and especially [be a blessing] to those of the household of faith (born-again believers).

11 See with what [b]large letters I [c]am writing to you with my own hand. 12 Those who want to make a good impression in public [before the Jews] try to compel you to be circumcised, just so they will escape being persecuted for [faithfulness to] the cross of Christ. 13 For even the circumcised [Jews] themselves do not [really] keep the Law, but they want to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh [that is, in the fact that they convinced you to be circumcised]. 14 But far be it from me to boast [in anything or anyone], except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither is circumcision anything [of any importance], nor uncircumcision, but [only] a new creation [which is the result of a new birth—a spiritual transformation—a new nature in Christ Jesus]. 16 Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule [who discipline themselves and conduct their lives by this principle], and upon the [true] Israel of God (Jewish believers).(B)

17 From now on let no one trouble me [by making it necessary for me to justify my authority as an apostle, and the absolute truth of the gospel], for I bear on my body the [d]branding-marks of Jesus [the wounds, scars, and other outward evidence of persecutions—these testify to His ownership of me].

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, my [e]brothers and sisters. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 6:4 Lit to himself alone and not to.
  2. Galatians 6:11 Paul frequently dictated his letters to a secretary (such as Tertius, Rom 16:22). In this case, however, he applied the ink himself. His reference to “large letters” has been variously interpreted: (1) Paul may have been using large print for emphasis; or (2) Paul may have been referring to some problem with his vision (cf 4:15).
  3. Galatians 6:11 Or I have written.
  4. Galatians 6:17 Gr stigmata.
  5. Galatians 6:18 Lit brethren.

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden. Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.

11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. 12 As 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. 13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14 But 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. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From henceforth let no man 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.

Unto the Galatians written from Rome.

1 Now he entreateth particularly of charity toward such as offend, 6 toward the Minsters of the word, 10 and those that are of the household of faith: 12 Not like unto such who have a counterfeit zeal of the Law, 13 glorying in the mangling of the flesh, 14 and not in the cross of Christ.

Brethren, [a]If a man be [b]suddenly taken in any offense, ye which are [c]spiritual, [d]restore such one with the [e]spirit of meekness, [f]considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

[g]Bear ye one another’s burden, and so fulfill the [h]Law of Christ.

For if any man seem to himself, that he is somewhat, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself in his imagination.

But let every man prove his own work: and then shall he have rejoicing in himself only and not in another.

(A)[i]For every man shall bear his own burden.

[j]Let him that is taught in the word, make him that hath taught him, partaker of [k]all his (B)goods.

[l]Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

For he that soweth to his [m]flesh, shall of the flesh reap corruption: but he that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reap life everlasting.

(C)[n]Let us not therefore be weary of well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

10 [o]While we have therefore time, let us do good unto all men, but especially unto them, which are of the household of faith.

11 [p]Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.

12 As many as desire to make a [q]fair show in the [r]flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised, only because they would not suffer persecution for the [s]cross of Christ.

13 For they themselves which are circumcised keep not the Law, but desire to have you circumcised, that they might rejoice in [t]your flesh.

14 [u]But God forbid that I should [v]rejoice, but in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, whereby the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.

16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace shall be upon them, and mercy, and upon the [w]Israel of God.

17 [x]From henceforth let no man put me to business: for I bear, in my body the [y]marks of the [z]Lord Jesus.

18 [aa]Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your [ab]spirit, Amen.

¶ Unto the Galatians written from Rome.

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 6:1 He condemneth importunate rigor, because that brotherly reprehensions ought to be moderated and tempered by the spirit of meekness.
  2. Galatians 6:1 Through the malice of the flesh and the devil.
  3. Galatians 6:1 Which are upholden by the virtue of God’s Spirit.
  4. Galatians 6:1 Labor to fill up that that is wanting in him.
  5. Galatians 6:1 This is a kind of speech which the Hebrews use, giving to understand thereby, that all good gifts come from God.
  6. Galatians 6:1 He toucheth the fore: for they commonly are most severe judges, which forget their own infirmities.
  7. Galatians 6:2 He showeth that this is the end of reprehensions, to raise up our brother which is fallen, and not proudly to oppress him. Therefore everyone must seek to have commendation of his own life by approving of himself, and not by reprehending others.
  8. Galatians 6:2 Christ, in plain and flat words, calleth the commandment of charity, his commandment.
  9. Galatians 6:5 A reason wherefore men ought to have the greatest eye upon themselves, because that every man shall be judged before God according to his own life, and not by comparing himself with other men.
  10. Galatians 6:6 It is meet that masters should be sound by their scholars, so far forth as they are able.
  11. Galatians 6:6 Of whatsoever he hath, according to his ability.
  12. Galatians 6:7 He commendeth liberality towards the poor, and first of all chideth them which were not ashamed to pretend this and that, and all because they would not help their neighbors, as though they could deceive God: and afterward compareth alms to a spiritual sowing, which shall have a most plentiful harvest, so that it shall be very profitable: and compareth covetous niggardliness to a carnal sowing, whereof nothing can be gathered but such things as fade away, and perish by and by.
  13. Galatians 6:8 To the commodities of this present life.
  14. Galatians 6:9 Against such as are liberal at the beginning, but continue not, because the harvest seemeth to be deferred very long, as though the seed time and the harvest were at one instant.
  15. Galatians 6:10 They that are of the household of faith, that is, such as are joined with us in the profession of one selfsame religion, ought to be preferred before all others, yet so notwithstanding that our liberality extends to all.
  16. Galatians 6:11 The fourth and last part of the Epistle, wherein he returneth to his principal end and purpose: to wit, that the Galatians should not suffer themselves to be led out of the way by the false apostles: and he pointeth out those false apostles in their colors, reproving them of ambition, as men that do not that which they do, for any affection and zeal they have to the Law, but only for this purpose, that they may purchase themselves favor amongst their own sort, by the circumcision of the Galatians.
  17. Galatians 6:12 He setteth a far show against the truth.
  18. Galatians 6:12 In keeping of ceremonies.
  19. Galatians 6:12 For the preaching of him that was crucified.
  20. Galatians 6:13 That they have entangled you in Judaism, and yet he harpeth on the form of circumcision.
  21. Galatians 6:14 He sticketh not to compare himself with them, showing that on the contrary part he rejoiceth in those afflictions which he suffereth for Christ’s sake, and as he is despised of the world, so doth he in like sort esteem the world as naught: which is the true circumcision of a true Israelite.
  22. Galatians 6:14 When Paul useth this word in good sense of part, it signifieth to rest a man’s self wholly in a thing, and to content himself therewith.
  23. Galatians 6:16 Upon the true Israel, whose praise is of God and not of men, Rom. 2:19.
  24. Galatians 6:17 Continuing still in the same metaphor, he opposeth his miseries and the marks of those stripes which he bare for Christ’s sake, against the scar of the outward circumcision, as a true mark of his Apostleship.
  25. Galatians 6:17 Marks which are burnt into a man’s flesh, as they used in old times, to mark their servants that had run away from them.
  26. Galatians 6:17 For it importeth much, whose marks we bear: for the cause maketh the Martyr, and not the punishment.
  27. Galatians 6:18 Taking his farewell of them, he wisheth them grace, and the Spirit against the deceits of the false apostles, who labored to beat those outward things into their brains.
  28. Galatians 6:18 With your minds and hearts.

Brethren, if a man also may be overtaken in any trespass, ye who [are] spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of meekness, considering thyself -- lest thou also may be tempted;

of one another the burdens bear ye, and so fill up the law of the Christ,

for if any one doth think [himself] to be something -- being nothing -- himself he doth deceive;

and his own work let each one prove, and then in regard to himself alone the glorying he shall have, and not in regard to the other,

for each one his own burden shall bear.

And let him who is instructed in the word share with him who is instructing -- in all good things.

Be not led astray; God is not mocked; for what a man may sow -- that also he shall reap,

because he who is sowing to his own flesh, of the flesh shall reap corruption; and he who is sowing to the Spirit, of the Spirit shall reap life age-during;

and in the doing good we may not be faint-hearted, for at the proper time we shall reap -- not desponding;

10 therefore, then, as we have opportunity, may we work the good to all, and especially unto those of the household of the faith.

11 Ye see in how large letters I have written to you with my own hand;

12 as many as are willing to make a good appearance in the flesh, these constrain you to be circumcised -- only that for the cross of the Christ they may not be persecuted,

13 for neither do those circumcised themselves keep the law, but they wish you to be circumcised, that in your flesh they may glory.

14 And for me, let it not be -- to glory, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which to me the world hath been crucified, and I to the world;

15 for in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation;

16 and as many as by this rule do walk -- peace upon them, and kindness, and on the Israel of God!

17 Henceforth, let no one give me trouble, for I the scars of the Lord Jesus in my body do bear.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [is] with your spirit, brethren! Amen.