Concluding Exhortation

11 Look at what large letters I use as I write to you in my own handwriting. 12 Those who want to make a good impression in the flesh(A) are the ones who would compel you to be circumcised(B)—but only to avoid being persecuted(C) for the cross(D) of Christ. 13 For even the circumcised don’t keep(E) the law themselves, and yet they want you to be circumcised in order to boast about your flesh. 14 But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world. 15 For[a] both circumcision and uncircumcision(F) mean nothing; what matters instead is a new creation.(G) 16 May peace come to all those who follow this standard, and mercy even to the Israel(H) of God![b]

17 From now on, let no one cause me trouble, because I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.(I) 18 Brothers and sisters, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.(J) Amen.

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Footnotes

  1. 6:15 Other mss add in Christ Jesus
  2. 6:16 Or And for those who follow this standard, may peace and mercy be upon them, even upon the Israel of God, or And as many who will follow this standard, peace be upon them and mercy even upon the Israel of God.

A Final Warning against Circumcision

11 Look at how large these letters are because I am writing with my own hand! 12 These people who want to impress others by their external appearance[a] are trying to force you to be circumcised, simply to avoid being persecuted for the cross of the Messiah.[b] 13 Why, not even those who are circumcised obey the Law! They simply want you to be circumcised so that they can boast about your external appearance.[c] 14 But may I never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah,[d] by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world! 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters. Rather, what matters is being[e] a new creation. 16 Now may peace be on all those who live by this principle, and may mercy be on the Israel of God. 17 Let no one make any more trouble for me, because I carry the scars of Jesus on my own body.

Final Greeting

18 May the grace of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah,[f] be with your spirit, brothers! Amen.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 6:12 Lit. their flesh
  2. Galatians 6:12 Or Christ
  3. Galatians 6:13 Lit. your flesh
  4. Galatians 6:14 Or Christ
  5. Galatians 6:15 The Gk. lacks what matters is being
  6. Galatians 6:18 Or Christ