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

11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 As many as are wanting to make a good showing in the flesh, these are attempting to compel[a] you to be circumcised, only so that they will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For not even those who are circumcised observe the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised in order that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But as for me, may it never be that I boast, 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 nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And all those who follow this rule, peace and mercy be on them and on the Israel of God.

Conclusion and Benediction

17 Finally, let no one cause me trouble, for I carry on my body the marks of Jesus. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 6:12 The present tense has been translated as conative here (“are attempting”)