Galatians 6:11-18
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. (v. 12) It took me a while to understand this verse, reading through it and thinking about it and reflecting on my Study Bible notes, but I finally got it: Paul is talking about Jewish believers, converts from Judaism, who are preaching circumcision so that they will not be persecuted by their Jewish friends (non-believers) because they have put their faith in Jesus. Which is a strange position for them to be in, having the faith, yet not standing up for it. They sound like the lukewarm Laodiceans from Revelation 3:16: So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. Which is always scary to most Christians – myself included – as to whether we also fall into that lukewarm category! An old revival song comes to mind: “Stand up, stand up for Jesus, you soldiers of the Cross!” GLORY!
Slava Bohu!
Ouch, Fred. Lukewarm or “keeping a low profile” can be tempting for those of us who like to avoid trouble and conflict. Need to keep the focus on Christ!