Galatians 6:1-18
My daily pattern is to read through two translations and notes and sidebars of our scheduled reading, then to read my comments from last year, then to read a third translation and post new comments. With this pattern it is often the case that in my first readings I do not understand a particular verse. Then I often find in my comments from last year (see the links below) that I had searched out that verse and came to a better understanding. That was the case today – verse 12 was initially confusing to me until I read my Study Bible notes and my comments from last year; then upon re-reading the verse it was much clearer. So my perspective to you is this – last year’s in-depth study of the epistles helped me/us to gain a greater understanding of what Paul and the other writers were saying, especially with particularly difficult verses. And it’s not just my comments that I am encouraging you to read; last year’s RTB team members also added a number of clarifying and illuminating comments. Perhaps John S. can find the time to show you how to access all the comments from last year. (That access is confusing to me!)
As for new comments on today’s reading… A couple of days ago I suggested that “flesh” and “world” often have negative spiritual meanings in Paul’s writings. We see that today: For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption… (v. 8a), “flesh” here relating to money, sex, power, etc. (See also my second paragraph comments in the first link below.) Then today we also see Paul’s use of “world” in a negative spiritual sense: But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (v. 14) Finally, what is often the case is not always the case: …they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. (v. 13b) Here “flesh” does not have a negative meaning – it simply refers to a person’s being, with the Judaizers boasting in their influence over another person’s circumcision decision.
And so we finish our first epistle with Paul’s appropriate closing: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers [and sisters]. Amen. (v. 18)
See also: March 13 / Gal. 6:1-10; March 14 / Gal. 6:11-18