Paul’s benediction: (6:17-18):
“Paul says let no one cause me trouble for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (6:17). Paul has already suffered so much for the sake of Christ. He was jailed, beaten, pulled through the streets, shipwrecked and etc. He has gone enough troubles and now he could say after undergoing all that, let no one cause me trouble. If someone causes him troubles, he would not get any result. The marks of Jesus that Paul was referring were his identity. He was branded as follower of Jesus. In those days, the masters often brand their slaves with a mark that showed them to be his. . Most likely what Paul means is that the scars of the things he had suffered for Christ are the brands which show him to be Christ’s slave.” (Barclay). Paul says his marks are his brands of allegiance. Even today also in some countries, the military brands the soldiers with the name of their generals in token of their absolute devotion. But here Paul says, his brands or marks are very different from the others. The sight of the cross is disgraceful to the world, but before God and the angels, they surpass all the honours of the world.
Finally Paul wishes the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is nothing more greater than walking in the grace of the Lord. After rebuking the Galatians with sharp words in the letter, now Paul closes with benediction that the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with them. It is an appropriate and fitting closing to the believers of Galatians who had more population of gentile believers.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
- NIV Life application Bible.
- ESV Study Bible
- Ryrie study Bible.
- NIV Study Bible.
- Bible Knowledge Commentary/Old Testament.
- The Bible Exposition Commentary by Warren W. Wiersbe
- Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary.
- Adam Clarke’s Commentary
- Wycliffe Bible commentary.
- Mathew Henry conscise
- Blue letter Bible by David Guzik.
- Unlocking the Bible by David Pawson.
- The outline Bible by Harold L Willmington.
Note: Please use this notes only as an outline, but spend more time studying the Word of God. For your questions, suggestions, opinions and criticism, please contact me. Kati Ravikumar, Mob: +918986873994, Email: katiravikumar@gmail.com