Galatians 6
1Brethren, even if a man be overtaken in any trespass, ye who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; looking to thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 3For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 4But let each man prove his own work, and then shall he have his glorying in regard of himself alone, and not of his neighbor. 5For each man shall bear his own burden. 6But let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth unto his own flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth unto the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap eternal life. 9And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith. 11See with how large letters I write unto you with mine own hand. 12As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 14But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace be upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. 17Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear branded on my body the marks of Jesus. 18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.
What is Galatians 6 about?
Closing with practical exhortation, Paul directs the spiritual to restore a fallen brother in meekness, to bear one another's burdens and so fulfil the law of Christ, while each still answers for his own load before God. He warns that God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows he will reap-he that sows to the flesh reaping corruption, and he that sows to the Spirit reaping life everlasting-so they must not grow weary in doing good to all, especially the household of faith. Taking the pen into his own hand, Paul exposes the Judaizers who press circumcision only to make a fair show in the flesh and to escape persecution for the cross. Over against their boasting he declares, "God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ," by which the world is crucified to him; what counts is not circumcision but a new creation. Bearing in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus, he pronounces peace and mercy upon the Israel of God and commits them to the grace of Christ, the grace this whole letter has labored to protect.
Matthew Henry on Galatians 6