GALATIANS 6
11 See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. 12 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. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whichthe world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen. – Galatians 6:11-18
GALATIANS 6 THE MARKS OF CHRIST IN YOUR BODY
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
Do you bear the marks of Christ in your body?
Have you been dejected because of your belief in Jesus?
The Lord said that if we follow him, we will be rejected
Take courage for as you serve God, expect to be persecuted.
In this letter, Paul prepares the Galatian church to face suffering and persecution with a mindset that it is the marks of Christ in their bodies. He tells the believers that the only thing they can boast about are their adversities and miseries because of their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He points out that those who claim to be circumcised do not actually live the law of love. The fruit of the Spirit would be the new creation in Christ.
In a commentary by Barclay, he says: The marks of the Lord Jesus were not wounds similar to Jesus’ wounds; they are marks that identify – or even “brand” – Paul as a follower of Jesus. In the ancient world, slaves were branded with the name of their master. “Often a master branded his 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.”
REFLECTION
- Share some of the marks of Christ in you? Did these marks make your faith grow?
