11 See with what [b]large letters I [c]am writing to you with my own hand. 12 Those who want to make a good impression in public [before the Jews] try to compel you to be circumcised, just so they will escape being persecuted for [faithfulness to] the cross of Christ. 13 For even the circumcised [Jews] themselves do not [really] keep the Law, but they want to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh [that is, in the fact that they convinced you to be circumcised]. 

Galatians 6:11-13 (AMP) 中文 

Final stretch

We are nearing the end of this amazing letter from Paul to the churches in the area of Galatia. Paul started off this letter by ringing the necks of his audience. They had quickly deserted the true Gospel of salvation by faith plus nothing and turned to a false gospel peddled by Jewish religious folks. This false gospel teaches that Christ is not enough; they need to follow Jewish traditions and OT laws as well. He proved his credibility on the matter and why their gospel is false – and dangerous. He addressed the Jews then Gentiles and now gives practical application.

Personal touch

But first, why did Paul tell them he’s using such large letters? Firstly, he wanted to confirm that it is him writing this letter, personally. He cares for them. “Paul frequently dictated his letters to a secretary (such as Tertius, Rom 16:22). In this case, however, he applied the ink himself. His reference to ‘large letters’ has been variously interpreted: (1) Paul may have been using large print for emphasis; or (2) Paul may have been referring to some problem with his vision (cf 4:15).” (AMP notes)

Notch in the gun

So, these Judiazers are peddling a false gospel to the Galatians of salvation by Christ’s death on the cross PLUS obedience to the Jewish laws (in particular, circumcision). They likely don’t care as much about the Galatian believers as they care about (to put it bluntly) the foreskins that they can count for getting them to follow the law and get circumcised! It’s like a gunslinger notching their gun for every kill. 

To make matters worse, Paul says, these Judiazers (and, actually, no one) can keep all the law. Sure, they can get circumcised but they can’t keep all the law – which Paul earlier said the law itself requires. (Galatians 5:3). James will later write in James 2:10 that if you break one law, you break them all. The point? It’s useless to even try to keep even this one law of circumcision.

RЯeflection

• As we read Paul’s various letters it can seem that he is a bit prideful. Maybe. We all have a pride issue. But actually it’s probably his over exuberant desire for the gospel to be preached and people to be saved. Do we have this drive? Fan it into flame.
• Again, this letter gives reason to examine in what we put confidence for salvation. I should be Christ…and Christ alone. When we try to make it Christ plus our own works, it deprives God’s grace of its power. We jeopardize our very salvation.