RSV ~ Galatians 6 Notes

Gal 6:1 | ISB Notes

restore him: Fraternal correction is an unpleasant but necessary task to promote the welfare of fellow Christians and, beyond that, the whole Body of Christ. This must be an act of mercy and encouragement, not severity. Paul speaks from experience in this regard (2:11-16).

Gal 6:2 | ISB Notes

the law of Christ: The entire life of Jesus is the law of Christian living (Mt 11:29). It is summarized in the commandment of love (Jn 13:34-35) and calls us to carry the burdens of others as Christ did for us (1 Pet 2:24). Christian charity prohibits indifference toward our neighbor but encourages us instead to bear up with his weaknesses (Rom 15:1) and make his joys and sorrows our own (Rom 12:15; 1 Cor 12:26; CCC 196570).

Gal 6:4 | ISB Notes

test his own work: It is important to examine our lives before God and not to compare ourselves with others (2 Cor 13:5). In the end, everyone is responsible for his own actions and will give an account to the Lord (1 Cor 4:5).

Gal 6:6 | ISB Notes

share all good things: This probably refers to material and financial support that local congregations rightfully owe their spiritual leaders (Lk 10:7; 1 Cor 9:11-14).

Gal 6:7-9 | ISB Notes

The principle of sowing and reaping is an inflexible law of the spiritual life (Job 4:8; Jer 17:10). Just as farmers invariably harvest the same crop they planted, so every thought, word, and deed sown in this life has a consequence that springs directly from it in the next. Those who sow in the Spirit will reap holiness and heavenly glory; those who sow in the flesh can expect nothing but death and decay. Since Paul speaks of a lifetime of well-doing, patience and perseverance are needed to see the fruit of our labors (Mt 24:13; Rom 2:6-7; Heb 3:14).

Gal 6:11 | ISB Notes

I am writing: Paul penned the postscript of Galatians himself, whereas the body of the letter was dictated to a secretary, as in Rom 16:22 and 2 Thess 3:17. He writes with large letters either for emphasis or because of poor eyesight (4:15).

Gal 6:12-13 | ISB Notes

The Judaizers were driven by fear of persecution, probably from Jewish nationalists who pressured them to make circumcision the focus of their missionary efforts. Paul accuses them of abandoning the true gospel, not out of conviction, but out of cowardice. See notes on Gal 2:3 and 2:14.

Gal 6:14 | ISB Notes

crucified to me: Paul reiterates what he said in 2:20 and 5:24, that in Christ our sins and worldly passions are put to death. Paul thus emphasizes that the Cross—not circumcision— is the sign of our salvation (6:15; 1 Cor 1:18).

Gal 6:15 | ISB Notes

a new creation: The indwelling of the Spirit renews us from within and makes us sharers in the divine life (2 Pet 1:4; CCC 1214). The regenerating grace of the New Covenant will eventually permeate the entire cosmos (Rom 8:19-23; Rev 21:1). See note on 2 Cor 5:17.

Gal 6:16 | ISB Notes

Peace and mercy: For similar benedictions, see Ps 128:6 and Sir 50:22-23.

the Israel of God: The covenant family of believing Israel united with the Gentiles.

See essay: Kingdom Restoration at Acts 15.

Gal 6:17 | ISB Notes

the marks of Jesus: Property and slaves in the ancient world were branded with a mark of ownership. Paul views himself as a slave of Christ (Rom 1:1) who bears physical scars from the many persecutions that accompanied his apostolic work (Acts 14:19; 16:22; 2 Cor 11:23-29).