The Cross and the New Creation

Read aloud

Paul says, “See what large letters I am using to write to you with my own hand!” The closing is personal. He draws attention to his own handwriting as he makes the final appeal. Paul does not explain why the letters are large.

The people who want to make a good impression in the flesh are trying to compel the Galatians to be circumcised. They do not want to be persecuted for the cross of Christ. The circumcised teachers pressing this demand do not keep the law themselves; they want to boast in the Galatians' outward mark.

Paul refuses to boast in anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Through the cross, the world has been crucified to him and he to the world. The cross has broken the world's claim to be the place where he must find honor, safety, or identity.

Circumcision and uncircumcision are not the point. What matters is a new creation. Peace and mercy belong to all who follow this rule and to the Israel of God. Paul is not replacing the gospel with another visible badge. He is naming the life God creates through Christ.

Paul says no one should cause him trouble, because he carries on his body the marks of Jesus. His suffering in Christ's service contrasts with the outward mark the teachers want to impose to avoid persecution. He closes with a blessing of the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ with the brothers and sisters. Even after a forceful letter, he calls them family and leaves them with grace.