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Galatians 6:11-18
New American Bible (Revised Edition)

11 See with what large letters[a] I am writing to you in my own hand!(A) 12 [b]It is those who want to make a good appearance in the flesh who are trying to compel you to have yourselves circumcised, only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.(B) 13 Not even those having themselves circumcised[c] observe the law themselves; they only want you to be circumcised so that they may boast of your flesh. 14 But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which[d] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.(C) 15 For neither does circumcision mean anything, nor does uncircumcision,(D) but only a new creation.[e] 16 Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule[f] and to the Israel of God.(E)

17 From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus[g] on my body.(F)

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.(G)

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Footnotes

  1. 6:11 Large letters: in contrast to the finer hand of the scribe who wrote the letter up to this point. The larger Greek letters make Paul’s message even more emphatic. Some find a hint of poor eyesight on Paul’s part. See note on Gal 4:13.
  2. 6:12–15 The Jewish Christian opponents wished not to be persecuted, possibly by Jews. But since Judaism seems to have had a privileged status as a religion in the Roman empire, circumcised Christians might, if taken as Jews, thereby avoid persecution from the Romans. In any case, Paul instead stresses conformity with the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; cf. Gal 2:19–21; 5:11.
  3. 6:13 Those having themselves circumcised: other manuscripts read, “those who have had themselves circumcised.”
  4. 6:14 Through which: or “through whom.”
  5. 6:15 New creation: or “new creature”; cf. 2 Cor 5:17.
  6. 6:16 This rule: the principle in Gal 6:14–15. The Israel of God: while the church may be meant (the phrase can be translated “to all who follow this rule, even the Israel of God”; cf. Gal 6:10; 1 Cor 10:18), the reference may also be to God’s ancient people, Israel; cf. Ps 125:5; 128:6.
  7. 6:17 The marks of Jesus: slaves were often branded by marks (stigmata) burned into their flesh to show to whom they belonged; so also were devotees of pagan gods. Paul implies that instead of outdated circumcision, his body bears the scars of his apostolic labors (2 Cor 11:22–31), such as floggings (Acts 16:22; 2 Cor 11:25) and stonings (Acts 14:19), that mark him as belonging to the Christ who suffered (cf. Rom 6:3; 2 Cor 4:10; Col 1:24) and will protect his own.
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New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE)

Scripture texts, prefaces, introductions, footnotes and cross references used in this work are taken from the New American Bible, revised edition © 2010, 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Inc., Washington, DC All Rights Reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.