Galatians 6:11-13
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.
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- 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.
- 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.
- 6:13 Those having themselves circumcised: other manuscripts read, “those who have had themselves circumcised.”
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