Paul’s Letter to the Galatians – Lesson 12 – Peace and Mercy Be on Them

Key Scripture:  As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God’s Israel. ~ Galatians 6:16

Galatians 6:11-18

11 See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a good impression in the flesh compel you to be circumcised, just so they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even they who receive circumcision don’t keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, so that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15  For in Christ Jesus neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. 16 As many as walk by this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on God’s Israel.

17 From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lord Jesus branded on my body.

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

Study Questions:

  1. What does verse 11 tell us about Paul? Why do you think Paul pointed this out and then followed it with his comment in verse 12 about the circumcised group wanting to make a good impression?
  2. What are some modern-day examples of doing something or expecting someone else to do or not do something just so we aren’t persecuted?
  3. In verse 13, Paul’s comment is similar to what Jesus said in Matthew 23:23. What are the weightier matters of the law the Pharisees and Scribes were not following? Describe those in today’s terminology.
  4. The word for boast in verse 13 is not the same as the Greek word used in verse 4, but it is very similar.✡ In the previous set of verses, the word boast was used in a positive sense. What is the difference?
  5. According to worldly wisdom, did Paul have a reason to boast as he mentions in verse 14? Galatians 1:1; Philippians 3:3-6 What did Paul really consider valuable? Galatians 2:20-21; Philippians 3:8-11
  6. In verse 15, Paul makes one last point about circumcision as he closes this letter, what was it? 2 Corinthians 5:16-17; Colossians 3:10-11
  7. What rule then are we to follow when relating to those called by God and saved through Jesus as mentioned in verse 16? Galatians 5:15-16; 6:15; 1 Corinthians 12:13-14
  8. What does Paul mean by bearing the marks of Jesus in verse 17? 2 Corinthians 11:23-28
  9. What do these closing salutations have in common: Galatians 6:18; 2 Timothy 4:22; Philemon 1:25 How does this relate to the overall theme of Galatians?

Memory Verse: For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:13

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✡ Q4 “G2744 – kauchaomai – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (nkjv).” Blue Letter Bible. Web. 8 Dec, 2022. <https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g2744/nkjv/tr/0-1/>.