Galatians 6:16-18
New American Bible (Revised Edition)
16 Peace and mercy be to all who follow this rule[a] and to the Israel of God.(A)
17 From now on, let no one make troubles for me; for I bear the marks of Jesus[b] on my body.(B)
18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.(C)
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- 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.
- 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 Paul implies that instead of outdated circumcision, his body bears the scars of his apostolic labors (2 Cor 11:22–31), such as floggings (Acts 16:22; 2 Cor 11:25) and stonings (Acts 14:19), that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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