As Paul closes his magisterial Letter to the Galatian Christians … he takes one more “jab” at the legalizers! At these invaders who have nearly ruined the Churches Paul recently established (in the Roman Province of Galatia). These enemies of God’s “totally capable” Grace … teaching (wrongly) that the Law of Moses aids in the salvation of a sinner.

And this Pauline “attack” begins with verse 12 of Galatians chapter 6. “As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.”

The motives of these “false teachers” (called “false brethren” by Paul in Galatians 2:4) are suspect. And the Apostle in today’s Verse gives us at least one of their incentives. “They desire to make a fair show in the flesh!” Literally, to “put on a good face, a self-aggrandizing front!” To look good to the spiritual “bosses” still back in Jerusalem!

It was all for “show!”

For popularity!

Oh how sad, what a shame!

Then watch the “forcefulness” they used, in coercing the Galatians (who were Gentiles, mind you) to submit to this surgery (circumcision) in order to be saved!

“They CONSTRAIN you,” Paul reported! The Greek is “anagkazo,” meaning “to compel.” To necessitate! The Greek root word gives us the English verb “to ache!” To force one to do something, even to the point of “paining/hurting” them!

But then there may be an even deeper motive … though still selfish … “Lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.”

Lest they be “mocked” by their cohorts (fellow cultists) who believe like they do … disciples of Moses, rather than followers of Jesus!

Lest they be ostracized.

Lest they be embarrassed.

Maybe even, les they be beaten!

Here’s the “heart” of Paul sentence today. “My Galatian friends, these people do not love you … they are using you! They only have their ‘best interests’ at heart.” Do not fall for their tricks!

Wow!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

I wonder if there are still “users” in the Church of God? In the local Churches we attend?

Question asked.

Question answered.

No doubt!