That’s (the lesson title today) what Paul thinks about the disciples of Moses (as opposed to the disciples of Jesus) who have tried to ruin the little Churches in Galatia, “braggarts!” 

Today’s Study Verse: “For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.” Galatians 6:13

The “circumcision” (Paul’s name for these men who can only emphasize that surgical rite, to the detriment of the saving Grace of God), that entire group, cannot itself even obey the Law they are so eagerly promoting.  The verb “keep” (in Greek “phulasso” meaning “to guard, observe”) means just that, “to obey.” To plan one’s life “in toto” by its guidelines.

These men themselves do not wholly keep the law, but they sure do want Paul’s new believers to be circumcised, a first step in a life of centering on that law! Of being a slave to that law!

The verb “desire” is “thelo,” they “wish/will” it so! It is the longing of their heart! Their chief aim!

To this crowd … it’s (godly living) not about being saved via the Blood of Jesus, but rather submitting to the Rabbi’s knife! 

Then Paul once again (as he did in the last verse) broaches the subject of motive. And Paul indeed well knows these men, if not personally, at least the type/ilk they represent. After all, as Saul of Tarsus he followed that (preparatory) Old Testament lifestyle for years and years! I suspect Paul had all 613 Mosaic laws by memory. Yes, there are that many!

That motive?  ” … that they may GLORY in your flesh.” The verb “glory” here simply means “to brag!” Or to boast, to rejoice!

Some Preachers counted souls saved.

Other counted baptisms, maybe.

But not these boys!

They counted foreskins!

They boasted in the number of Gentiles they had forced (converted) into “circumcised” practicing Jews!

Wow!

Talk about insincerity!

Talk about hypocrisy!

They are not following through and obeying the whole Law of Moses (which was a good thing as designed by God) but … these people apparently obey just their “chosen” little stipulations! 

Maybe the things that are more outward, more easily seen, more physical? (Not so much the inward things of the heart!)

Oh yes, that’s legalism, all right.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Now in our next Lesson we shall see, the Lord willing, something in which Paul glories, brags, boasts, rejoices! And it is NOT circumcision!