I’d like to teach you a new word today.
Taken from a verse that reveals Paul’s character in an amazing way, to a depth (perhaps) previously unknown. (He is “fed up” so to speak, with those Judiazers!)
As he finishes his written Galatian correspondence, he finally vents: “From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.” Galatians 6:17
That verb “let trouble” is “parecho,” (obviously a blend of “para” and “echo”) plus “kopos,” quite a compound construction, quite an expression! If you will trust my loose definition: Let no man “come beside me and hound me and cause me pain” any longer! (This is a imperative verb, as well!)
“QUIT IT,” Paul demands.
“Para” plus “echo” is to come alongside and “hold on” and never “let go” and pester and pester and pester!
“Kopos” is hardship to the point of aggravation, literally to the point of exhaustion! (Even to the point of pain!)
As I said earlier, Paul has had ENOUGH!
“Henceforth” means “hereafter,” or “for the future,” nearly “never again.”
Paul is already quite “scarred” enough, thank you! (Not “scared,” but “scarred.”)
Yes, this is our new word for the day. “… for I (Paul) bear in my body the MARKS of the Lord Jesus.”
The noun is “stigma,” meaning a “brand” burned into one’s body, as was done to cattle in bygone days. Or to slaves back in the days of the Roman Empire. Marks of servitude, PAINFUL marks, I would imagine!
Paul is using this word picture as proof of the many persecutions and trials (beatings, times stoned, shipwrecks, imprisonments, etc.) he had endured for Jesus’ Sake!
He needs no more such scars, especially the emotional kind the misguided Judiazers have been inflicting on him lately! Doctrinally damaging his beloved converts in that Roman Province. (This “battle” is why Galatians was written in the first place!)
For the third time today, the Apostle has had enough!
And for the verb in that last clause, “to bear,” the Greek “bastazo” is used. Implying (actually saying) the “toting” of something very “HEAVY!”
Wow!
Yes … Paul was yet (still) pained every single day … from all those scars (“stigma” or “marks”), proving all those battles he had faced … irrefutably illustrating his manly dedication to the Lord.
Wow!
He has said his piece!
Eloquently so, I believe.
What a man of God he was!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
No wonder God “traded” Stephen … to get Paul!