BRUCE C WEARNE concludes his commentary on the New Testament book of Galatians…
From now on may no-one be the cause of trouble for me, since I carry the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers [and sisters] Amen. – Galatians 6:17-18/transliteration by Bruce C Wearne
For Paul, says Bruce C Wearne, “the identification with Christ is so close that he is prepared to say that, after suffering and beating for the cause of Christ, those are indeed the ‘marks’ of Jesus”. PICTURE: DDP/Unsplash
IN A NUTSHELL
Paul concludes and we note his own suffering on behalf of the Gospel.
The word “marks” – STIGMATA – refers to bruising suffered by the crucified Jesus. Those marks are all that Paul needs.
For him, the identification with Christ is so close that he is prepared to say that, after suffering and beating for the cause of Christ, those are indeed the “marks” of Jesus.
It is worth reflecting upon. This is no mysterious cult in which nail prints appear on the hands of some specially blessed “saint”. In fact it is the complete opposite to such “out of this world” mysticism.
Paul is saying that he has no need to proclaim circumcision because he has inherited something far more profound and far more significant.
He has become the recipient of the fulfilment of God’s promise to which circumcision could only point in a feint and obscure way.
These final words indicate that those who follow Jesus Christ should not expect to avoid persecution. If we are not persecuted, as might be our lot in some countries today, we need to keep in mind that brothers and sisters in the faith are being persecuted and murdered for their faith.
They too carry the “marks” of Jesus in their bodies, their bodily life, but just as God raised His Son to pour out life upon all those who believe, so also He will raise them up on the last day to enjoy God’s blessings forever.
This then is the account of God’s grace to all people in the Lord Jesus Christ.
OPEN BOOK – PAUL’S GALATIAN LETTER: GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES
BRUCE C WEARNE concludes his commentary on the New Testament book of Galatians…
From now on may no-one be the cause of trouble for me, since I carry the marks of Jesus on my body. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers [and sisters] Amen. – Galatians 6:17-18/transliteration by Bruce C Wearne
For Paul, says Bruce C Wearne, “the identification with Christ is so close that he is prepared to say that, after suffering and beating for the cause of Christ, those are indeed the ‘marks’ of Jesus”. PICTURE: DDP/Unsplash
IN A NUTSHELL
Paul concludes and we note his own suffering on behalf of the Gospel.
The word “marks” – STIGMATA – refers to bruising suffered by the crucified Jesus. Those marks are all that Paul needs.
For him, the identification with Christ is so close that he is prepared to say that, after suffering and beating for the cause of Christ, those are indeed the “marks” of Jesus.
It is worth reflecting upon. This is no mysterious cult in which nail prints appear on the hands of some specially blessed “saint”. In fact it is the complete opposite to such “out of this world” mysticism.
Paul is saying that he has no need to proclaim circumcision because he has inherited something far more profound and far more significant.
He has become the recipient of the fulfilment of God’s promise to which circumcision could only point in a feint and obscure way.
These final words indicate that those who follow Jesus Christ should not expect to avoid persecution. If we are not persecuted, as might be our lot in some countries today, we need to keep in mind that brothers and sisters in the faith are being persecuted and murdered for their faith.
They too carry the “marks” of Jesus in their bodies, their bodily life, but just as God raised His Son to pour out life upon all those who believe, so also He will raise them up on the last day to enjoy God’s blessings forever.
This then is the account of God’s grace to all people in the Lord Jesus Christ.
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