Galatians 6
Galatians 6 is part of “Paul's Gospel Applied” (5–6) in the outline of Galatians.
Galatians 6 summary
This chapter chiefly consists of two parts. In the former the apostle gives us several plain and practical directions, which more especially tend to instruct Christians in their duty to one another, and to promote the communion of saints in love (Gal 6:1-10). In the latter he revives the main design of the epistle, which was to fortify the Galatians against the arts of their judaizing teachers, and confirm them in the truth and liberty of the gospel, for which purpose he, I. Gives them the true character of these teachers, and shows them from what motives, and with what views, they acted (Gal 6:11-14).
Read the full introduction
This chapter chiefly consists of two parts. In the former the apostle gives us several plain and practical directions, which more especially tend to instruct Christians in their duty to one another, and to promote the communion of saints in love (Gal 6:1-10). In the latter he revives the main design of the epistle, which was to fortify the Galatians against the arts of their judaizing teachers, and confirm them in the truth and liberty of the gospel, for which purpose he, I. Gives them the true character of these teachers, and shows them from what motives, and with what views, they acted (Gal 6:11-14). And, II. On the other hand he acquaints them with his own temper and behaviour. From both these they might easily see how little reason they had to slight him, and to fall in with them. And then he concludes the epistle with a solemn benediction.
Source: Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Key verses in Galatians 6
Galatians 6 (GNV)
Geneva Bible 1599 (public domain)
Bear One Another's Burdens
1Brethren, if a man be suddenly taken in any offence, ye which are spirituall, restore such one with the spirit of meekenes, considering thy selfe, least thou also be tempted. 2Beare ye one anothers burden, and so fulfill the Lawe of Christ. 3For if any man seeme to himselfe, that he is somewhat, when he is nothing, hee deceiueth himselfe in his imagination. 4But let euery man prooue his owne worke: and then shall he haue reioycing in himselfe onely and not in another. 5For euery man shall beare his owne burden. 6Let him that is taught in the worde, make him that hath taught him, partaker of all his goods.
Reaping What You Sow
7Be not deceiued: God is not mocked: for whatsoeuer a man soweth, that shall hee also reape. 8For hee that soweth to his flesh, shall of the flesh reape corruption: but hee that soweth to the spirit, shall of the spirit reape life euerlasting. 9Let vs not therefore be weary of well doing: for in due season we shall reape, if we faint not. 10While we haue therefore time, let vs doe good vnto all men, but specially vnto them, which are of the housholde of faith.
Final Warning and Benediction
11Ye see how large a letter I haue written vnto you with mine owne hand. 12As many as desire to make a faire shewe in the flesh, they constraine you to be circumcised, onely because they would not suffer persecution for the crosse of Christ. 13For they themselues which are circumcised keepe not the law, but desire to haue you circumcised, that they might reioyce in your flesh. 14But God forbid that I should reioyce, but in ye crosse of our Lord Iesus Christ, whereby the world is crucified vnto me, and I vnto ye world. 15For in Christ Iesus neither circumcision auaileth any thing, nor vncircumcision, but a newe creature. 16And as many as walke according to this rule, peace shalbe vpon them, and mercie, and vpon the Israel of God. 17From henceforth let no man put me to busines: for I beare in my body the markes of the Lord Iesus. 18Brethren, the grace of our Lord Iesus Christ be with your spirit, Amen. ‘Vnto the Galatians written from Rome.’