Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
Read it in contextFinal Exhortations and Benediction
Start reading at Galatians 6:1 (Galatians 6:1 to Galatians 6:18).
The verse marks a transition where Paul takes over writing from a scribe for the final, crucial exhortations and benediction of the letter.
6:1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
6:2Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
6:4But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
6:5For every man shall bear his own burden.
6:6Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
6:7Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
6:8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
6:9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
6:11Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
6:12As 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.
6:13For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
6:14But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
6:15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
6:16And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
6:17From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
6:18Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the author, with the brethren who are with him included in the greeting. Biblical references: Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:2. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Galatians 5:1–6:18): Paul instructs the Galatian believers about liberty, love, walking in the Spirit, restoring an erring believer, and mutual responsibility. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The churches of Galatia, including Gentile converts being pressed about circumcision and observance of the law. Whether the destination is northern or southern Galatia remains debated. Biblical references: Galatians 1:2; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:2. stated in the text
What
What is the main event or theme? The verse serves as a personal authentication by Paul, indicating that he has written the preceding and/or concluding portion of the letter with his own hand, emphasizing its importance and his earnestness.
What is God revealing? God is revealing the personal and authoritative nature of Paul's communication to the Galatians, underscoring the weight and truthfulness of his final exhortations and warnings against false teaching.
What is the literary style? This verse is a personal closing remark within an epistle, a common practice for Paul to authenticate his letters.
When
When was it written? The letter to the Galatians was written approximately A.D. 49 to 55. book background
When does the event take place? The event refers to the time of the letter's composition and Paul's act of writing this specific portion.
Where
Where did it happen? The writing of this letter occurred in either Antioch or Ephesus. book background
Where was the author located? The author, Paul, was located in Antioch or Ephesus when he wrote this letter. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Final Exhortations and Benediction (Galatians 6:1 to Galatians 6:18).
Start reading at Galatians 6:1. The verse marks a transition where Paul takes over writing from a scribe for the final, crucial exhortations and benediction of the letter.
How
How does it fit the broader context? This verse marks a transition where Paul takes the pen from a scribe (amanuensis) to personally write the concluding remarks of the letter. This emphasizes the critical importance of the final exhortations, warnings against legalism, and the affirmation of the cross of Christ that follow. interpretation
How does it point to Christ? Paul's personal authentication of the letter, particularly the final section which emphasizes glorying in the cross of Christ (Galatians 6:14) and the new creation in Christ (Galatians 6:15), highlights the centrality of Christ's work. His earnestness in writing these words with his own hand underscores the vital importance of the gospel message concerning Christ. interpretation
How do I apply it today? Paul's personal effort in writing this crucial part of the letter reminds believers of the profound importance of the gospel message, especially the truth of salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone. It encourages us to take God's Word seriously and to personally engage with its truths, just as Paul personally engaged in its transmission, and to be sincere and authentic in our own communication of the faith. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 6
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholePaul describes Spirit-shaped mutual care and personal responsibility, warning about sowing to the flesh and urging endurance in doing good.
Connection to the wholePaul exposes the motives behind the circumcision campaign and closes by locating his own boast in the cross and the significance of a new creature.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Galatians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ.
Connection to the wholeThe practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.