• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them..."

Text: Galatians 6:16

AN APOSTOLIC BENEDICTION

The apostle Paul concluded his epistle to the Galatians with a benediction.

And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and
mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body
the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace
of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Galatians 6:16-18

1. Content of the Benediction

a) Peace

b) Mercy

c) Grace

2. Conditions that apply

a) Only those who walk according to this rule.

b) This rule is well-explained in Galatians.

i) Justification by faith not by the works of the law.

ii) Sonship through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

iii) Ministry of the Holy Spirit resulting in godly fruit.

iv) Maintenance of good works.

3. Recipients

a) Gentiles who had become Christians.

b) The Israel of God (Jewish Christians).

LAST FEW WORDS

Paul added a few personal words at the end of his epistle to the Galatians.

1. “Let no one trouble me”

a) This expresses his personal wish.

b) He had suffered many attacks perpetrated by the enemies of the gospel.

2. “The marks of the Lord Jesus”

a) A reference to his suffering for the Lord.

b) It is likely Paul was making reference to physical scars on his body caused by injuries inflicted on him.