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"A good showing in the flesh..."

Text: Galatians 6:12a

A LAST WORD ABOUT THE JUDAIZERS

As Paul came towards the end of his epistle, he thought it wise to add this last word about the false teachers who had badly affected the Galatians.

As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh,
these would compel you to be circumcised,
only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
For not even those who are circumcised keep the law,
but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast
in your flesh.

Galatians 6:12-13

1. One major focus highlighted

a) Insistence that circumcision must be performed.

b) They compel all adherents to be circumcised.

i) Obviously a reference to Gentile converts.

ii) Jewish boys are already circumcised when they are eight days old.

2. Revealing the hidden reasons behind the activities of the Judaizers

a) They desire to make a good showing of the flesh.

i) They were counting numbers essentially.

ii) Their “success” in getting Gentile converts to be circumcised would be to them “a good showing of the flesh”.

b) Only they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

i) The Judaizers were afraid of suffering persecution.

ii) If they were not actively proselytising Gentiles their standing would be affected.

iii) They may be accused of being identified with the Christians.

3. With reference to keeping the law

a) The circumcised Jews do not keep the law.

b) They know that it is impossible to keep the whole law.

c) They just like to boast in the flesh.

i) In their winning converts to their cause.

ii) They will earn a good standing before the community.

iii) They are not at all concerned about their proselytes… only themselves.