Galatians 6 Chapter Introduction

Structure and Formatting

This chapter concludes Paul’s letter. His final words address some additional issues that concerned him about the Galatian believers.

Brothers

Paul writes the words in this chapter to Christians. He calls them brothers in verses 1 and 18.

Religious and Cultural Concepts in This Chapter

New Creation

Someone who becomes Christian is a new creation that is united with Christ (6:15; 2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians have been given a new way of living that will result in eternal life. This is more significant than a person’s ancestry or attempts to obey the laws God gave the Jews. (See: bornagain)

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Flesh

Paul uses the word “flesh” in a variety of ways throughout this letter. In this chapter he frequently uses flesh to refer to sinful human nature. He contrasts flesh with the Spirit in verse 8. However, he also uses flesh to refer to a person’s physical body or outward appearance in verses 12–13. (See: sin and spirit)