Reading for June 5th

Read Galatians 6.11-18
This is Paul's closing appeal.
In verse 11 this reflects his customary practice (1 Cor 16.21)
In his own hand-writing, he summarizes themes already treated in the letter.
In verse 12 he attacks the motives of his opponents (4.17-18).
In verse 13 criticizing their inconsistent practice recalls Rom 2.17-24.
By boasting of the number of converts they have won, they violate Jer 9.23-24.
In verse 14 Paul restates his central claim; the crucified Christ is his sole focus (1 Cor 2.2)
The crucifixion marked two deaths; the collapse of the world that defined him (law) and the eclipse of the self-understanding that derived from that world.
In verse 15 ethnic identity no longer matters ((3.26-28; 5.6; 1 Cor 7.19).
What matters is participating in God's reordered universe brought about by Christ (2 Cor 5.17).
In verse 16 Israel of God possibly refers to those who opposed him, but could be God's people as originally envisioned int he promise to Abraham; those who live by faith, both Jews and gentiles.
In verse 17 his apostolic life imprinted the crucifixion on his body (2 Cor 4.17).
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