Reading for January 25th

Read Galatians 6.11-18
In verse 11-18: 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 states 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: Ethic 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 opposed to him, but could be God's people as originally envisioned in the promise to Abraham: those who have lived by faith, both Jews and gentiles.
In verse 17: His apostolic life imprinted the crucifixion on his body (2 Cor 4.17).
Comments or Questions..