How does Galatians 6:16 connect with the concept of the "Israel of God"? Scene and Setting “From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.” (Galatians 6:17-18) Paul is closing his letter. Just prior to these words, he pronounces a blessing: “And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:16) The Rule Paul Refers To • The “rule” is the gospel principle he has defended throughout Galatians: justification by faith apart from the works of the Law (Galatians 2:16; 5:6). • Those who “walk by this rule” are believers—Jew or Gentile—who trust Christ alone, boast only in His cross (6:14), and show new-creation life (6:15). Who Is the “Israel of God”? Conservative, literal reading keeps two observations in view: 1. Paul never collapses ethnic Israel into the church (Romans 11:1-2). 2. Yet he recognizes a believing remnant within Israel (Romans 9:6-8). Therefore, “Israel of God” naturally points to Jewish believers in Jesus: • They are still Israel by birth. • They are now “of God” through faith in Christ, the promised Messiah. • They stand alongside Gentile Christians as one body (Ephesians 2:14-16) without erasing national distinctions or future covenant promises (Romans 11:25-29). Why Add a Separate Blessing? • Paul extends “peace and mercy” first to all gospel-walkers, then specifically names Jewish believers to affirm God’s faithfulness to Israel. • This counters the Judaizers’ claim that Gentiles must become Jews; instead, even Jewish believers receive mercy the same way—through the cross. Key Supporting Passages • Romans 9:6-8: “For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel… the children of the promise are regarded as offspring.” • Romans 11:5: “So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.” • Ephesians 2:14-16: Jew and Gentile made “one new man,” yet verse 12 still distinguishes “the commonwealth of Israel.” • Philippians 3:3: “For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God,” showing believers fulfill the spiritual intent of Israel’s covenant sign. Practical Takeaways • Salvation is by grace through faith for every individual, Jew or Gentile. • God’s promises to ethnic Israel remain intact; believing Jews today enjoy present spiritual blessings while national promises await future fulfillment (Zechariah 12:10; Romans 11:26-27). • The church should honor Jewish believers as the firstfruits of that coming restoration, standing with them in gospel unity without erasing their identity. |
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