Why do some "not even keep the law" they promote in Galatians 6:13? Setting the Scene in Galatia Galatians 6:12-13 introduces a group pressing circumcision on Gentile believers. Paul exposes their inconsistency: “For even the circumcised do not keep the Law themselves, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.” Who Were These “Circumcised” Teachers? • Jewish Christians or Judaizers who insisted that keeping Moses’ law—especially circumcision—was necessary for full acceptance. • They appeared devout, yet Paul says they were “intent on making a good impression outwardly” (6:12). The Heart of the Matter: Why They Don’t Keep the Law They Promote 1. Inward Motive: Avoiding Persecution (6:12) • Circumcision signaled alignment with traditional Judaism, softening opposition from the synagogue and Roman authorities. • Clinging to a ritual kept them from bearing “the offense of the cross” (cf. 5:11). 2. Outward Motive: Boasting in Numbers (6:13) • “That they may boast in your flesh” points to pride—counting converts to elevate their status. • They measured success by visible markers rather than transformed hearts. 3. Practical Reality: The Law’s Impossible Standard • James 2:10—“Whoever keeps the whole Law yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” • Galatians 3:10 echoes the curse resting on anyone who fails to do “everything written.” • No one, apart from Christ, manages perfect obedience; hypocrisy is inevitable when salvation is sought through law-keeping. 4. Spiritual Blindness: Emphasis on Ritual Over Relationship • Romans 2:21-24 indicts those who preach the Law yet dishonor God by breaking it. • Matthew 23:3—Jesus warned, “Do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” • Ritual without regeneration leaves the heart unchanged (cf. Ezekiel 36:26-27). Scripture Echoes of This Hypocrisy • Acts 15:1—Early controversy: “Unless you are circumcised… you cannot be saved.” • Galatians 2:3-5—Paul refused to yield “for a moment” so the gospel of grace would remain. • Philippians 3:2-9—Paul counts all ritual righteousness as loss compared with knowing Christ. What Paul Offers Instead • Galatians 5:6—“In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but faith working through love.” • Galatians 6:14—He will “boast only in the cross,” not in external achievements. • Walking by the Spirit (5:16-25) produces genuine righteousness the Law could never supply. Take-Home Truths for Today • Legalism breeds pride, fear, and inconsistency; grace breeds humility and authentic obedience. • External conformity impresses people, but only the new creation (6:15) satisfies God. • Guard your heart: pursue Christ, not image; rely on the Spirit, not self-effort; boast in the cross, not in converts or credentials. |
    |