Boasting in the Cross: Paul’s Final Words to the Galatians
Some of the most powerful words in history are not long-winded speeches, but short, unforgettable statements that leave a lasting impact. Take, for example, Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address. After a renowned orator gave an eloquent two-hour speech, Lincoln took the stage and delivered just 272 words. Yet, his brief address became one of the most quoted speeches in American history. His final line still echoes today: that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.
The book of Galatians ends in a similar fashion. While Paul often closes his letters with warm greetings and personal remarks, Galatians concludes with a blunt, powerful statement. He has spent six chapters passionately defending the gospel against false teachings. Now, in just a few lines, he issues a firm warning and a final declaration of faith.
Paul’s Final Words: A Stern Warning
Paul writes in Galatians 6:17, “From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” This is not a passive or dismissive statement. He is not simply saying, “Don’t bother me.” Instead, he is issuing a final warning to those who challenge the true gospel. After six chapters of correction and defense, Paul is saying: Enough. The matter is settled.
His warning is reminiscent of a scene from the classic 90s action movie Air Force One. In the film, Harrison Ford’s character, the President of the United States, fights off terrorists who hijacked his plane. In the final confrontation, he defeats the last enemy and delivers the iconic line: “Get off my plane.” It’s a statement of finality—there is no more discussion, no more threats. The battle is won.
That is what Paul is saying here. The false teachers—known as the Judaizers—have argued that salvation comes not by faith alone but through works, particularly circumcision. Paul has dismantled their argument, proving that justification is by grace through faith in Christ alone. Now, he puts his foot down: The debate is over. The gospel is settled. Don’t trouble me again.
The Marks of Jesus: A Seal of Authenticity
Paul continues, “For I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.” The word “marks” here is the Greek stigmata, which refers to branding—often used to mark ownership of slaves or livestock. Paul is saying that his scars from persecution are proof of his loyalty to Christ. Unlike the false teachers who feared suffering, Paul had been beaten, imprisoned, and stoned for the gospel. His wounds were physical reminders that he belonged to Jesus.
In contrast, the Judaizers wanted others to be circumcised as a sign of their religious devotion. But Paul points to his suffering as the true mark of faithfulness. His scars are the evidence that he is not a people-pleaser, but a servant of Christ (Galatians 1:10).
The Power of Suffering as a Witness
History is full of stories where Christian suffering served as a powerful testimony. One such story comes from Soviet Russia. In the 1970s, a man named Sergei Kourdakov led brutal raids against underground Christian communities. He was dedicated to persecuting believers until he encountered a young Christian woman named Natasha.
On one raid, Sergei and his men found Natasha and beat her mercilessly, throwing her against a wall. Just days later, during another raid, they were shocked to find her worshipping again. Furious, they attacked her even more violently. Sergei was certain this time she would never return. But months later, they found her once again.
At this point, one of Sergei’s own men stopped the violence, declaring, “She has something we don’t have. Nobody touches her.” This moment shook Sergei. He realized Natasha had a faith that could not be destroyed. Eventually, he became curious about Christianity, leading him to Christ. He later wrote an autobiography, The Persecutor, hoping Natasha would read it and know that he had been transformed.
Like Paul, Natasha bore the marks of Jesus. Her suffering became a testimony that led to the salvation of a former persecutor.
Defending the Gospel at All Costs
Paul’s words to the Galatians are a call to action for believers today. The gospel is a treasure worth defending. False teachers continue to distort the truth, just as they did in Paul’s time. We must be vigilant in guarding the gospel and bold in proclaiming it.
In 2 Timothy 1:13-14, Paul exhorts Timothy to “follow the pattern of sound words that you have heard from me… Guard the good deposit entrusted to you.” This charge applies to all Christians. The gospel is our most valuable treasure—it is better that the sun be quenched than the gospel be lost.
Paul’s Final Blessing
Despite his strong tone, Paul ends his letter with grace: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.” (Galatians 6:18) After all the correction, warning, and rebuke, Paul still calls them brothers. He reminds them that grace is at the heart of the gospel. Even when believers stumble, grace restores.
Conclusion: Boasting Only in the Cross
Paul’s final message to the Galatians is clear: Defend the gospel. Treasure it. Suffer for it if necessary. But never waver from the truth that salvation is through Christ alone. As Charles Spurgeon once said:
“Whatever comes of it, still glory in Christ. Whether you are honored or dishonored, in good report or evil report, whether God multiplies your substance and makes you rich or diminishes it and makes you poor, you will still glory in the cross.”
May we, like Paul, stand firm in the faith and boast only in the cross of Christ.
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