As Paul finishes this letter, he reveals the motivation of those trying to get the Galatians circumcised — so that they won’t get persecuted by the Jews who believe these new believers must be circumcised.
He also makes this bold statement that certainly we should meditate on and try to understand all of its implications …
14 But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation! 16 And all who will behave in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and on the Israel of God.
Galatians 6:14-16
New creation … do I get it?
I am dealing with some health issues and resulting limitations. As I make adjustments and seek what the Lord wants me to do with my life now, verse 6:4 stands out to me in the MSG (Message) and TPT (The Passion Translation) versions, which give the verse a slightly different flavor:
MSG Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.
TPT Let everyone be devoted to fulfill the work God has given them to do with excellence.
I appreciate that the word pride is not in either of these translations. The Greek word for boasting is in the verse, however. It seems uncharacteristic of Paul to say it. And in verse 14 he expresses that about himself, “But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ ….”
The NLT has verse 4 as, “4 Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else.” That seems more in line with Paul’s thoughts. Or, maybe, my thoughts about Paul’s thoughts.
Jim–I like the way the TPT translates verse 15b, about “new creation”:
“What really matters is the transforming power of this new creation life.”
The REB has it as, For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is anything, but a new creation is everything.
This matches the NRSV.
Thanks for bringing my attention to the NLT verse 4. I like how it is worded…”the satisfaction of a job well done.” I think that is a very good way to describe the attitude we should strive for. If the word “pride” is used, I easily get into a guilt complex…If I do a job well and feel good about it, then I think that’s “prideful” and feel guilty of the sin of pride for thinking well of the job I did. (But didn’t God give me the skill to do the job well????) The NLT version, as you pointed out, is likely more in line with Paul’s thoughts. If I do a job well, I can feel good about it and feel “satisfied” with the job I did…and that is perfectly fine.
For example, I remember when you (Jim) won the Employee of the Year award (voted on by the employees themselves). You can feel very satisfied for a job well done and recognized by your peers….but not have an attitude of pride and boasting about it.
Verses 9 & 10 came up three times this week by Wednesday – in a prayer meeting Monday night, in a prayer meeting Wednesday morning, and in my reading for Wednesday. Think God is trying to tell me something?!
Must be so.
I like how the NLT starts off verse 9:
9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good.