Gal 6:11-18 | RWP | e4.org | With how large letters ( πηλικοις γραμμασιν ). Paul now takes the pen from the amanuensis (cf. ) and writes the rest of the Epistle (verses ) himself instead of the mere farewell greeting ( ; ; ). But what does he mean by "with how large letters"? Certainly not "how large a letter." It has been suggested that he employed large letters because of defective eyesight or because he could only write ill-formed letters because of his poor handwriting (like the print letters of children) or because he wished to call particular attention to this closing paragraph by placarding it in big letters (Ramsay). This latter is the most likely reason. Deissmann, ( St. Paul , p. 51) argues that artisans write clumsy letters, yes, and scholars also. Milligan ( Documents , p. 24; Vocabulary , etc.) suggests the contrast seen in papyri often between the neat hand of the scribe and the big sprawling hand of the signature. I have written ( εγραψα ). Epistolary aorist. With mine own hand ( τη εμη χειρ ). Instrumental case as in .

‏ Galatians 6:11-18

With how large letters ( πηλικοις γραμμασιν ). Paul now takes the pen from the amanuensis (cf. Ro 16:22) and writes the rest of the Epistle (verses 11-18) himself instead of the mere farewell greeting (2Th 3:17; 1Co 16:21; Col 4:18). But what does he mean by "with how large letters"? Certainly not "how large a letter." It has been suggested that he employed large letters because of defective eyesight or because he could only write ill-formed letters because of his poor handwriting (like the print letters of children) or because he wished to call particular attention to this closing paragraph by placarding it in big letters (Ramsay). This latter is the most likely reason. Deissmann, (St. Paul, p. 51) argues that artisans write clumsy letters, yes, and scholars also. Milligan (Documents, p. 24; Vocabulary, etc.) suggests the contrast seen in papyri often between the neat hand of the scribe and the big sprawling hand of the signature.

I have written ( εγραψα ). Epistolary aorist.

With mine own hand ( τη εμη χειρ ). Instrumental case as in 1Co 16:21.

To make a fair show ( ευπροσωπησα ). First aorist active infinitive of ευπροσωπεω, late verb from ευπροσωπος, fair of face ( ευ, προσωπον ). Here only in N.T., but one example in papyri (Tebt. I. 19 12 B.C. 114) which shows what may happen to any of our N.T. words not yet found elsewhere. It is in Chrysostom and later writers.

They compel ( αναγκαζουσιν ). Conative present active indicative, "they try to compel."

For the cross of Christ ( τω σταυρω του Χριστου ). Instrumental case (causal use, Robertson, Grammar, p. 532). Cf. 2Co 2:13. "For professing the cross of Christ" (Lightfoot).

They who receive circumcision ( ο περιτεμνομενο ). Present causative middle of περιτεμνω, those who are having themselves circumcised. Some MSS. read ο περιτετμημενο ), "they who have been circumcised" (perfect passive participle). Probably the present ( περιτεμνομενο ) is correct as the harder reading.

Far be it from me ( εμο μη γενοιτο ). Second aorist middle optative of γινομα in a negative ( μη ) wish about the future with dative case: "May it not happen to me." See 2:17. The infinitive καυχασθα (to glory) is the subject of γενοιτο as is common in the LXX, though not elsewhere in the N.T.

Hath been crucified unto me ( εμο εσταυρωτα ). Perfect passive indicative of σταυροω, stands crucified, with the ethical dative again ( εμο ). This is one of the great sayings of Paul concerning his relation to Christ and the world in contrast with the Judaizers. Cf. 2:19f.; 3:13; 4:4f.; 1Co 1:23f.; Ro 1:16; 3:21ff.; 4:25; 5:18.

World ( κοσμος ) has no article, but is definite as in 2Co 5:19. Paul's old world of Jewish descent and environment is dead to him (Php 3:3f.).

A new creature ( καινη κτισις ). For this phrase see on 2Co 5:17.

By this rule ( τω κανον τουτω ). For κανων, see on 2Co 10:13, 15f.

From henceforth ( του λοιπου ). Usually το λοιπον, the accusative of general reference, "as for the rest" (Php 3:1; 4:8). The genitive case (as here and Eph 6:10) means "in respect of the remaining time."

The marks of Jesus ( τα στιγματα του Ιησου ). Old word from στιζω, to prick, to stick, to sting. Slaves had the names or stamp of their owners on their bodies. It was sometimes done for soldiers also. There were devotees also who stamped upon their bodies the names of the gods whom they worshipped. Today in a round-up cattle are given the owner's mark. Paul gloried in being the slave of Jesus Christ. This is probably the image in Paul's mind since he bore in his body brandmarks of suffering for Christ received in many places (2Co 6:4-6; 11:23ff.), probably actual scars from the scourgings (thirty-nine lashes at a time). If for no other reason, listen to me by reason of these scars for Christ and "let no one keep on furnishing trouble to me."

The farewell salutation is much briefer than that in 2Co 13:13, but identical with that in Phm 1:25. He calls them "brethren" ( αδελφο ) in spite of the sharp things spoken to them.