January 14, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Galatians Chapter 6
1 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
In Galatians chapter 6, Paul concludes his letter with practical instructions for life in the Christian community. He emphasizes the responsibility of believers to correct and support one another with love and gentleness. At the same time, he warns against self-deception and calls for self-examination. Paul encourages the believers to remain steadfast in faith, do good, and follow the Spirit’s path. In the concluding part of the chapter, Paul once again focuses on the cross of Christ as the center of faith and rejects any glory that is not founded on Jesus Christ.
Commentary:
Encouragement to Brotherhood and Responsibility (Verses 1–10):
Paul urges the believers to act with gentleness when someone has fallen into sin. Those who are spiritually mature should help restore the erring person, while also watching themselves to avoid temptation. He places particular importance on each person bearing the burdens of others, as this fulfills the law of Christ, which is founded in love. Paul warns against pride and encourages self-examination, as each person is responsible for their own actions. He emphasizes divine justice: what a person sows, that they will also reap. Those who sow to the flesh will reap destruction, but those who sow to the Spirit will reap eternal life. Therefore, believers should not grow weary in doing good, especially toward other believers.
The Cross of Christ as the Center of Faith (Verses 11–18):
In the personal concluding section, Paul highlights that he has written this letter with his own hand. He sharply criticizes those who demand circumcision to protect themselves from persecution and to boast in the outward signs of the law. In contrast, Paul rejects all glory except the cross of Jesus Christ. For him, membership in external religious regulations no longer matters, but only the new life as a “new creation” in Christ. To those who follow this path, Paul promises peace and mercy. He refers to the visible marks he bears for Christ on his body as a sign of his faithfulness and suffering for the faith.
Summary:
In Galatians chapter 6, Paul calls believers to a life of love, responsibility, and spiritual maturity. They are to help one another with gentleness, bear each other’s burdens together, and not be distracted by outward rituals. Everyone is encouraged to do good and sow to the Spirit to reap eternal life. Paul emphasizes that external features such as circumcision do not matter, but the new life in Christ does. He concludes his letter with a wish for peace and mercy for all who follow this faith and underscores the central importance of the cross of Christ as the foundation of Christian life.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages
Chapter 87—“To My Father, and Your Father”
This chapter is based on Luke 24:50-53; Acts 1:9-12.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
In Chapter 87 we learn about the final act of Jesus’ earthly life and His ascension into heaven. Jesus, having triumphed over death and sin, prepares to ascend to His Father in heaven. This moment marks the completion of His mission on Earth and the lasting promise of His presence in the hearts of believers. The place of His ascension—the Mount of Olives—is not merely a geographical location but a place rich with memories of Jesus’ life, prayers, and His struggle for humanity’s salvation. The ascension signifies the transition from Jesus as the suffering Redeemer to the triumphant King ascending to heaven.
Commentary:
Chapter 87 presents Jesus’ ascension as an act of victory and fulfillment. After completing His earthly mission and revealing Himself as the living Savior, He enters the heavenly realms. This moment is bittersweet for the disciples—filled with sorrow at parting from their Master but also with hope, as they now have confirmation of His victory over death. The Mount of Olives, once a place of Jesus’ prayers and struggles, now becomes the stage for His farewell. Yet, this farewell is not final; rather, it marks the beginning of a new era of hope. Jesus promises to remain with His followers and assures them that He will return one day in glory.
The angels affirm to the disciples that Jesus has not departed forever but will return in the same way they saw Him ascend. The image of heavenly hosts welcoming their King symbolizes Jesus’ future triumph at His second coming. Before this moment, Jesus raises His hands in blessing—a powerful affirmation of His presence and ongoing connection with the disciples. This blessing uplifts the disciples spiritually, filling them with joy and confidence in Christ’s continued presence and His role as their intercessor.
Summary:
Chapter 87 portrays Jesus’ ascension as a profound moment of exaltation and victory. The Mount of Olives, once a place of prayer and struggle, becomes the setting for His glorious ascent into heaven. After offering His disciples comfort and the promise of His return, Jesus is taken up by a cloud, disappearing from their sight. The angels proclaim that Jesus will return in the same way. This event conveys a dual message to believers: the comfort and assurance of Christ’s ongoing presence and the hope of His glorious return. The disciples return to Jerusalem with newfound joy and confidence, their hearts filled with praise and gratitude for the living Christ, who continues to live and intercede for them.
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