Lesson 13 - Closing Remarks

Galatians ends much in the way it began. Paul begins and ends his epistle by commending his readers to God's grace, 1.3; 6.18, showing his deep concern for their spiritual wellbeing. Unlike his other writings, this one does not contain personal pleasantries. The closing benediction of verse 18 is an exception to the message contained in verses 11-17, which is mostly another contrast between the gospel and the Judaizers. It was their heretical activities that had initially triggered the letter. They were promoting a false, man-made gospel of salvation through works and living under law. This was in stark contrast to Paul's divine gospel of salvation by grace and living by the Spirit, which he had preached during his time in Galatia.