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Exposition
Paul the writer of the letter to the Galatians had loads of troubles during his ministry. For example, his authority as an Apostle had been questioned and false teachers (Judaizers) had opposed his teaching. Among many things, Paul taught that justification is by faith and not by following the law of Moses.
It is ironic that despite Paul’s teaching that all we do is by grace and not by works, he closed his letter to the Galatians by saying that, if anyone had suffered for the gospel, he, Paul had suffered and he had evidence of the suffering on his body.
In those days, people put images of their gods on their bodies and slaves were also marked to prevent them escaping from their masters. (This is probably where the inspiration for tattoos comes from).
Paul was proud that he had suffered in his assignment as an Apostle to the Gentiles. However, he was not saying anyone has to suffer before becoming a disciple of Jesus Christ. Today “marks” on your body as evidence of who you are in Christ will include living a holy life or self-denial through prayer and fasting. Self-denial also includes giving up personal resources for the benefit of the less privileged and doing all you can to spread the gospel.
Prayer
I thank you, Lord, for what you did for me on the cross of cavalry. You completed the job and you declared that is finished. As I live under your grace help me to deny myself for the sake of propagating the gospel. I live in a land where there is freedom of religion; help me not to take it for granted. I pray for brothers and sisters who live in countries where it is an offense to identify as a Christian. I ask that you see them through and grant them victory in Jesus name. I pray that the grip of evil over such countries be broken in Jesus name. Amen
Bible Reading Plan in 26 weeks (Be part of the Bible Reading Program)
Day 22
Genesis 25
Joshua 22
Job 22
Proverbs 22
Jeremiah 22
Matthew 22
Revelation 10
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