"As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. 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. For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. 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. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen."
In the beginning of this lesson, Paul again instructed the Galatians, as well as the children of God today, to "do good unto all men". That simple instruction, which our Lord Jesus Christ also gave during His ministry, pretty much sums up the duties of a Christian person. If we "do good" to everyone we meet, our duties as the children of God are accomplished.
It is very important to note that Paul's intentions in writing this letter, were to expose the supposed Christian Jews to the wrongness of their insistence that all new Christian converts be circumcised and adhere to the constraints of the Law of Moses. This is consistent with almost all of Paul's writing.
Even though Paul was the Jesus appointed Apostle to the Gentiles, Peter and many of the other original twelve Apostles caused him to undergo much needless punishment and grief because he preached the gospel of Jesus Christ just as Jesus had personally taught him after his conversion on the road to Damascus.
The most important thing that should take from Paul's teaching herein, is that eternal salvation is not set apart for a certain few who are willing to jump through physical hoops designated by man or to perform man made rituals, nor is salvation reserved for those whom are "chosen". (As some declare, the circumcised law abiding Jews)
But rather, eternal salvation is freely given to ANYONE who will humble him/herself before God, repent his/her sins and believe with all their heart that Jesus is the virgin born Son of the living God, and was crucified, buried, and resurrected as a sacrifice for the sins of all who will simply place their guilt on Him in faith.
"For ye are all the children of God BY FAITH IN CHRIST JESUS. For as many of you as have been baptized" (Immersed) "into Christ have put on" (Wrapped yourself within) "Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise." (Galatians 3:26-29)~
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