“And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.”
My Notes
What Does Galatians 6:16 Mean?
"And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." Paul pronounces a benediction over those who follow the principle he's just established: what matters is the new creation in Christ, not circumcision or uncircumcision. "This rule" (kanōn — measuring standard) refers to the cross as the sole basis of identity. Those who live by this standard receive Paul's blessing of peace and mercy.
The phrase "the Israel of God" has been debated: does it refer to ethnic Israel, to the church as spiritual Israel, or to Jewish believers specifically? In context, Paul likely means all who belong to God through faith — the true people of God defined by the new creation rather than by ethnic or ritual markers. It's a redefinition of God's people around the cross, not around the law.
Reflection Questions
- 1.What 'rule' are you actually measuring your life by — religious performance, cultural identity, or the new creation?
- 2.How does the simplicity of Paul's standard (are you a new creation?) free you from religious complexity?
- 3.What does it mean to you to be included in 'the Israel of God' based on faith rather than background?
- 4.Where do you need Paul's blessing of peace and mercy today?
Devotional
Peace and mercy. That's Paul's blessing for anyone who measures their life by one standard: the new creation. Not by circumcision or uncircumcision. Not by religious performance or cultural identity. By the cross — and the new reality it creates.
Paul calls this a "rule" — a kanōn, a measuring standard. And it's wonderfully simple: the only thing that counts is whether you are a new creation in Christ. Everything else — the rituals you keep or don't keep, the traditions you follow or ignore, the cultural markers that used to define you — is irrelevant compared to this one question: are you new?
The blessing of peace and mercy falls on everyone who walks according to this standard. Not walks perfectly. Walks according to it — meaning it's the direction of your life, the orientation of your heart, the standard by which you evaluate everything else. You might stumble. You might struggle. But if the new creation is your measuring stick, the peace and mercy are yours.
"The Israel of God" — God's people, redefined. Not by genealogy. Not by ritual compliance. By faith in the crucified and risen Christ. If you've ever felt like you don't belong to God's people because you don't have the right background, the right pedigree, the right religious history — Paul's closing benediction includes you. Walk by this rule. The peace and mercy are for you.
Commentary
Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.
From henceforth let no man trouble me,.... Having so clearly stated and explained the doctrine of justification, and so…
And as many as walk - As many as live, for so the word walk is used in the Scriptures. According to this rule. Greek:…
As many as walk according to this rule - Τῳ κανονι τουτῳ· This canon; viz. what is laid down in the preceding verses,…
The apostle, having at large established the doctrine of the gospel, and endeavoured to persuade these Christians to a…
as many as walk See note on ch. Gal 5:25. Some commentators attach to this verb a different sense, -as many as conform…
Cross References
Related passages throughout Scripture