We’ve reached Paul’s final words to the churches in Galatia. In a significant moment, Paul takes the pen from his scribe and writes these closing thoughts himself. While he typically used an amanuensis to compose his letters, it was not uncommon for Paul to personally write the final lines as a mark of authenticity (see 2 Thessalonians 3:17). What sets this conclusion apart is both its length and its focus. Unlike his other letters, Paul offers no travel plans or greetings for fellow workers. Instead, with urgency and conviction, he summarizes his message by contrasting the selfish motives of the Judaizers with his own Christ-centered motives.

Before concluding, Paul exposes the false teachers in Galatia. Their motives are not genuine but driven by selfish ambition. Paul reveals the ugly truth: these traveling missionaries enforce circumcis ...