Galatians 6:12

Reverting to the error which had perhaps suggested, and which certainly occupies so prominent a place in the Epistle, St Paul unmasks those who were its authors and propagators; contrasting their conduct and motives with his own.

All who desire to make a fair shew in externals, these it is who constrain you to submit to the external rite of circumcision and this, not because they are zealous for the law, but only that they may escape persecution for the Cross of Christ.

to make a fair shew -to present a fair outside to the world", like the scribes and Pharisees, who were compared by our Lord to -whited sepulchres, which outwardly are fair to look upon, but within are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness," Matthew 23:27.

in the flesh in that which is simply external, with close reference to the rite of circumcision, and in sharp contrast to that principle of faith of which a Crucified Saviour is the object and -a new creature" the result. A careful consideration of Philippians 3:3-5, will help to the understanding of St Paul's use of this phrase. "We are the circumcision, who worship God in Spirit, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh: though I myself might even have confidence in the flesh … circumcisedthe eighth day, &c." Comp. Romans 2:28-29 where -circumcision in the flesh", the material rite, is contrasted with -circumcision of the heart, in spirit &c."

constrain you Make it morally obligatory on you. Comp. ch. Galatians 2:14.

only lest Not because they care for the Law, but solely because they lack courage to face the persecution which attends the doctrine of the Cross.

for the cross of Christ Lit. - by " i.e. because of the Cross of Christ. If the false teachers constrain you to be, -make it necessary" that you be circumcised, it implies that Christ's death on the Cross is not sufficient for your salvation. To believe in, and to proclaim that sufficiency, has in all ages constituted -the offence of the Cross," and has brought obloguy and ill-usage on those who so believe and confess it. This is to suffer persecution for the Cross of Christ.