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Galatians

About this book
Chapter 6

1 Brothers and sisters, if a person is discovered in some sin, you who are spiritual restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you are not tempted too. 2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else. 5 For each one will carry his own load. 6 Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it. 7 Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows,⁠ 8 because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit.⁠ 9 So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.⁠ 11 See what big letters I make as I write to you with my own hand! 12 Those who want to make a good showing in external matters are trying to force you to be circumcised. They do so only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast about your flesh. 14 But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.⁠ 15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation! 16 And all who will behave in accordance with this rule, peace and mercy be on them,⁠ and on the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.⁠ 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.

Texts in conversation

Compare 1QS 4:6 and Galatians 6:8

Dead Sea Scrolls, Sectarian and Community Texts · New Testament

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Summary

The Dead Sea Scroll Community Rule speaks of two ways of living, one shaped by truth that leads to life and joy and another shaped by darkness. In Galatians, Paul uses similar language by saying the spirit brings life while selfish living brings ruin.

Passages

1QS 4:6

Dead Sea Scrolls, Sectarian and Community Texts · Community Rule
5 intent with a steadfast inclination, and abundant kindness toward all the sons of truth, and a glorious purity that detests all the idols of impurity, and walking modestly 6 with prudence in all things, and concealing the truth of the mysteries of knowledge. These are the counsels of the spirit for the sons of truth in the world. And the visitation of all who walk in it is healing 7 and abundant peace in length of days, and fruitful seed with all everlasting blessings, and eternal joy in life without end, and a crown of glory 8 with a robe of majesty in eternal light.
160–100 BCE (scholarly estimate) Read in 1QS

Galatians 6:8

New Testament
4 Let each one examine his own work. Then he can take pride in himself and not compare himself with someone else. 5 For each one will carry his own load. 6 Now the one who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with the one who teaches it. 7 Do not be deceived. God will not be made a fool. For a person will reap what he sows, 8 because the person who sows to his own flesh will reap corruption from the flesh, but the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9 So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up. 10 So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.
48–55 CE (scholarly estimate) Read in Galatians

References

"... Despite Ziesler's confident assertion that by the phrase 'eternal life' Paul means life with God in heaven, if one looks closely at each of these Pauline texts it seems far more likely that he means the life which will be dispensed to believers when the Lord returns, when judgment has been rendered, when resurrection has happened and death has been overcome ... The context shows that Paul has a historical conclusion to matters in mind, not an other-worldly one ... in the Jewish discussion of eternal life, which arises only after most of the canonical Old Testament books were written (compare Dan. 12.2; 2 Macc. 7.9; Psalms of Solomon 3.12; 1QS 4; Philo, Fuga. 78; 4 Macc. 15.3), 'the language emerged in Jewish theology in connection with the hope of resurrection not the hope of life everlasting in heaven ..."
Ben Witherington, Grace in Galatia: A Commentary on St. Paul’s Letter to the Galatians (Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans, 1998), 432–433.

References are not endorsements of their contents. Read each reference in full to understand its author's intentions in using these texts.

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1QS 4:6 and Galatians 6:8

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