2 Cor. 4:10-11 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. [11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2 Cor. 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 2 Cor. 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 2 Cor. 11:24-25 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. [25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 18] Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. After the storm and stress and intensity of the letter comes the peace of the benediction. Paul has argued and rebuked and cajoled but his last word is GRACE, for him the only word that really mattered. Note: Paul closes without any personal salutations. However, he ended as he began, expressing his heartfelt desire that the grace of God would be their abiding portion (cf. Gal 1:3). And, uniquely among all of epistles, he ends with a “...brethren”: Paul’s reminder of his love for them, calling them brothers... Conclusion(s) Justification: eternally secure. • Sanctification: not by keeping the Law. • Rewards: for faithfulness—behavior matters! (Gal 2:20). • Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Cf. Epistle to the Romans and Epistle to the Hebrews (Hab 2:4).
2 Cor. 4:10-11 Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body. [11] For we which live are alway delivered unto death for Jesus' sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2 Cor. 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; 2 Cor. 6:9 As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; 2 Cor. 11:24-25 Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. [25] Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep; 18] Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. After the storm and stress and intensity of the letter comes the peace of the benediction. Paul has argued and rebuked and cajoled but his last word is GRACE, for him the only word that really mattered. Note: Paul closes without any personal salutations. However, he ended as he began, expressing his heartfelt desire that the grace of God would be their abiding portion (cf. Gal 1:3). “...brethren”: And, uniquely among all of Paul’s epistles, he ends with a reminder of his love for them, calling them brothers... Conclusion(s) • Justification: eternally secure. • Sanctification: not by keeping the Law. • Rewards: for faithfulness—behavior matters! (Gal 2:20). Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Cf. Epistle to the Romans and Epistle to the Hebrews (Hab 2:4).