Scars often tell stories. A mark on someone’s skin can often be connected to a memorable event in their lives. Scars are often permanent, leaving those who bear them an ever-present reminder of the cause of those wounds. They serve as a lesson and testimony to all who see them. In Galatians 6:17, Paul says, “From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the brand-marks of Jesus.” No doubt, Paul had scars on his body. He was beaten and stoned on several occasions (2 Corinthians 11:24-25). Persecution for the cause of Christ was hard on his body, and those scars served as a lesson for the people of Galatia.
It was evident that the Church in Galatia had troubled Paul (Galatians 3:1). They were leaving the Gospel that had been preached to them for false doctrine (Galatians 1:6-9). In doing so, they not only rejected Paul but more so Christ. Paul spends Galatians reminding them of the one true Gospel. As he concludes, he points to his scars (Galatians 6:17). He reminded them of his suffering as a servant of Christ on their behalf. He endured so much that they may have the Good News, and his desire was that these people would no longer abandon it. He used his scars to show them his love and dedication to them. In return, Paul wanted them to remain faithful to Jesus.
We cannot see the scars of Paul, but we can still learn from them. Brethren, scars for the Gospel ought to help us understand the value of this message. Jesus suffered on the cross, Paul was beaten and stoned, and many others (including Paul) gave their lives for the sake of the Gospel. They bore the brand-marks of Jesus. As the article comes to a close, let me ask you two questions for your consideration: How many scars have men like Paul borne so that you can read the good news? Will you bear the brand-marks of Jesus so that others can hear it as well?
-Bryce Mayfield