Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Galatians 6:16

"And as many as shall walk by this rule, peace [be] upon them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God." — Galatians 6:16 (ASV)

Has anyone yet missed the point? If so, Paul will state it once again in even starker language—“Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God” (cf. the blessings of Pss 125:5; 128:6). This statement makes three points: (1) the peace and mercy of God are given only to those who adhere to this Gospel; (2) all who believe the Gospel have an obligation to continue walking in it; and (3) these, and these only, are the true Israel. “Rule” here clearly refers to the heart of the Gospel just enunciated, though it may also be applied to the “canon” of Scripture and to the whole of Christian doctrine. There can be no peace or mercy for the church when those responsible for following this “rule” depart from it.