Matthew Henry Commentary Galatians 6:12-15

"As many as desire to make a fair show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. For not even they who receive circumcision do themselves keep the law; but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. But far be it from me to glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world hath been crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature." — Galatians 6:12-15 (ASV)

Proud, vain, and carnal hearts are content with just enough religion to help them maintain a respectable appearance. But the apostle professes his own faith, hope, and joy, and declares that his principal glory was in the cross of Christ. This cross refers to Christ's sufferings and death on the cross—the doctrine of salvation by a crucified Redeemer. Through Christ, or by the cross of Christ, the world is crucified to the believer, and the believer to the world.

The more we consider the Redeemer's sufferings from the world, the less likely we are to love the world. The apostle was as little affected by its charms as an observer would be by anything that had once been graceful in the face of a crucified person, upon seeing it blackened in the agonies of death. He was no more affected by the objects around him than one who is dying would be struck by any of the views their expiring eyes might see from the cross on which they hung.

And for those who have truly believed in Christ Jesus, all other things are counted as utterly worthless compared to him. There is a new creation; old things are passed away, and new perspectives and attitudes are brought about by the regenerating influences of God the Holy Spirit.

Believers are brought into a new world and, being created in Christ Jesus unto good works, are formed for a life of holiness. It is a change of mind and heart by which we are enabled to believe in the Lord Jesus and to live for God. Where this inward, practical religion is lacking, outward professions or names will be of no avail.