King James Bible
"And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God."
Paul refers to those who live by the principle he just outlined—boasting only in the cross rather than circumcision or law-keeping. The 'rule' (Greek: kanon) suggests a measuring standard for authentic Christian living, emphasizing faith over external religious markers. Paul pronounces a dual blessing typical of Jewish benedictions, with peace (shalom) encompassing wholeness and divine favor, while mercy highlights God's compassionate forgiveness. This blessing contrasts sharply with the curses he invoked earlier on those promoting circumcision. This phrase likely refers to all believers—both Jew and Gentile—who constitute God's true people through faith in Christ. By redefining 'Israel' in spiritual rather than ethnic terms, Paul culminates his letter's argument that the gospel creates one unified people of God.