Boasting in the cross and a new creation (6:14–15)

Says “But as for me, may I never boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world”. The relative is δι’ οὗ (di’ hou, “through which”); the BSB has “which.” Crucifixion with Christ is already treated in Crucified with Christ and Gal 2:20 → Rom 6:6; those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh in Crucified the flesh (5:24–26).

Says “For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation”. SBLGNT, WH, Treg, NA28, and Tischendorf print οὔτε γὰρ περιτομή τί ἐστιν οὔτε ἀκροβυστία, ἀλλὰ καινὴ κτίσις (oute gar peritomē ti estin oute akrobystia alla kainē ktisis, “for neither circumcision is anything nor uncircumcision, but a new creation”); the clause after ἀλλά has no verb, and the BSB supplies “What counts is.” RP and the TR open with ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ and have ἰσχύει for ἐστιν (see οὔτε γὰρ περιτομή τί ἐστιν / ἐν γὰρ Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ οὔτε περιτομή τι ἰσχύει). On either reading, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts, but a new creation (see κτίσις). A related “new creation” is in Gal 6:15 → 2 Cor 5:17. Circumcision of the heart is already treated in Circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, and the Jew who is one inwardly (Romans 2:25–29) and περιτομὴ καρδίας: "circumcision of the heart" and its LXX background; the wording of 5:6 is in The hope of righteousness, and faith working through love (5:5–6). The wording of 6:14–15 is treated in A good showing in the flesh, and a new creation (6:12–15).

Implies Paul boasts only in the cross. Circumcision and uncircumcision count for nothing; what counts is a new creation.