Lightfoot says that Paul refers to marks of ill treatment suffered for Christ. These marks are more glorious than any other fleshly sign could be. Paul uncompromisingly asserts his office. Stigmata is brand or mark of ownership. Slaves, captives and soldiers were branded. For Paul, they are the marks of persecution. Calvin says that these marks are imprisonment, chains, scourging, blows, stoning, and every kind of injurious treatment that he had incurred in bearing testimony to the gospel. Barth[1] says that Paul is marked for Christ and lives in the imitation of Christ. He cannot seek to please people.
He offers a benediction to the letter, ending in tenderness.
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