¹⁴ I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous^(A) for the traditions of my fathers.^(B)

Paul Accepted by the Apostles

2 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem,^(A) this time with Barnabas.^(B) I took Titus^(C) along also. ² I went in response to a revelation^(D) and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles.^(E) I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race^(F) in vain. ³ Yet not even Titus,^(G) who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.^(H)

Warning Against Idleness

⁶ In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,^(A) we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from^(B) every believer who is idle and disruptive^(C) and does not live according to the teaching^[a] you received from us.^(D)

¹⁴ Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them,^(A) in order that they may feel ashamed.^{(B) 15} Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.^(C)

¹⁴ and will pay no attention to Jewish myths^(A) or to the merely human commands^(B) of those who reject the truth.^(C)