加拉太书 1-6
Chinese Contemporary Bible (Simplified)
1 我是保罗，我做使徒并非受人委派，也不是倚靠人，而是由耶稣基督和叫祂从死里复活的父上帝委派的。 2 我和所有跟我在一起的弟兄写信给加拉太的各教会。
3 愿我们的父上帝和主耶稣基督赐给你们恩典和平安！ 4 基督遵照我们父上帝的旨意为我们的罪献上了自己，好拯救我们脱离这罪恶的世代。
5 愿荣耀归给上帝，直到永永远远。阿们！
勿随别的福音
6 我很惊讶，你们竟然那么快就背弃了借着基督的恩典呼召你们的上帝，去追随别的福音！ 7 其实那并不是福音，只是某些人扰乱你们的信仰，想篡改基督的福音。 8 即便是我们或天使，若另传福音给你们，与我们以前传给你们的相悖，也该受咒诅。 9 我们已经说过，现在我再说一次：如果有人向你们传别的福音，跟你们以前接受的不同，那人该受咒诅。
10 我现在是要赢得人的赞同吗？还是要赢得上帝的赞同？难道我是要讨好人吗？如果我仍旧要讨好人，我就不是基督的奴仆了。
保罗受上帝委派传福音
11 弟兄姊妹，我告诉你们，我传的福音不是出于人的意思， 12 因为这福音既不是我从人那里领受的，也不是我跟人学来的，而是耶稣基督亲自启示我的。 13 你们都听说过我信奉犹太教时的所作所为，我怎样残酷地迫害上帝的教会，试图摧毁它。 14 我在犹太教里比许多同辈的犹太人更进取，狂热地维护祖先的传统。
15 然而，当我还在母腹中的时候，上帝就施恩将我分别出来并呼召了我。 16 上帝既然乐意把祂的儿子启示给我，叫我向外族人传扬祂的福音，我就没有跟任何人[a]商量， 17 也没有上耶路撒冷去见那些比我先做使徒的人，而是立刻去了阿拉伯，然后回到大马士革。
18 过了三年，我才到耶路撒冷去拜会彼得，和他一起住了十五天。 19 我也见了主耶稣的弟弟雅各，此外没有见过其他使徒。 20 我在上帝面前保证，我写给你们的绝无谎言。
21 后来我又到了叙利亚和基利迦地区。 22 那时，犹太境内基督的众教会都还没有见过我的面。 23 他们只是听人说：“那个从前迫害我们的人如今在传扬他曾试图摧毁的信仰。” 24 于是他们因为我的缘故将荣耀归给上帝。
众使徒接纳保罗
2 十四年后，我和巴拿巴又去耶路撒冷，并带了提多同去。 2 我是遵照上帝的启示去的。我私下拜会了那些有名望的教会领袖，陈明我在外族人中间所传的福音，免得我过去或是现在的努力都白费了。 3 跟我同去的提多虽然是希腊人，但没有人勉强他接受割礼。
4 事情的缘由是因为有一些假信徒偷偷混了进来，要窥探我们在基督耶稣里享有的自由，想叫我们做律法的奴隶。 5 但为了叫福音的真理常在你们当中，我们丝毫没有向他们妥协。
6 至于那些德高望重的教会领袖，他们的地位对我来说无关紧要，因为上帝不以貌取人。他们对我所传的并没有增加什么。 7 相反，他们都已看到，上帝差遣了我向外族人传福音，就像祂差遣了彼得向犹太人传福音一样。 8 上帝感动了彼得，呼召他做犹太人的使徒，祂也同样感动了我，呼召我做外族人的使徒。 9 当时被誉为教会柱石的雅各、彼得和约翰明白了上帝赐给我的恩典之后，就与我和巴拿巴用右手行相交之礼，让我们向外族人传福音，他们向受割礼的人传福音。 10 他们只要求我们照顾那些贫困的人，这正是我一向热衷的事。
保罗面责彼得
11 后来，彼得到了安提阿，因他做错了事，我就当面责备他。 12 从雅各那里来的人还没有抵达之前，彼得和外族的信徒一起吃饭。但那些人抵达以后，彼得因为怕那些坚持行割礼的犹太人批评，就与外族的信徒分开了。 13 其他的犹太基督徒也跟着彼得装假，甚至连巴拿巴也随从了他们的虚伪。 14 我看见他们不照福音的真理行，就当众对彼得说：“你身为犹太人，如果行事为人像外族人，不像犹太人，又怎能强迫外族人按犹太人的规矩生活呢？”
15 我们生来是犹太人，不是外族罪人， 16 但我们知道人被称为义人不是靠遵行律法，而是靠信耶稣基督。所以我们信了基督耶稣，以便因信基督而被称为义人，而不是靠遵行律法，因为无人能够靠遵行律法而被称为义人。 17 如果我们指望在基督里被称为义人，结果却仍是罪人，难道基督助长罪恶吗？当然不是！
18 倘若我重建我所拆毁的东西，就表明我是罪人。 19 事实上，我因无法满足律法的要求而向律法死了，不再受它的束缚，使我可以为上帝而活。 20 我已经与基督一同被钉在十字架上，现在活着的不再是我，而是基督活在我里面。我现在是靠信上帝的儿子而活着，祂爱我，为我舍命。 21 我不废弃上帝的恩典，倘若靠遵行律法可以成为义人，基督的死便毫无意义了。
行律法与信基督
3 无知的加拉太人啊！谁又迷惑了你们呢？耶稣基督被钉在十字架上的事早就像一幅画一样展现在你们眼前了。 2 我只想问，你们领受了圣灵是靠遵行律法呢，还是因为相信所听见的福音呢？ 3 你们既然靠圣灵开始了基督徒的生活，现在却想靠肉体达到纯全吗？你们就这么无知吗？ 4 你们受了许多苦，难道都是徒然的吗？都白受了吗？ 5 上帝将圣灵赐给你们又在你们中间行神迹，是因为你们遵行律法呢，还是因为你们相信所听到的福音呢？
6 圣经上说：“亚伯拉罕信上帝，就被算为义人。” 7 因此，你们要明白，那些信上帝的人才是亚伯拉罕的子孙。 8 圣经早就指明，上帝要叫外族人因信而被称为义人，祂预先将福音传给亚伯拉罕，说：“万国必因你而蒙福。” 9 所以那些信上帝的人必和有信心的亚伯拉罕一同得到祝福。
10 凡以遵行律法为本的人都在咒诅之下，因为圣经上说：“凡不遵行律法书上一切命令的人必受咒诅。” 11 非常明显，没有人能靠遵行律法在上帝面前被称为义人，因为圣经上说：“义人必靠信心而活。” 12 律法却不是以信心为本，而是说：“遵行的人必存活。”
13 但基督替我们受了咒诅，从而救赎我们脱离了律法的咒诅，因为圣经上说：“凡挂在木头上的人都是受咒诅的。” 14 这样，赐给亚伯拉罕的祝福可以借着基督耶稣临到外族人，使我们也可以借着信得到上帝应许赐给我们的圣灵。
律法与应许
15 弟兄姊妹，我举个日常生活中的例子。世人的合约一经双方签订之后，就不能作废，也不能加添。 16 上帝曾向亚伯拉罕和他的后裔赐下应许，不过这里没有说“后裔们”——指许多人，而是说“你的后裔”——指一个人，就是基督。 17 我的意思是：四百三十年后颁布的律法不会废除上帝先前立下的约，以致应许落空。 18 倘若我们是靠守律法去承受产业，我们就不是倚靠上帝的应许。但上帝是凭应许把产业赐给了亚伯拉罕。
19 那么，为什么会有律法呢？律法是为了使人知罪而颁布的，等那位承受应许的后裔来到后，律法的任务就完成了。律法是通过天使交给一位中间人颁布的。 20 中间人代表双方，但上帝则单方面赐下应许。
21 这样看来，上帝的律法和上帝的应许是否互相矛盾呢？当然不是！如果赐下的律法能带给人生命，人就可以靠律法成为义人了。 22 但圣经说万物都在罪的权势下，为要使那些相信的人因为相信耶稣基督而得到应许[b]。
23 信耶稣的时代[c]还没有来临以前，律法暂时监管我们。等到信耶稣之道显明出来后，律法就不再监管我们。 24 因此，律法是我们的监护人，负责引领我们归向基督，使我们可以因信而被称为义人。 25 现在信耶稣的时代已经来临，我们不再受律法监管。 26 你们都借着信基督耶稣而成为上帝的儿女， 27 因为你们受洗归入基督就是披戴基督[d]。 28 从此不再分犹太人和希腊人，自由人和奴隶，男人和女人，因为你们都在基督耶稣里合而为一了。 29 你们若属于基督，就是亚伯拉罕的后裔，都是照着上帝的应许承受产业的人。
儿子与奴仆
4 然而，产业继承人还年幼时，虽然身为产业的主人，实际上和奴仆没有分别。 2 他一样要受监护人和管家的约束，一直到他父亲指定他继承产业的日子为止。 3 我们也一样，当我们还是孩童的时候，我们受世界基本规条的辖制。 4 然而，时候一到，上帝就差遣自己的儿子借着一位女子降生，并受律法的约束， 5 为要救赎一切受律法约束的人，使我们成为祂的儿女。
6 我们[e]既然成为儿女，上帝就差遣祂儿子的灵进入我们的心里，使我们可以称呼上帝为“阿爸，父亲”。 7 由此可见，你们从今以后不再是奴仆，而是儿女。既然身为儿女，就可以靠着上帝成为产业继承人。
保罗对加拉太人的关怀
8 从前，你们不认识上帝，做那些假神的奴隶。 9 现在，你们既然认识了上帝，或者更应该说是上帝认识了你们，为什么还要回到那些无意义的基本规条之下，甘愿再做它们的奴隶呢？ 10 为什么还拘守什么日子、月份、节期和年份呢？ 11 我真担心我在你们身上的一番心血都枉费了！
12 弟兄姊妹，我劝你们现在要像我一样，因为我已经像你们一样。你们向来没有亏待过我。 13 你们知道，当初是因为我生病才有机会首次向你们传福音。 14 那时，你们虽然因为我生病而受累，却没有轻视我、嫌弃我，反而接待我，就像接待上帝的天使，接待基督耶稣一样。 15 我可以为你们作证，如果可能的话，你们那时就是把眼睛剜出来给我，也心甘情愿。你们当初的喜乐哪里去了？ 16 现在我因为告诉你们真理，就成了你们的仇人吗？
17 那些人非常热心地对待你们，其实他们心怀不轨，想要离间我们的关系，使你们热心地对待他们。 18 有人热心待你们当然很好，但总要动机纯正、始终如一，不应该只是我和你们在一起时才热心待你们。 19 孩子们，为了你们，我像一位母亲再次经历生产的痛苦，一直到基督的生命在你们里面成形。 20 我恨不得立刻赶到你们身边，换种口气说话，因为我为你们焦虑不安。
夏甲与撒拉的例子
21 你们这些甘受律法约束的人啊！告诉我，你们没听过律法怎么说吗？ 22 律法书上说：亚伯拉罕有两个儿子，一个是婢女生的，一个是主母生的。 23 婢女的儿子是按着人的意愿生的，主母的儿子是按着上帝的应许生的。 24 这些事都有更深的含义，两个妇人是指两个约。夏甲代表颁布于西奈山的约，她所生的孩子是奴仆。 25 这夏甲指的是阿拉伯的西奈山，相当于现今的耶路撒冷，她和她的儿女都是奴仆。 26 那天上的耶路撒冷则是自由的，是我们的母亲。 27 因为圣经上说：
“不生育、未生养的妇人啊，
要快乐；
未曾生产的女子啊，
要高声欢呼，
因为没有丈夫的比有丈夫的儿女更多。”
28 弟兄姊妹，你们都像以撒一样是照着上帝的应许出生的。 29 当时，那按着人的意愿生的儿子迫害那靠着圣灵生的儿子，现在的情况也和当时一样。 30 但圣经上怎么说呢？圣经上说：“赶走婢女和她的儿子，因为婢女的儿子不能与主母的儿子一同承受产业。” 31 弟兄姊妹，这样看来，我们不是婢女的儿女，而是主母的儿女。
基督徒的自由
5 基督释放了我们，是要我们得自由。所以，要站稳了，不要再被奴仆的轭辖制。
2 听着！我保罗郑重地告诉你们，如果你们接受割礼，基督对你们就毫无益处。 3 我再次警告所有接受割礼的人，他们必须遵守全部的律法。 4 你们若想靠遵行律法而被称为义人，就与基督隔绝了，并且离开了上帝的恩典。 5 但我们要靠着圣灵，凭信心热切等候所盼望的义。 6 我们既然已经在基督耶稣里，受不受割礼根本无关紧要，借着爱表现出来的信心才至关重要。
7 你们本来在信心的路上一直跑得很好。现在是谁拦阻了你们，叫你们不再信从真理呢？ 8 当然不是呼召你们的上帝！ 9 “一点面酵能使整团面发起来。” 10 我在主里深信你们不会有二心，但无论谁搅扰你们，都必受审判。
11 弟兄姊妹，如果我仍旧主张行割礼，怎么还会受迫害呢？如果是那样，十字架冒犯人的地方就被消除了。 12 我恨不得那些搅扰你们的人把自己阉了[f]！
13 弟兄姊妹，你们蒙召得了自由，但不要以自由为借口来放纵情欲，要本着爱心互相服侍， 14 因为全部的律法可以总结成一句话：“要爱邻如己”。 15 你们要谨慎，如果你们相咬相吞，恐怕会同归于尽。
顺从圣灵而行
16 因此，我劝你们行事为人要顺从圣灵的引导，这样就不会放纵罪恶本性的私欲。 17 因为人罪恶本性的私欲与圣灵作对，圣灵也与罪恶本性的私欲作对，两者势不两立，使你们不能做自己想做的事。 18 但你们如果顺从圣灵的引导，就不再受律法的约束。 19 顺从罪恶本性而行的事显而易见，如淫乱、污秽、邪荡、 20 拜偶像、行邪术、仇恨、争吵、忌恨、恼怒、纷争、冲突、分裂[g]、 21 嫉妒、凶杀、醉酒和荒宴无度等。我从前警告过你们，现在再一次警告你们：行这些事的人必不能承受上帝的国。
22 但圣灵所结的果子是仁爱、喜乐、和平、忍耐、恩慈、良善、信实、 23 温柔、节制。没有律法会禁止这些事。 24 那些属基督的人已经把罪恶的本性和本性里的邪情私欲都钉在十字架上了。 25 如果我们是靠圣灵生活，就当凡事顺从圣灵的引导。 26 我们不要自高自大，彼此惹气，互相嫉妒。
互相扶持
6 弟兄姊妹，如果有人不慎犯了罪，你们顺从圣灵的人就应该温柔地挽回他，同时也要小心，免得自己也受诱惑。 2 你们要分担彼此的重担，这样就成全了基督的律法。 3 如果一个一无是处的人自以为了不起，他是自欺。 4 人人都应该省察自己的行为，即使觉得有可夸之处，自己知道就好了，不必在别人面前炫耀。 5 因为人人都应该为自己的行为负责。
6 在真道上受教的人应该把一切美好的东西分享给教导他的人。
7 不要自欺，上帝是轻慢不得的。人种什么收什么。 8 顺从罪恶的本性撒种的，必从罪恶的本性收取败坏的恶果；顺从圣灵撒种的，必从圣灵收取永生。 9 我们行善不可灰心气馁，因为到时候必有收获。 10 我们要把握机会为众人做善事，对待信徒更要如此。
最后的劝勉和祝福
11 你们看，我亲手写给你们的字是多么大啊[h]！ 12 那些勉强你们接受割礼的人只不过是做表面工夫，想讨好别人，避免为基督的十字架受迫害。 13 那些接受割礼的人自己也不能遵行律法。他们要你们接受割礼，无非是想借着你们的肉体夸耀。 14 至于我自己，我绝不夸耀别的，只夸耀我们主耶稣基督的十字架。因为对我来说，世上的一切都已经被钉在十字架上；对这世界来说，我已经被钉在十字架上。 15 受不受割礼根本无关紧要，做一个新造的人才至关重要。
16 愿上帝的平安和怜悯归给那些愿意按这原则生活的人，也归给上帝的以色列子民[i]。 17 但愿从今以后，再也没有人来搅扰我了，因为我身上已经烙上了耶稣的印记。
18 弟兄姊妹，愿我们主耶稣基督的恩典与你们同在。阿们！
Galatians 1-6
King James Version
1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
2 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:
3 Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ,
4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
5 To whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
6 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:
7 Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ.
8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
11 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.
12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it:
14 And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.
15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,
16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
17 Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus.
18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.
20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
24 And they glorified God in me.
2 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
3 O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?
2 This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
3 Are ye so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh?
4 Have ye suffered so many things in vain? if it be yet in vain.
5 He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?
6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.
8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
9 So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.
10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15 Brethren, I speak after the manner of men; Though it be but a man's covenant, yet if it be confirmed, no man disannulleth, or addeth thereto.
16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
17 And this I say, that the covenant, that was confirmed before of God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot disannul, that it should make the promise of none effect.
18 For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
19 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator.
20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
21 Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
29 And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
4 Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all;
2 But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.
3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world:
4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,
5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.
6 And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
8 Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods.
9 But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage?
10 Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years.
11 I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.
12 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all.
13 Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first.
14 And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.
15 Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me.
16 Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?
17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
18 But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.
19 My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,
20 I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice; for I stand in doubt of you.
21 Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?
22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.
23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.
24 Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar.
25 For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children.
26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
27 For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband.
28 Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise.
29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now.
30 Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.
31 So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.
5 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
2 Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing.
3 For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law.
4 Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.
5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith.
6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
7 Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth?
8 This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.
9 A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that ye will be none otherwise minded: but he that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.
11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.
12 I would they were even cut off which trouble you.
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.
15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.
16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.
18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.
19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.
26 Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.
6 Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.
2 Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
3 For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
4 But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.
5 For every man shall bear his own burden.
6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.
7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
11 Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.
12 As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
13 For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.
14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.
17 From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
18 Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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