Paul Defends His Apostleship

11 I wish that you would (A)bear with me in a little (B)foolishness; but [a]indeed you are bearing with me. For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I (C)betrothed you to one husband, to (D)present you as a pure virgin to Christ. But I am afraid that, as the (E)serpent deceived Eve by his trickery, your minds will be led astray from sincere and pure devotion to Christ. For if [b]one comes and preaches (F)another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a (G)different spirit which you have not received, or a (H)different gospel which you have not accepted, this you (I)tolerate (J)very well! For I consider myself (K)not in the least inferior to the [c]most eminent apostles. But even if I am (L)unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in (M)knowledge; in fact, in every way we have (N)made this evident to you in all things.

Or (O)did I commit a sin by humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the (P)gospel of God to you (Q)without charge? I robbed other churches by (R)taking wages from them to serve you; and when I was present with you and was in need, I was (S)not a burden to anyone; for when (T)the brothers came from (U)Macedonia they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from (V)being a burden to you, [d]and will continue to do so. 10 (W)As the truth of Christ is in me, (X)this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of (Y)Achaia. 11 Why? (Z)Because I do not love you? (AA)God knows that I do!

12 But what I am doing I will also continue to do, (AB)so that I may eliminate the opportunity from those who want an opportunity to be [e]regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 13 For such men are (AC)false apostles, (AD)deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even (AE)Satan disguises himself as an (AF)angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, (AG)whose end will be according to their deeds.

16 (AH)Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little. 17 What I am saying, I am not saying [f](AI)as the Lord would, but as (AJ)in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Since (AK)many boast (AL)according to the flesh, I will boast also. 19 For you, (AM)being so wise, tolerate the foolish gladly. 20 For you tolerate it if anyone (AN)enslaves you, if anyone (AO)devours you, if anyone (AP)takes advantage of you, if anyone (AQ)exalts himself, if anyone (AR)hits you in the face. 21 To my (AS)shame I must say that we have been (AT)weak by comparison.

But in whatever respect anyone else (AU)is bold—I am (AV)speaking in foolishness—I too am bold. 22 Are they (AW)Hebrews? (AX)So am I. Are they (AY)Israelites? (AZ)So am I. Are they [g](BA)descendants of Abraham? (BB)So am I. 23 Are they (BC)servants of Christ?—I am speaking as if insane—I more so; in (BD)far more labors, in (BE)far more imprisonments, [h](BF)beaten times without number, often in danger of (BG)death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews (BH)thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was (BI)beaten with rods, once I was (BJ)stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent adrift at sea. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my (BK)countrymen, dangers from the (BL)Gentiles, dangers in the (BM)city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers at sea, dangers among (BN)false brothers; 27 I have been in (BO)labor and hardship, through many sleepless nights, in (BP)hunger and thirst, often (BQ)without food, in cold and [i](BR)exposure. 28 Apart from such [j]external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for (BS)all the churches. 29 Who is (BT)weak without my being weak? Who is [k]led into sin [l]without my intense concern?

30 If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my (BU)weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, (BV)He who is blessed forever, (BW)knows that I am not lying. 32 In (BX)Damascus the ethnarch under Aretas the king was (BY)guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me, 33 and I was let down in a basket (BZ)through a window [m]in the wall, and so escaped his hands.

Paul’s Vision

12 (CA)Boasting is necessary, though it is not beneficial; but I will go on to visions and (CB)revelations [n]of the Lord. I know a man (CC)in Christ, who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, (CD)God knows—such a man was (CE)caught up to the (CF)third heaven. And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, (CG)God knows— was (CH)caught up into (CI)Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. (CJ)In behalf of such a man I will boast; but in my own behalf I will not boast, except regarding my (CK)weaknesses. For if I do wish to boast I will not be (CL)foolish, (CM)for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.

A Thorn in the Flesh

Because of the extraordinary greatness of the (CN)revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given to me a (CO)thorn in the flesh, a (CP)messenger of Satan to [o]torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I pleaded with the Lord (CQ)three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for (CR)power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather (CS)boast [p]about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore (CT)I delight in weaknesses, in [q]insults, in (CU)distresses, in (CV)persecutions, in (CW)difficulties, (CX)in behalf of Christ; for (CY)when I am weak, then I am strong.

11 I have become (CZ)foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, since I was (DA)in no respect inferior to the [r]most eminent apostles, even though (DB)I am a nobody. 12 The (DC)distinguishing marks [s]of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by [t]signs, wonders, and [u]miracles. 13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that (DD)I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me (DE)this wrong!

14 Here (DF)for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I (DG)will not be a burden to you; for I (DH)do not seek what is yours, but (DI)you; for (DJ)children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but (DK)parents for their children. 15 I will (DL)most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If (DM)I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But be that as it may, I (DN)did not burden you myself; nevertheless, devious person that I am, I (DO)took you in by deceit. 17 (DP)Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I? 18 I (DQ)urged (DR)Titus to go, and I sent (DS)the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not [v]conduct ourselves [w]in the same (DT)spirit and walk (DU)in the same steps?

19 All this time [x]you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, (DV)it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and (DW)all for building you up, (DX)beloved. 20 For I am afraid that perhaps (DY)when I come I may find you to be not what I wish, and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be (DZ)strife, jealousy, (EA)angry tempers, (EB)selfishness, (EC)slanders, (ED)gossip, (EE)arrogance, (EF)disturbances; 21 I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have (EG)sinned in the past and not repented of the (EH)impurity, sexual immorality, and indecent behavior which they have practiced.

Examine Yourselves

13 (EI)This is the third time that I am coming to you. (EJ)On the [y]testimony of two or three witnesses every matter shall be confirmed. I have previously said when I was present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have (EK)sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that (EL)if I come again I will not (EM)spare anyone, since you are (EN)seeking proof of the (EO)Christ who speaks in me, who is not weak toward you, but (EP)mighty in you. For indeed He was (EQ)crucified because of weakness, yet He lives (ER)because of the power of God. For we too are (ES)weak [z]in Him, yet (ET)we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.

(EU)Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; (EV)examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you [aa](EW)fail the test? But I expect that you will realize that we ourselves [ab]do not fail the test. Now we pray to God that you do nothing wrong; not so that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, though we may [ac]appear unapproved. For we cannot do anything against the truth, but only for the truth. For we rejoice when we ourselves are (EX)weak, but you are strong; this we also pray for, [ad]that you (EY)become mature. 10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present (EZ)I need not use (FA)severity, in accordance with the (FB)authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

11 (FC)Finally, brothers and sisters, [ae]rejoice, (FD)mend your ways, be comforted, (FE)be like-minded, (FF)live in peace; and (FG)the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 (FH)Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 (FI)All the [af]saints greet you.

14 (FJ)The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the (FK)love of God, and the (FL)fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.

Introduction

Paul, (FM)an apostle ((FN)not sent from men nor through human agency, but (FO)through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who (FP)raised Him from the dead), and all (FQ)the brothers who are with me,

To (FR)the churches of Galatia:

(FS)Grace to you and peace from [ag]God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who (FT)gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from (FU)this present evil [ah]age, according to the will of (FV)our God and Father, (FW)to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.

Distortion of the Gospel

I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting (FX)Him who called you [ai]by the grace of Christ, for a (FY)different gospel, which is not just another account; but there are some who are (FZ)disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or (GA)an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be [aj](GB)accursed! As we (GC)have said before, even now I say again: (GD)if anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be [ak](GE)accursed!

10 For am I now (GF)seeking the favor of people, or of God? Or am I striving to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a (GG)bond-servant of Christ.

Paul Defends His Ministry

11 For (GH)I would have you know, brothers and sisters, that the gospel which was preached by me is (GI)not [al]of human invention. 12 For (GJ)I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a (GK)revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of (GL)my former way of life in Judaism, how I (GM)used to persecute (GN)the church of God beyond measure and (GO)tried to destroy it; 14 and I (GP)was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my [am]countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my (GQ)ancestral traditions. 15 But when [an]He who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and (GR)called me through His grace was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might (GS)preach Him among the Gentiles, (GT)I did not immediately consult with [ao](GU)flesh and blood, 17 (GV)nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to (GW)Damascus.

18 Then (GX)three years later I went up (GY)to Jerusalem to [ap]become acquainted with [aq](GZ)Cephas, and stayed with him for fifteen days. 19 But I did not see another one of the apostles except [ar](HA)James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now in what I am writing to you, [as]I assure you (HB)before God that I am not lying.) 21 Then (HC)I went into the regions of (HD)Syria and (HE)Cilicia. 22 I was still unknown by [at]sight to (HF)the churches of Judea which are (HG)in Christ; 23 but they only kept hearing, “The man who once persecuted us is now preaching (HH)the faith which he once (HI)tried to destroy.” 24 And they (HJ)were glorifying God [au]because of me.

The Council at Jerusalem

Then after an interval of fourteen years I (HK)went up again to Jerusalem with (HL)Barnabas, taking (HM)Titus along also. [av]It was because of a (HN)revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the (HO)gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that somehow I might be (HP)running, or had run, in vain. But not even (HQ)Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was (HR)compelled to be circumcised. Yet it was a concern because of the (HS)false brothers secretly brought in, who (HT)had sneaked in to spy on our (HU)freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to (HV)enslave us. But we did not yield in subjection to them, even for an hour, so that (HW)the truth of the gospel would remain with you. But from those who [aw]were of considerable (HX)repute (what they were makes no difference to me; (HY)God shows no favoritism)—well, those who were of repute contributed nothing to me. But on the contrary, seeing that I had been (HZ)entrusted with the (IA)gospel [ax]to the uncircumcised, just as (IB)Peter had been [ay]to the circumcised (for He who was at work for Peter in his (IC)apostleship [az]to the circumcised was at work for me also to the Gentiles), and recognizing (ID)the grace that had been given to me, [ba](IE)James and [bb](IF)Cephas and John, who were (IG)reputed to be (IH)pillars, gave to me and (II)Barnabas the (IJ)right [bc]hand of fellowship, so that we might (IK)go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. 10 They only asked us to remember the poor—(IL)the very thing I also was eager to do.

Peter (Cephas) Opposed by Paul

11 But when (IM)Cephas came to (IN)Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he [bd]stood condemned. 12 For prior to the coming of some men from [be](IO)James, he used to (IP)eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and separate himself, (IQ)fearing those from the circumcision. 13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even (IR)Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they (IS)were not [bf]straightforward about (IT)the truth of the gospel, I said to (IU)Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, (IV)live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?[bg]

15 “We are (IW)Jews by nature and not (IX)sinners from the Gentiles; 16 nevertheless, knowing that (IY)a person is not justified by works of [bh]the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by (IZ)faith in Christ and not by works of [bi]the Law; since (JA)by works of [bj]the Law no [bk]flesh will be justified. 17 But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found (JB)sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? [bl](JC)Far from it! 18 For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I (JD)prove myself to be a wrongdoer. 19 For through [bm]the Law I (JE)died to [bn]the Law, so that I might live for God. 20 I have been (JF)crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but (JG)Christ lives in me; and [bo]the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in (JH)the Son of God, who (JI)loved me and (JJ)gave Himself up for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for (JK)if righteousness comes through [bp]the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”

Faith Brings Righteousness

[bq]You foolish (JL)Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ (JM)was publicly portrayed as crucified? This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by works of [br]the Law, or by (JN)hearing [bs]with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun [bt]by the Spirit, are you now [bu]being perfected by the flesh? Did you [bv]suffer so many things in vain—(JO)if indeed it was in vain? So then, does He who (JP)provides you with the Spirit and (JQ)works [bw]miracles among you, do it by works of [bx]the Law, or by (JR)hearing [by]with faith?

Just as (JS)Abraham (JT)believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. Therefore, recognize that (JU)it is those who are of faith who are (JV)sons of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God [bz]would justify the [ca]Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “(JW)All the nations will be blessed in you.” So then, (JX)those who are of faith are blessed with [cb]Abraham, the believer.

10 For all who are of works of [cc]the Law are under a curse; for it is written: “(JY)Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the Law, to do them.” 11 Now, that (JZ)no one is justified [cd]by [ce]the Law before God is evident; for, “[cf](KA)the righteous one will live by faith.” 12 [cg]However, the Law is not [ch]of faith; on the contrary, “(KB)The person who performs [ci]them will live by [cj]them.” 13 Christ (KC)redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written: “(KD)Cursed is everyone who hangs on (KE)a [ck]tree”— 14 in order that (KF)in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles, so that we (KG)would receive (KH)the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Intent of the Law

15 (KI)Brothers and sisters, (KJ)I speak [cl]in terms of human relations: (KK)even though it is only a man’s [cm]covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds [cn]conditions to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken (KL)to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as one would in referring to many, but rather as in referring to one, “(KM)And to your seed,” that is, Christ. 17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came (KN)430 years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For (KO)if the inheritance is [co]based on law, it is no longer [cp]based on a promise; but (KP)God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.

19 (KQ)Why the Law then? It was added on account of the [cq]violations, having been (KR)ordered through angels (KS)at the hand of a [cr]mediator, until (KT)the Seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now (KU)a mediator is not [cs]for one party only; but God is only one. 21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? [ct](KV)Far from it! For (KW)if a law had been given that was able to impart life, then righteousness [cu]would indeed have been [cv]based on law. 22 But the Scripture has (KX)confined [cw]everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.

23 But before faith came, [cx]we were kept in custody under the Law, (KY)being confined for the faith that was destined to be revealed. 24 Therefore the Law has become our [cy](KZ)guardian to lead us to Christ, so that (LA)we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a [cz](LB)guardian. 26 For you are all (LC)sons and daughters of God through faith in (LD)Christ Jesus. 27 For all of you who were (LE)baptized into Christ have (LF)clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 (LG)There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is [da]neither male nor female; for (LH)you are all one in (LI)Christ Jesus. 29 And if (LJ)you [db]belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s [dc]descendants, heirs according to (LK)promise.

Sonship in Christ

Now I say, as long as the heir is a [dd]child, he does not differ at all from a slave, although he is [de]owner of everything, but he is under guardians and [df]managers until the [dg]date set by the father. So we too, when we were children, were held (LL)in bondage under the [dh](LM)elementary principles of the world. But when (LN)the fullness of the time came, God sent His Son, (LO)born of a woman, born (LP)under [di]the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under [dj]the Law, that we might receive the adoption as (LQ)sons and daughters. Because you are sons, (LR)God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “(LS)Abba! [dk]Father!” Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son; and (LT)if a son, then an heir [dl]through God.

However at that time, (LU)when you did not know God, you were (LV)slaves to (LW)those which by nature are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be (LX)known by God, (LY)how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless [dm](LZ)elementary principles, to which you want to be enslaved all over again? 10 You (MA)meticulously observe days and months and seasons and years. 11 I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored [dn]over you in vain.

12 I beg of you, (MB)brothers and sisters, (MC)become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong; 13 but you know that it was because of a [do]bodily illness that I preached the gospel to you the [dp]first time; 14 and you did not despise that which was a trial to you in my [dq]bodily condition, nor express contempt, but (MD)you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself. 15 Where then is [dr]that sense of blessing you had? For I testify about you that, if possible, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So have I become your enemy (ME)by [ds]telling you the truth? 17 They eagerly seek you, not [dt]in a commendable way, but they want to shut you out so that you will seek them. 18 But it is good always to be eagerly sought [du]in a commendable way, and (MF)not only when I am present with you. 19 (MG)My children, with whom (MH)I am again in labor until (MI)Christ is formed in you— 20 but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone of voice, for (MJ)I am at a loss about you!

Slave and Free

21 Tell me, you who want to be under law, do you not (MK)listen to the Law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, (ML)one by the slave woman and (MM)one by the free woman. 23 But (MN)the son by the slave woman [dv]was born according to the flesh, and (MO)the son by the free woman through the promise. 24 [dw](MP)This is speaking allegorically, for these women are two covenants: one coming from (MQ)Mount Sinai giving birth to children [dx]who are to be (MR)slaves; [dy]she is Hagar. 25 Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is enslaved with her children. 26 But (MS)the Jerusalem above is free; [dz]she is our mother. 27 For it is written:

(MT)Rejoice, infertile one, you who do not give birth;
Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor;
For the children of the desolate one are more numerous
Than those of the one who has a husband.”

28 And you, brothers and sisters, (MU)like Isaac, are (MV)children of promise. 29 But as at that time (MW)the son who was born according to the flesh (MX)persecuted the one who was born according to the Spirit, (MY)so it is even now. 30 But what does the Scripture say?

(MZ)Drive out the slave woman and her son,
For (NA)the son of the slave woman shall not be an heir with the son of the free woman.”

31 So then, brothers and sisters, we are not children of a slave woman, but of the free woman.

Follow the Spirit

(NB)It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore (NC)keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a (ND)yoke of slavery.

Look! I, (NE)Paul, tell you that if you have yourselves (NF)circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. And I (NG)testify again to every man who has himself (NH)circumcised, that he is obligated to (NI)keep the whole Law. You have been severed from Christ, you who [ea]are seeking to be justified by the [eb]Law; you have (NJ)fallen from grace. For we, [ec]through the Spirit, [ed]by faith, are (NK)waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in (NL)Christ Jesus (NM)neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but (NN)faith working through love.

You were (NO)running well; who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion did not come from (NP)Him who calls you. (NQ)A little [ee]leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. 10 (NR)I have confidence [ef]in you in the Lord, that you (NS)will adopt no other view; but the one who is (NT)disturbing you will bear the punishment, whoever he is. 11 But as for me, brothers and sisters, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still (NU)persecuted? Then (NV)the stumbling block of the cross has been eliminated. 12 I wish that (NW)those who are troubling you would even [eg](NX)emasculate themselves.

13 For you were called to (NY)freedom, brothers and sisters; (NZ)only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but (OA)serve one another through love. 14 For (OB)the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “(OC)You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you (OD)bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another.

16 But I say, (OE)walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out (OF)the desire of the flesh. 17 For (OG)the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, (OH)in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. 18 But if you are (OI)led by the Spirit, (OJ)you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: (OK)sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, 20 idolatry, (OL)witchcraft, hostilities, (OM)strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, (ON)selfish ambition, dissensions, (OO)factions, 21 envy, (OP)drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not (OQ)inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But (OR)the fruit of the Spirit is (OS)love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, (OT)self-control; against such things (OU)there is no law. 24 Now those who [eh]belong to (OV)Christ Jesus (OW)crucified the flesh with its passions and (OX)desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow (OY)the Spirit as well. 26 Let’s not become (OZ)boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.

Bear One Another’s Burdens

(PA)Brothers and sisters, even if a person is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are (PB)spiritual are to (PC)restore such a person (PD)in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you are not tempted as well. (PE)Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill (PF)the law of Christ. For (PG)if anyone thinks that he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But each one must (PH)examine his own work, and then he will have reason for (PI)boasting, but [ei]to himself alone, and not [ej]to another. For (PJ)each one will bear his own load.

(PK)The one who is taught (PL)the word is to share all good things with the one who teaches him. (PM)Do not be deceived, (PN)God is not mocked; for (PO)whatever a person sows, this he will also reap. (PP)For the one who sows to his own flesh will reap (PQ)destruction from the flesh, but (PR)the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. (PS)Let’s not become discouraged in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we (PT)do not become weary. 10 So then, [ek](PU)while we have opportunity, let’s do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the (PV)household of (PW)the faith.

11 See with what large letters I have written to you (PX)with my own hand! 12 All who want (PY)to make a good showing in the flesh try to (PZ)compel you to be circumcised, simply so that they (QA)will not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For those who [el]are circumcised do not even (QB)keep [em]the Law themselves, but they want to have you circumcised so that they may (QC)boast in your flesh. 14 But (QD)[en]far be it from me to boast, (QE)except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, (QF)through [eo]which the world has been crucified to me, and (QG)I to the world. 15 For (QH)neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a (QI)new [ep]creation. 16 And all who will follow this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the (QJ)Israel of God.

17 From now on let no one cause trouble for me, for I bear on my body the [eq](QK)marks of Jesus.

18 (QL)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be (QM)with your spirit, (QN)brothers and sisters. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 11:1 Or do indeed bear with me
  2. 2 Corinthians 11:4 Lit the one who comes preaches
  3. 2 Corinthians 11:5 Or super-apostles
  4. 2 Corinthians 11:9 Lit and I will keep
  5. 2 Corinthians 11:12 Lit found
  6. 2 Corinthians 11:17 Lit in accordance with the Lord
  7. 2 Corinthians 11:22 Lit seed
  8. 2 Corinthians 11:23 Lit exceedingly in blows
  9. 2 Corinthians 11:27 Lit nakedness; i.e., lack of clothing
  10. 2 Corinthians 11:28 Or the things unmentioned
  11. 2 Corinthians 11:29 Lit made to stumble
  12. 2 Corinthians 11:29 Lit and I do not burn
  13. 2 Corinthians 11:33 Lit through
  14. 2 Corinthians 12:1 Or from
  15. 2 Corinthians 12:7 Lit beat
  16. 2 Corinthians 12:9 Lit in
  17. 2 Corinthians 12:10 Or mistreatment
  18. 2 Corinthians 12:11 Or super-apostles
  19. 2 Corinthians 12:12 Lit of the apostle
  20. 2 Corinthians 12:12 Or confirming miracles
  21. 2 Corinthians 12:12 Or works of power
  22. 2 Corinthians 12:18 Lit walk
  23. 2 Corinthians 12:18 Or by the same Spirit
  24. 2 Corinthians 12:19 Or have you been thinking...?
  25. 2 Corinthians 13:1 Lit mouth
  26. 2 Corinthians 13:4 One early ms with Him
  27. 2 Corinthians 13:5 Lit are unapproved
  28. 2 Corinthians 13:6 Lit are not unapproved
  29. 2 Corinthians 13:7 Lit be as
  30. 2 Corinthians 13:9 Lit your maturation
  31. 2 Corinthians 13:11 Or farewell
  32. 2 Corinthians 13:13 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people
  33. Galatians 1:3 One early ms God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ
  34. Galatians 1:4 Or world
  35. Galatians 1:6 Lit in
  36. Galatians 1:8 Gr anathema
  37. Galatians 1:9 Gr anathema
  38. Galatians 1:11 Lit according to man
  39. Galatians 1:14 Lit race
  40. Galatians 1:15 One early ms God who
  41. Galatians 1:16 I.e., people
  42. Galatians 1:18 Or visit
  43. Galatians 1:18 I.e., Peter
  44. Galatians 1:19 Or Jacob
  45. Galatians 1:20 Lit behold before God
  46. Galatians 1:22 Lit face
  47. Galatians 1:24 Lit in me
  48. Galatians 2:2 Lit according to revelation I went up
  49. Galatians 2:6 Lit reputed as being something
  50. Galatians 2:7 Lit of the uncircumcision; i.e., to Gentiles
  51. Galatians 2:7 Lit of the circumcision; i.e., to Jews
  52. Galatians 2:8 See note 2 v 7
  53. Galatians 2:9 Or Jacob
  54. Galatians 2:9 I.e., Peter
  55. Galatians 2:9 Lit hands
  56. Galatians 2:11 Or was to be condemned; lit was one who was condemned; or was self-condemned
  57. Galatians 2:12 Or Jacob
  58. Galatians 2:14 Or progressing toward; lit walking straightly
  59. Galatians 2:14 Some close the direct quotation here, others extend it through v 21
  60. Galatians 2:16 Or law
  61. Galatians 2:16 Or law
  62. Galatians 2:16 Or law
  63. Galatians 2:16 Or mortal man
  64. Galatians 2:17 Lit May it never happen!
  65. Galatians 2:19 Or law
  66. Galatians 2:19 Or law
  67. Galatians 2:20 Or insofar as I
  68. Galatians 2:21 Or law
  69. Galatians 3:1 Lit O
  70. Galatians 3:2 Or law
  71. Galatians 3:2 Lit of faith
  72. Galatians 3:3 Or with
  73. Galatians 3:3 Or ending with
  74. Galatians 3:4 Or experience
  75. Galatians 3:5 Or works of power
  76. Galatians 3:5 Or law
  77. Galatians 3:5 Lit of faith
  78. Galatians 3:8 Lit justifies
  79. Galatians 3:8 Lit nations
  80. Galatians 3:9 Lit the believing Abraham
  81. Galatians 3:10 Or law
  82. Galatians 3:11 Or in
  83. Galatians 3:11 Or law
  84. Galatians 3:11 Or the one who is righteous by faith will live
  85. Galatians 3:12 Or And
  86. Galatians 3:12 Or based on
  87. Galatians 3:12 I.e., the statutes of the Law
  88. Galatians 3:12 I.e., the statutes of the Law
  89. Galatians 3:13 Or cross; lit wood; see Deut 21:23
  90. Galatians 3:15 Lit according to man
  91. Galatians 3:15 Or will; or testament
  92. Galatians 3:15 Or a codicil
  93. Galatians 3:18 Lit out of, from
  94. Galatians 3:18 Lit out of, from
  95. Galatians 3:19 I.e., of God’s commands
  96. Galatians 3:19 I.e., Moses
  97. Galatians 3:20 Lit of one
  98. Galatians 3:21 Lit May it never happen!
  99. Galatians 3:21 Or would indeed be
  100. Galatians 3:21 Lit out of, from
  101. Galatians 3:22 Lit all things
  102. Galatians 3:23 I.e., the Jews
  103. Galatians 3:24 I.e., children’s escort and supervisor
  104. Galatians 3:25 See note v 24
  105. Galatians 3:28 Lit not male and female
  106. Galatians 3:29 Lit are Christ’s
  107. Galatians 3:29 Lit seed
  108. Galatians 4:1 Or minor
  109. Galatians 4:1 Lit lord
  110. Galatians 4:2 Or stewards
  111. Galatians 4:2 I.e., when the child is no longer a minor
  112. Galatians 4:3 Or rudimentary teachings
  113. Galatians 4:4 Or law
  114. Galatians 4:5 Or law
  115. Galatians 4:6 I.e., Paul’s translation of the Aramaic Abba
  116. Galatians 4:7 I.e., through the gracious act of
  117. Galatians 4:9 Or rudimentary teachings
  118. Galatians 4:11 Or for
  119. Galatians 4:13 Lit weakness of the flesh
  120. Galatians 4:13 Or former
  121. Galatians 4:14 Lit flesh
  122. Galatians 4:15 I.e., considering yourselves fortunate
  123. Galatians 4:16 Or dealing truthfully with you
  124. Galatians 4:17 Or with good intentions
  125. Galatians 4:18 Or with good intentions
  126. Galatians 4:23 Lit has been born
  127. Galatians 4:24 Lit Which
  128. Galatians 4:24 Lit into slavery
  129. Galatians 4:24 Lit which
  130. Galatians 4:26 Lit which
  131. Galatians 5:4 Or would be
  132. Galatians 5:4 Or law
  133. Galatians 5:5 Lit by
  134. Galatians 5:5 Lit out of
  135. Galatians 5:9 I.e., fermented dough
  136. Galatians 5:10 Lit toward
  137. Galatians 5:12 Or cut themselves off
  138. Galatians 5:24 Lit are of Christ Jesus
  139. Galatians 6:4 Or in regard to
  140. Galatians 6:4 Or in regard to
  141. Galatians 6:10 Or as
  142. Galatians 6:13 Two early mss have been
  143. Galatians 6:13 Or law
  144. Galatians 6:14 Lit may it never be for
  145. Galatians 6:14 Or whom
  146. Galatians 6:15 Or creature
  147. Galatians 6:17 I.e., scars and other evidence of persecution

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