Greeting

(A)Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving

(B)We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers,[a] as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing. Therefore (C)we ourselves boast about you (D)in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith (E)in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

The Judgment at Christ's Coming

This is (F)evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be (G)considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering— since indeed God considers it (H)just (I)to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant (J)relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when (K)the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven (L)with his mighty angels (M)in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those (N)who do not know God and on those who (O)do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of (P)eternal destruction, (Q)away from[b] the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might, 10 (R)when he comes on (S)that day (T)to be glorified in his saints, and to be marveled at among all who have believed, because our (U)testimony to you (V)was believed. 11 To this end we (W)always pray for you, that our God may (X)make you worthy of his calling and may fulfill every resolve for good and every (Y)work of faith by his power, 12 so that the name of our Lord Jesus (Z)may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The Man of Lawlessness

Now concerning (AA)the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our (AB)being gathered together to him, we ask you, brothers,[c] not to be quickly shaken in mind or (AC)alarmed, either (AD)by a spirit or a (AE)spoken word, or (AF)a letter seeming to be from us, to the effect that (AG)the day of the Lord has come. (AH)Let no one deceive you in any way. For that day will not come, (AI)unless the rebellion comes first, and (AJ)the man of lawlessness[d] is revealed, (AK)the son of destruction,[e] who opposes and exalts himself against every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, (AL)proclaiming himself to be God. Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? And you know what is restraining him now so that he may be revealed in his time. For (AM)the mystery of lawlessness (AN)is already at work. Only he who now restrains it will do so until he is out of the way. And then (AO)the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus (AP)will kill with (AQ)the breath of his mouth and bring to nothing by (AR)the appearance of his coming. The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan (AS)with all power and false signs and wonders, 10 and with all wicked deception for (AT)those who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth and so be saved. 11 Therefore (AU)God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe (AV)what is false, 12 in order that all may be condemned (AW)who did not believe the truth but (AX)had pleasure in unrighteousness.

Stand Firm

13 But (AY)we ought always to give thanks to God for you, (AZ)brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you (BA)as the firstfruits[f] (BB)to be saved, (BC)through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth. 14 To this he called you through (BD)our gospel, (BE)so that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers, (BF)stand firm and hold to (BG)the traditions that you were taught by us, either (BH)by our spoken word or by (BI)our letter.

16 Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, (BJ)who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good (BK)hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and (BL)establish them in every good work and word.

Pray for Us

Finally, brothers,[g] (BM)pray for us, that (BN)the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored,[h] as happened among you, and (BO)that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men. For (BP)not all have faith. But (BQ)the Lord is faithful. He will establish you and (BR)guard you against (BS)the evil one.[i] And (BT)we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will do the things that we command. May the Lord (BU)direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.

Warning Against Idleness

Now we command you, brothers, (BV)in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, (BW)that you keep away from any (BX)brother (BY)who is walking in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us. For you yourselves know (BZ)how you ought to imitate us, because (CA)we were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but (CB)with toil and labor we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you. It was (CC)not because we do not have that right, but to give you in ourselves (CD)an example to imitate. 10 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: (CE)If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. 11 For we hear that some among you (CF)walk in idleness, not busy at work, but (CG)busybodies. 12 Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.[j]

13 As for you, brothers, (CH)do not grow weary in doing good. 14 If anyone does not obey what we say in this letter, take note of that person, and (CI)have nothing to do with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 (CJ)Do not regard him as an enemy, but (CK)warn him as a brother.

Benediction

16 Now may (CL)the Lord of peace himself (CM)give you peace at all times in every way. (CN)The Lord be with you all.

17 I, Paul, write (CO)this greeting with my own hand. This is the sign of genuineness in every letter of mine; it is the way I write. 18 (CP)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Footnotes

  1. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters
  2. 2 Thessalonians 1:9 Or destruction that comes from
  3. 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 13, 15
  4. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Some manuscripts sin
  5. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Greek the son of perdition (a Hebrew idiom)
  6. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts chose you from the beginning
  7. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Or brothers and sisters; also verses 6, 13
  8. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Or glorified
  9. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Or evil
  10. 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Greek to eat their own bread

Paul, Silas[a](A) and Timothy,(B)

To the church of the Thessalonians(C) in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(D)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

We ought always to thank God for you,(E) brothers and sisters,[b] and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.(F) Therefore, among God’s churches we boast(G) about your perseverance and faith(H) in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.(I)

All this is evidence(J) that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy(K) of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just:(L) He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you(M) and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven(N) in blazing fire(O) with his powerful angels.(P) He will punish(Q) those who do not know God(R) and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.(S) They will be punished with everlasting destruction(T) and shut out from the presence of the Lord(U) and from the glory of his might(V) 10 on the day(W) he comes to be glorified(X) in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.(Y)

11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you,(Z) that our God may make you worthy(AA) of his calling,(AB) and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness(AC) and your every deed prompted by faith.(AD) 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,(AE) and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.[c]

The Man of Lawlessness

Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ(AF) and our being gathered to him,(AG) we ask you, brothers and sisters, not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter(AH)—asserting that the day of the Lord(AI) has already come.(AJ) Don’t let anyone deceive you(AK) in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion(AL) occurs and the man of lawlessness[d] is revealed,(AM) the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God(AN) or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.(AO)

Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things?(AP) And now you know what is holding him back,(AQ) so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back(AR) will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed,(AS) whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth(AT) and destroy by the splendor of his coming.(AU) The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan(AV) works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders(AW) that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.(AX) They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.(AY) 11 For this reason God sends them(AZ) a powerful delusion(BA) so that they will believe the lie(BB) 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.(BC)

Stand Firm

13 But we ought always to thank God for you,(BD) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[e](BE) to be saved(BF) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit(BG) and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you(BH) to this through our gospel,(BI) that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

15 So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm(BJ) and hold fast to the teachings[f] we passed on to you,(BK) whether by word of mouth or by letter.

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,(BL) who loved us(BM) and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage(BN) your hearts and strengthen(BO) you in every good deed and word.

Request for Prayer

As for other matters, brothers and sisters,(BP) pray for us(BQ) that the message of the Lord(BR) may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.(BS) And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people,(BT) for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful,(BU) and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.(BV) We have confidence(BW) in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts(BX) into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Warning Against Idleness

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,(BY) we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from(BZ) every believer who is idle and disruptive(CA) and does not live according to the teaching[g] you received from us.(CB) For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.(CC) We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked(CD) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,(CE) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.(CF) 10 For even when we were with you,(CG) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work(CH) shall not eat.”

11 We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.(CI) 12 Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ(CJ) to settle down and earn the food they eat.(CK) 13 And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.(CL)

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

Final Greetings

16 Now may the Lord of peace(CP) himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.(CQ)

17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand,(CR) which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.(CS)

Footnotes

  1. 2 Thessalonians 1:1 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
  2. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 2:1, 13, 15; 3:1, 6, 13.
  3. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 Or God and Lord, Jesus Christ
  4. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Some manuscripts sin
  5. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts because from the beginning God chose you
  6. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Or traditions
  7. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Or tradition

19 And they came to (A)Ephesus, and he left them there, but (B)he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. 21 But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you (C)if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.

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19 They arrived at Ephesus,(A) where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined. 21 But as he left, he promised, “I will come back if it is God’s will.”(B) Then he set sail from Ephesus.

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Greeting

Paul, an (A)apostle—(B)not from men nor through man, but (C)through Jesus Christ and God the Father, (D)who raised him from the dead— and all (E)the brothers[a] who are with me,

To (F)the churches of Galatia:

(G)Grace to you and peace (H)from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, (I)who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present (J)evil age, according to the will of (K)our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

No Other Gospel

I am astonished that you are (L)so quickly deserting (M)him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to (N)a different gospel— (O)not that there is another one, but (P)there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or (Q)an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, (R)let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, (S)let him be accursed.

10 For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying (T)to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a (U)servant[b] of Christ.

Paul Called by God

11 For (V)I would have you know, brothers, that (W)the gospel that was preached by me is not man's gospel.[c] 12 (X)For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it (Y)through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of (Z)my former life in Judaism, how (AA)I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely (AB)zealous was I for (AC)the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when he (AD)who had set me apart (AE)before I was born,[d] and who (AF)called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to[e] me, in order (AG)that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone;[f] 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.

18 Then (AH)after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James (AI)the Lord's brother. 20 (In what I am writing to you, (AJ)before God, I do not lie!) 21 (AK)Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 And I was still unknown in person to (AL)the churches of Judea that are in Christ. 23 They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” 24 And they glorified God because of me.

Paul Accepted by the Apostles

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those (AM)who seemed influential) the gospel that (AN)I proclaim among the Gentiles, (AO)in order to make sure I was not running or had not (AP)run in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, (AQ)was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. (AR)Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who (AS)slipped in to spy out (AT)our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, (AU)so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that (AV)the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. And from those (AW)who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; (AX)God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential (AY)added nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been (AZ)entrusted with (BA)the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, (BB)who seemed to be (BC)pillars, perceived the (BD)grace that was given to me, they (BE)gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, (BF)the very thing I was eager to do.

Paul Opposes Peter

11 But (BG)when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him (BH)to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, (BI)he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing (BJ)the circumcision party.[g] 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their (BK)conduct was not in step with (BL)the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas (BM)before them all, “If you, though a Jew, (BN)live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

Justified by Faith

15 We ourselves are Jews by birth and not (BO)Gentile sinners; 16 yet we know that (BP)a person is not justified[h] by works of the law (BQ)but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, (BR)because by works of the law no one will be justified.

17 But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found (BS)to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18 For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through the law I (BT)died to the law, so that I might (BU)live to God. 20 I have been (BV)crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives (BW)in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, (BX)who loved me and (BY)gave himself for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for (BZ)if righteousness[i] were through the law, (CA)then Christ died for no purpose.

By Faith, or by Works of the Law?

O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? (CB)It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly (CC)portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: (CD)Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by (CE)hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? (CF)Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by[j] the flesh? (CG)Did you suffer[k] so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and (CH)works miracles among you do so (CI)by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— just as (CJ)Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?

Know then that it is (CK)those of faith who are (CL)the sons of Abraham. And the Scripture, foreseeing that (CM)God would justify[l] the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, (CN)“In you shall all the nations be blessed.” So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

10 For all who rely on works of the law are (CO)under a curse; for it is written, (CP)“Cursed be everyone who does not (CQ)abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” 11 Now it is evident that (CR)no one is justified before God by the law, for (CS)“The righteous shall live by faith.”[m] 12 But the law is not of faith, rather (CT)“The one who does them shall live by them.” 13 Christ (CU)redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, (CV)“Cursed is everyone who is hanged (CW)on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might (CX)come to the Gentiles, so that (CY)we might receive (CZ)the promised Spirit[n] through faith.

The Law and the Promise

15 (DA)To give a human example, brothers:[o] (DB)even with a man-made covenant, no one annuls it or adds to it once it has been ratified. 16 Now (DC)the promises were made (DD)to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, (DE)“And to your offspring,” who is Christ. 17 This is what I mean: the law, which came (DF)430 years afterward, does not annul a covenant previously ratified by God, so as (DG)to make the promise void. 18 For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but (DH)God gave it to Abraham by a promise.

19 Why then the law? (DI)It was added because of transgressions, (DJ)until the offspring should come to whom the promise had been made, and it was (DK)put in place through angels (DL)by an intermediary. 20 Now (DM)an intermediary implies more than one, but (DN)God is one.

21 Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For (DO)if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. 22 But the Scripture (DP)imprisoned everything under sin, so that (DQ)the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given (DR)to those who believe.

23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, (DS)imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, (DT)the law was our (DU)guardian until Christ came, (DV)in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus (DW)you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as (DX)were baptized (DY)into Christ have (DZ)put on Christ. 28 (EA)There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave[p] nor free, (EB)there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And (EC)if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, (ED)heirs according to promise.

Sons and Heirs

I mean that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a slave,[q] though he is the owner of everything, but he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father. In the same way we also, when we were children, (EE)were enslaved to the elementary principles[r] of the world. But (EF)when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, (EG)born (EH)of woman, born (EI)under the law, (EJ)to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive (EK)adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent (EL)the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then (EM)an heir through God.

Paul's Concern for the Galatians

Formerly, when you (EN)did not know God, you (EO)were enslaved to those that by nature (EP)are not gods. But now that you have come to know God, or rather (EQ)to be known by God, (ER)how can you turn back again to (ES)the weak and worthless elementary principles of the world, whose slaves you want to be once more? 10 (ET)You observe days and months and seasons and years! 11 I am afraid (EU)I may have labored over you in vain.

12 Brothers,[s] (EV)I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. (EW)You did me no wrong. 13 You know it was (EX)because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you (EY)at first, 14 and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me (EZ)as an angel of God, (FA)as Christ Jesus. 15 What then has become of your blessedness? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have gouged out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I then become your enemy by (FB)telling you the truth?[t] 17 They make much of you, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out, that you may make much of them. 18 It is always good to be made much of for a good purpose, and (FC)not only when I am present with you, 19 (FD)my little children, (FE)for whom I am again in the anguish of childbirth until Christ (FF)is formed in you! 20 I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

Example of Hagar and Sarah

21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, (FG)one by a slave woman and (FH)one by a free woman. 23 But (FI)the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while (FJ)the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two (FK)covenants. (FL)One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia;[u] she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But (FM)the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,

(FN)“Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;
    break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!
For the children of the desolate one will be more
    than those of the one who has a husband.”

28 Now you,[v] brothers, (FO)like Isaac, (FP)are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh (FQ)persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, (FR)so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? (FS)“Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but (FT)of the free woman.

Christ Has Set Us Free

For (FU)freedom Christ has (FV)set us free; (FW)stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to (FX)a yoke of (FY)slavery.

Look: I, Paul, say to you that (FZ)if you accept circumcision, (GA)Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that (GB)he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are (GC)severed from Christ, (GD)you who would be justified[w] by the law; (GE)you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly (GF)wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus (GG)neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but (GH)only faith working through love.

(GI)You were running well. Who hindered you from obeying (GJ)the truth? This persuasion is not from (GK)him who calls you. (GL)A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 (GM)I have confidence in the Lord that you will (GN)take no other view, and (GO)the one who is troubling you will bear the penalty, whoever he is. 11 But if I, brothers,[x] still preach[y] circumcision, (GP)why am I still being persecuted? In that case (GQ)the offense of the cross has been removed. 12 I wish (GR)those who unsettle you would emasculate themselves!

13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. (GS)Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love (GT)serve one another. 14 For (GU)the whole law is fulfilled in one word: (GV)“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you (GW)bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.

Keep in Step with the Spirit

16 But I say, (GX)walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify (GY)the desires of the flesh. 17 For (GZ)the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, (HA)to keep you from doing the things you want to do. 18 But if you are (HB)led by the Spirit, (HC)you are not under the law. 19 Now (HD)the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20 idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, (HE)divisions, 21 envy,[z] drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that (HF)those who do[aa] such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But (HG)the fruit of the Spirit is (HH)love, joy, peace, patience, (HI)kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 (HJ)gentleness, (HK)self-control; (HL)against such things there is no law. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus (HM)have crucified the flesh with its (HN)passions and desires.

25 If we live by the Spirit, (HO)let us also keep in step with the Spirit. 26 (HP)Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.

Bear One Another's Burdens

Brothers,[ab] (HQ)if anyone is caught in any transgression, (HR)you who are spiritual should restore him in (HS)a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (HT)Bear one another's burdens, and (HU)so fulfill (HV)the law of Christ. For (HW)if anyone thinks he is something, (HX)when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one (HY)test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For (HZ)each will have to bear his own load.

(IA)Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. (IB)Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for (IC)whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For (ID)the one who sows to his own flesh (IE)will from the flesh reap corruption, but (IF)the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And (IG)let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, (IH)if we do not give up. 10 So then, (II)as we have opportunity, let us (IJ)do good to everyone, and especially to those who are (IK)of the household of faith.

Final Warning and Benediction

11 See with what large letters I am writing to you (IL)with my own hand. 12 (IM)It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh (IN)who would force you to be circumcised, and only (IO)in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But far be it from me to boast (IP)except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which[ac] the world (IQ)has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For (IR)neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but (IS)a new creation. 16 And as for all who walk by this rule, (IT)peace and mercy be upon them, and upon (IU)the Israel of God.

17 From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.

18 (IV)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be (IW)with your spirit, brothers. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 1:2 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 11
  2. Galatians 1:10 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface
  3. Galatians 1:11 Greek not according to man
  4. Galatians 1:15 Greek set me apart from my mother's womb
  5. Galatians 1:16 Greek in
  6. Galatians 1:16 Greek with flesh and blood
  7. Galatians 2:12 Or fearing those of the circumcision
  8. Galatians 2:16 Or counted righteous (three times in verse 16); also verse 17
  9. Galatians 2:21 Or justification
  10. Galatians 3:3 Or now ending with
  11. Galatians 3:4 Or experience
  12. Galatians 3:8 Or count righteous; also verses 11, 24
  13. Galatians 3:11 Or The one who by faith is righteous will live
  14. Galatians 3:14 Greek receive the promise of the Spirit
  15. Galatians 3:15 Or brothers and sisters
  16. Galatians 3:28 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface
  17. Galatians 4:1 For the contextual rendering of the Greek word doulos, see Preface; also verse 7
  18. Galatians 4:3 Or elemental spirits; also verse 9
  19. Galatians 4:12 Or Brothers and sisters; also verses 28, 31
  20. Galatians 4:16 Or by dealing truthfully with you
  21. Galatians 4:25 Some manuscripts For Sinai is a mountain in Arabia
  22. Galatians 4:28 Some manuscripts we
  23. Galatians 5:4 Or counted righteous
  24. Galatians 5:11 Or brothers and sisters; also verse 13
  25. Galatians 5:11 Greek proclaim
  26. Galatians 5:21 Some manuscripts add murder
  27. Galatians 5:21 Or make a practice of doing
  28. Galatians 6:1 Or Brothers and sisters; also verse 18
  29. Galatians 6:14 Or through whom

Paul, an apostle(A)—sent not from men nor by a man,(B) but by Jesus Christ(C) and God the Father,(D) who raised him from the dead(E) and all the brothers and sisters[a] with me,(F)

To the churches in Galatia:(G)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,(H) who gave himself for our sins(I) to rescue us from the present evil age,(J) according to the will of our God and Father,(K) to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(L)

No Other Gospel

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called(M) you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel(N) which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion(O) and are trying to pervert(P) the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,(Q) let them be under God’s curse!(R) As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted,(S) let them be under God’s curse!

10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?(T) If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Paul Called by God

11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters,(U) that the gospel I preached(V) is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man,(W) nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation(X) from Jesus Christ.(Y)

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism,(Z) how intensely I persecuted the church of God(AA) and tried to destroy it.(AB) 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous(AC) for the traditions of my fathers.(AD) 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb(AE) and called me(AF) by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles,(AG) my immediate response was not to consult any human being.(AH) 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.(AI)

18 Then after three years,(AJ) I went up to Jerusalem(AK) to get acquainted with Cephas[b] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James,(AL) the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God(AM) that what I am writing you is no lie.(AN)

21 Then I went to Syria(AO) and Cilicia.(AP) 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea(AQ) that are in Christ.(AR) 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith(AS) he once tried to destroy.”(AT) 24 And they praised God(AU) because of me.

Paul Accepted by the Apostles

Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem,(AV) this time with Barnabas.(AW) I took Titus(AX) along also. I went in response to a revelation(AY) and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles.(AZ) I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race(BA) in vain. Yet not even Titus,(BB) who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.(BC) This matter arose because some false believers(BD) had infiltrated our ranks to spy on(BE) the freedom(BF) we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel(BG) might be preserved for you.

As for those who were held in high esteem(BH)—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism(BI)—they added nothing to my message.(BJ) On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task(BK) of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised,[c](BL) just as Peter(BM) had been to the circumcised.[d] For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle(BN) to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle(BO) to the Gentiles. James,(BP) Cephas[e](BQ) and John, those esteemed as pillars,(BR) gave me and Barnabas(BS) the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.(BT) They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles,(BU) and they to the circumcised. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor,(BV) the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

Paul Opposes Cephas

11 When Cephas(BW) came to Antioch,(BX) I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James,(BY) he used to eat with the Gentiles.(BZ) But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.(CA) 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas(CB) was led astray.

14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel,(CC) I said to Cephas(CD) in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew.(CE) How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?(CF)

15 “We who are Jews by birth(CG) and not sinful Gentiles(CH) 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law,(CI) but by faith in Jesus Christ.(CJ) So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[f] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.(CK)

17 “But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners,(CL) doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not!(CM) 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.

19 “For through the law I died to the law(CN) so that I might live for God.(CO) 20 I have been crucified with Christ(CP) and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.(CQ) The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,(CR) who loved me(CS) and gave himself for me.(CT) 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law,(CU) Christ died for nothing!”[g]

Faith or Works of the Law

You foolish(CV) Galatians!(CW) Who has bewitched you?(CX) Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.(CY) I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit(CZ) by the works of the law,(DA) or by believing what you heard?(DB) Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?[h] Have you experienced[i] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles(DC) among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?(DD) So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[j](DE)

Understand, then, that those who have faith(DF) are children of Abraham.(DG) Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”[k](DH) So those who rely on faith(DI) are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.(DJ)

10 For all who rely on the works of the law(DK) are under a curse,(DL) as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[l](DM) 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God,(DN) because “the righteous will live by faith.”[m](DO) 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”[n](DP) 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law(DQ) by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[o](DR) 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,(DS) so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.(DT)

The Law and the Promise

15 Brothers and sisters,(DU) let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed.(DV) Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”[p](DW) meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years(DX) later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise;(DY) but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions(DZ) until the Seed(EA) to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels(EB) and entrusted to a mediator.(EC) 20 A mediator,(ED) however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!(EE) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.(EF) 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin,(EG) so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Children of God

23 Before the coming of this faith,[q] we were held in custody(EH) under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.(EI) 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came(EJ) that we might be justified by faith.(EK) 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.(EL)

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God(EM) through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ(EN) have clothed yourselves with Christ.(EO) 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free,(EP) nor is there male and female,(EQ) for you are all one in Christ Jesus.(ER) 29 If you belong to Christ,(ES) then you are Abraham’s seed,(ET) and heirs(EU) according to the promise.(EV)

What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery(EW) under the elemental spiritual forces[r] of the world.(EX) But when the set time had fully come,(EY) God sent his Son,(EZ) born of a woman,(FA) born under the law,(FB) to redeem(FC) those under the law, that we might receive adoption(FD) to sonship.[s](FE) Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son(FF) into our hearts,(FG) the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[t] Father.”(FH) So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.(FI)

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

Formerly, when you did not know God,(FJ) you were slaves(FK) to those who by nature are not gods.(FL) But now that you know God—or rather are known by God(FM)—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[u]? Do you wish to be enslaved(FN) by them all over again?(FO) 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!(FP) 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.(FQ)

12 I plead with you, brothers and sisters,(FR) become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. 13 As you know, it was because of an illness(FS) that I first preached the gospel to you, 14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.(FT) 15 Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?(FU)

17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.(FV) 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.(FW) 19 My dear children,(FX) for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,(FY) 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Hagar and Sarah

21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law,(FZ) are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman(GA) and the other by the free woman.(GB) 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh,(GC) but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.(GD)

24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above(GE) is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written:

“Be glad, barren woman,
    you who never bore a child;
shout for joy and cry aloud,
    you who were never in labor;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
    than of her who has a husband.”[v](GF)

28 Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.(GG) 29 At that time the son born according to the flesh(GH) persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit.(GI) It is the same now. 30 But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”[w](GJ) 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman,(GK) but of the free woman.(GL)

Freedom in Christ

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.(GM) Stand firm,(GN) then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.(GO)

Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised,(GP) Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.(GQ) You who are trying to be justified by the law(GR) have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.(GS) For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.(GT) For in Christ Jesus(GU) neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.(GV) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.(GW)

You were running a good race.(GX) Who cut in on you(GY) to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.(GZ) “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”(HA) 10 I am confident(HB) in the Lord that you will take no other view.(HC) The one who is throwing you into confusion,(HD) whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?(HE) In that case the offense(HF) of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators,(HG) I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Life by the Spirit

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.(HH) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[x];(HI) rather, serve one another(HJ) humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[y](HK) 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit,(HL) and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.(HM) 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.(HN) They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[z] you want.(HO) 18 But if you are led by the Spirit,(HP) you are not under the law.(HQ)

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,(HR) impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.(HS) I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.(HT)

22 But the fruit(HU) of the Spirit is love,(HV) joy, peace,(HW) forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.(HX) Against such things there is no law.(HY) 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh(HZ) with its passions and desires.(IA) 25 Since we live by the Spirit,(IB) let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited,(IC) provoking and envying each other.

Doing Good to All

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit(ID) should restore(IE) that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.(IF) If anyone thinks they are something(IG) when they are not, they deceive themselves.(IH) Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone,(II) without comparing themselves to someone else,(IJ) for each one should carry their own load.(IK) Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.(IL)

Do not be deceived:(IM) God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.(IN) Whoever sows to please their flesh,(IO) from the flesh will reap destruction;(IP) whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.(IQ) Let us not become weary in doing good,(IR) for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.(IS) 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good(IT) to all people, especially to those who belong to the family(IU) of believers.

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!(IV)

12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh(IW) are trying to compel you to be circumcised.(IX) The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted(IY) for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law,(IZ) yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh.(JA) 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,(JB) through which[aa] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.(JC) 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;(JD) what counts is the new creation.(JE) 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to[ab] the Israel of God.

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

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

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 11; and in 3:15; 4:12, 28, 31; 5:11, 13; 6:1, 18.
  2. Galatians 1:18 That is, Peter
  3. Galatians 2:7 That is, Gentiles
  4. Galatians 2:7 That is, Jews; also in verses 8 and 9
  5. Galatians 2:9 That is, Peter; also in verses 11 and 14
  6. Galatians 2:16 Or but through the faithfulness of … justified on the basis of the faithfulness of
  7. Galatians 2:21 Some interpreters end the quotation after verse 14.
  8. Galatians 3:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
  9. Galatians 3:4 Or suffered
  10. Galatians 3:6 Gen. 15:6
  11. Galatians 3:8 Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:18
  12. Galatians 3:10 Deut. 27:26
  13. Galatians 3:11 Hab. 2:4
  14. Galatians 3:12 Lev. 18:5
  15. Galatians 3:13 Deut. 21:23
  16. Galatians 3:16 Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 24:7
  17. Galatians 3:23 Or through the faithfulness of Jesus … 23 Before faith came
  18. Galatians 4:3 Or under the basic principles
  19. Galatians 4:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.
  20. Galatians 4:6 Aramaic for Father
  21. Galatians 4:9 Or principles
  22. Galatians 4:27 Isaiah 54:1
  23. Galatians 4:30 Gen. 21:10
  24. Galatians 5:13 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 16, 17, 19 and 24; and in 6:8.
  25. Galatians 5:14 Lev. 19:18
  26. Galatians 5:17 Or you do not do what
  27. Galatians 6:14 Or whom
  28. Galatians 6:16 Or rule and to

22 When he had landed at Caesarea, he (A)went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch. 23 After spending some time there, he departed and (B)went from one place to the next through the region of Galatia and Phrygia, (C)strengthening all the disciples.

Apollos Speaks Boldly in Ephesus

24 Now a Jew named (D)Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, (E)competent in the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in (F)the way of the Lord. And (G)being fervent in spirit,[a] he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only (H)the baptism of John. 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when (I)Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him (J)the way of God more accurately. 27 And when he wished to cross to (K)Achaia, (L)the brothers encouraged him and (M)wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, (N)he greatly helped those who through grace had believed, 28 for he powerfully refuted the Jews in public, showing by the Scriptures (O)that the Christ was Jesus.

Paul in Ephesus

19 And it happened that while (P)Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed (Q)through the inland[b] country and came to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. And he said to them, (R)“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said, “No, (S)we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, (T)“Into what then were you baptized?” They said, “Into (U)John's baptism.” And Paul said, (V)“John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people (W)to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.” On hearing this, (X)they were baptized in[c] the name of the Lord Jesus. And (Y)when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and (Z)they began speaking in tongues and (AA)prophesying. There were about twelve men in all.

And (AB)he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, reasoning and persuading them (AC)about the kingdom of God. (AD)But when some became stubborn and (AE)continued in unbelief, speaking evil of (AF)the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.[d] 10 This continued for (AG)two years, so that (AH)all the residents of Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

The Sons of Sceva

11 And (AI)God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 (AJ)so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and (AK)the evil spirits came out of them. 13 Then some of the itinerant Jewish (AL)exorcists (AM)undertook to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, (AN)“I adjure you by the Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of a Jewish high priest named Sceva were doing this. 15 But the evil spirit answered them, (AO)“Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them, mastered all[e] of them and overpowered them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded. 17 And this became known to all the residents of Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. And fear fell upon them all, and (AP)the name of the Lord Jesus was extolled. 18 Also many of those who were now believers came, (AQ)confessing and divulging their practices. 19 And a number of those who had practiced magic arts brought their books together and burned them in the sight of all. And they counted the value of them and found it came to fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of the Lord (AR)continued to increase and prevail mightily.

A Riot at Ephesus

21 Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit (AS)to pass through (AT)Macedonia and Achaia and (AU)go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, (AV)I must also see Rome.” 22 And having sent into Macedonia two of (AW)his helpers, (AX)Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia (AY)for a while.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 18:25 Or in the Spirit
  2. Acts 19:1 Greek upper (that is, highland)
  3. Acts 19:5 Or into
  4. Acts 19:9 Some manuscripts add from the fifth hour to the tenth (that is, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
  5. Acts 19:16 Or both

22 When he landed at Caesarea,(A) he went up to Jerusalem and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch.(B)

23 After spending some time in Antioch, Paul set out from there and traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia(C) and Phrygia,(D) strengthening all the disciples.(E)

24 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos,(F) a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus.(G) He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. 25 He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor[a](H) and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.(I) 26 He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila(J) heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

27 When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia,(K) the brothers and sisters(L) encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. 28 For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures(M) that Jesus was the Messiah.(N)

Paul in Ephesus

19 While Apollos(O) was at Corinth,(P) Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus.(Q) There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit(R) when[b] you believed?”

They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?”

“John’s baptism,” they replied.

Paul said, “John’s baptism(S) was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”(T) On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.(U) When Paul placed his hands on them,(V) the Holy Spirit came on them,(W) and they spoke in tongues[c](X) and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

Paul entered the synagogue(Y) and spoke boldly there for three months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God.(Z) But some of them(AA) became obstinate; they refused to believe and publicly maligned the Way.(AB) So Paul left them. He took the disciples(AC) with him and had discussions daily in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This went on for two years,(AD) so that all the Jews and Greeks who lived in the province of Asia(AE) heard the word of the Lord.(AF)

11 God did extraordinary miracles(AG) through Paul, 12 so that even handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured(AH) and the evil spirits left them.

13 Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits(AI) tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of the Jesus(AJ) whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” 14 Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. 15 One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” 16 Then the man who had the evil spirit jumped on them and overpowered them all. He gave them such a beating that they ran out of the house naked and bleeding.

17 When this became known to the Jews and Greeks living in Ephesus,(AK) they were all seized with fear,(AL) and the name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. 18 Many of those who believed now came and openly confessed what they had done. 19 A number who had practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. When they calculated the value of the scrolls, the total came to fifty thousand drachmas.[d] 20 In this way the word of the Lord(AM) spread widely and grew in power.(AN)

21 After all this had happened, Paul decided[e] to go to Jerusalem,(AO) passing through Macedonia(AP) and Achaia.(AQ) “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.”(AR) 22 He sent two of his helpers,(AS) Timothy(AT) and Erastus,(AU) to Macedonia, while he stayed in the province of Asia(AV) a little longer.

Footnotes

  1. Acts 18:25 Or with fervor in the Spirit
  2. Acts 19:2 Or after
  3. Acts 19:6 Or other languages
  4. Acts 19:19 A drachma was a silver coin worth about a day’s wages.
  5. Acts 19:21 Or decided in the Spirit

Greeting

Paul, (A)called (B)by the will of God to be an apostle of Christ Jesus, and our brother Sosthenes,

To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those (C)sanctified in Christ Jesus, (D)called to be saints together with all those who in every place (E)call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:

(F)Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanksgiving

I (G)give thanks to my God always for you because of the grace of God that was given you in Christ Jesus, that in every way (H)you were enriched in him in all (I)speech and all knowledge— even as (J)the testimony about Christ was confirmed among you— so that you are not lacking in any gift, as you (K)wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ, (L)who will sustain you to the end, (M)guiltless (N)in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (O)God is faithful, by whom you were called into the (P)fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Divisions in the Church

10 I appeal to you, brothers,[a] by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no (Q)divisions among you, but that you be united (R)in the same mind and the same judgment. 11 For it has been reported to me by Chloe's people that there is (S)quarreling among you, my brothers. 12 What I mean is that (T)each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow (U)Apollos,” or “I follow (V)Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13 (W)Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you (X)baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you except (Y)Crispus and (Z)Gaius, 15 so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (I did baptize also (AA)the household of Stephanas. Beyond that, I do not know whether I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and (AB)not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

18 For the word of the cross is (AC)folly to (AD)those who are perishing, but to us (AE)who are being saved it is (AF)the power of God. 19 For it is written,

(AG)“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,
    and the discernment of the discerning I will thwart.”

20 (AH)Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? (AI)Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach[b] to save those who believe. 22 For (AJ)Jews demand signs and Greeks seek wisdom,

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:10 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated “brothers”) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verses 11, 26
  2. 1 Corinthians 1:21 Or the folly of preaching

Paul, called to be an apostle(A) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,(B) and our brother Sosthenes,(C)

To the church of God(D) in Corinth,(E) to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called(F) to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name(G) of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(H)

Thanksgiving

I always thank my God for you(I) because of his grace given you in Christ Jesus. For in him you have been enriched(J) in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge(K) God thus confirming our testimony(L) about Christ among you. Therefore you do not lack any spiritual gift(M) as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.(N) He will also keep you firm to the end, so that you will be blameless(O) on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.(P) God is faithful,(Q) who has called you(R) into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.(S)

A Church Divided Over Leaders

10 I appeal to you, brothers and sisters,[a](T) in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you,(U) but that you be perfectly united(V) in mind and thought. 11 My brothers and sisters, some from Chloe’s household(W) have informed me that there are quarrels among you. 12 What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”;(X) another, “I follow Apollos”;(Y) another, “I follow Cephas[b]”;(Z) still another, “I follow Christ.”

13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized in the name of Paul?(AA) 14 I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus(AB) and Gaius,(AC) 15 so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. 16 (Yes, I also baptized the household(AD) of Stephanas;(AE) beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.) 17 For Christ did not send me to baptize,(AF) but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom(AG) and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.

Christ Crucified Is God’s Power and Wisdom

18 For the message of the cross is foolishness(AH) to those who are perishing,(AI) but to us who are being saved(AJ) it is the power of God.(AK) 19 For it is written:

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
    the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.”[c](AL)

20 Where is the wise person?(AM) Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age?(AN) Has not God made foolish(AO) the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world(AP) through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save(AQ) those who believe.(AR) 22 Jews demand signs(AS) and Greeks look for wisdom,

Footnotes

  1. 1 Corinthians 1:10 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verses 11 and 26; and in 2:1; 3:1; 4:6; 6:8; 7:24, 29; 10:1; 11:33; 12:1; 14:6, 20, 26, 39; 15:1, 6, 50, 58; 16:15, 20.
  2. 1 Corinthians 1:12 That is, Peter
  3. 1 Corinthians 1:19 Isaiah 29:14