¹⁵ by setting aside in his flesh^(A) the law with its commands and regulations.^(B) His purpose was to create in himself one^(C) new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,

¹⁴ having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness,^(A) which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.^(B)

¹⁰ and have put on the new self,^(A) which is being renewed^(B) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^(C)

²⁰ Since you died with Christ^(A) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,^(B) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:^(C)

²⁸ There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free,^(A) nor is there male and female,^(B) for you are all one in Christ Jesus.^(C)

⁹ This is an illustration^(A) for the present time, indicating that the gifts and sacrifices being offered^(B) were not able to clear the conscience^(C) of the worshiper. ¹⁰ They are only a matter of food^(D) and drink^(E) and various ceremonial washings^(F)—external regulations^(G) applying until the time of the new order.

¹⁶ From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows^(A) and builds itself up^(B) in love,^(C) as each part does its work.

¹⁵ Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;^(A) what counts is the new creation.^(B)

¹⁰ For all who rely on the works of the law^(A) are under a curse,^(B) as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”^[a](C)