² I went in response to a revelation^(A) and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles.^(B) I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race^(C) in vain.

⁶ As for those who were held in high esteem^(A)—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism^(B)—they added nothing to my message.^(C)

¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ^(A) that I did not run^(B) or labor in vain.^(C)

⁵ For this reason, when I could stand it no longer,^(A) I sent to find out about your faith.^(B) I was afraid that in some way the tempter^(C) had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.^(D)

⁹ James,^(A) Cephas^[a](B) and John, those esteemed as pillars,^(C) gave me and Barnabas^(D) the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.^(E) They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles,^(F) and they to the circumcised.

²⁶ Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly;^(A) I do not fight like a boxer beating the air.^(B)

²³ but we preach Christ crucified:^(A) a stumbling block^(B) to Jews and foolishness^(C) to Gentiles,

The Need for Self-Discipline

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize?^(A) Run^(B) in such a way as to get the prize.

² For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified.^(A)