^12 (A)It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh ^(B)who would force you to be circumcised, and only ^(C)in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

¹¹ But if I, brothers,^[a] still preach^[b] circumcision, ^(A)why am I still being persecuted? In that case ^(B)the offense of the cross has been removed.

²³ These have indeed an appearance of wisdom in ^(A)promoting self-made religion and asceticism and severity to the body, but they are ^(B)of no value in stopping the indulgence of the flesh.

¹³ For such men are ^(A)false apostles, ^(B)deceitful workmen, ^(C)disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.

The Jerusalem Council

15 ^(A)But some men came down from Judea and were teaching ^(B)the brothers, “Unless you are ^(C)circumcised ^(D)according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

³ But even Titus, who was with me, ^(A)was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek.

¹⁵ And he said to them, “You are those who ^(A)justify yourselves before men, but ^(B)God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men ^(C)is an abomination in the sight of God.

¹⁸ For ^(A)many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you ^(B)even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

⁴ Let each of you ^(A)look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

^15 (A)Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will.