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11 Brothers,[a] if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? Then the offense of the cross has been abolished. 12 If only those who are upsetting you would also cut themselves off![b]

13 After all, brothers, you were called to freedom. Only do not use your freedom as a starting point for your sinful flesh. Rather, serve one another through love.

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 5:11 When context indicates it, the Greek word for brothers may refer to all fellow believers, male and female.
  2. Galatians 5:12 Using sarcasm, Paul sharply implies that if the Judaizers were so interested in circumcision, castration might be even better for them. See what Jesus said about false teachers in Matthew 18:6.

11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?(A) In that case the offense(B) of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators,(C) 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.(D) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a];(E) rather, serve one another(F) humbly in love.

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Footnotes

  1. 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.