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. ³ Yet not even Titus,^(D) who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.^{(E) 4} This matter arose because some false believers^(F) had infiltrated our ranks to spy on^(G) the freedom^(H) we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. ⁵ We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel^(I) might be preserved for you.

⁶ As for those who were held in high esteem^(J)—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism^(K)—they added nothing to my message.^{(L) 7} On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task^(M) of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised,^[a](N) just as Peter^(O) had been to the circumcised.^{[b] 8} For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle^(P) to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle^(Q) to the Gentiles. ⁹ James,^(R) Cephas^[c](S) and John, those esteemed as pillars,^(T) gave me and Barnabas^(U) the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.^(V) They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles,^(W) and they to the circumcised.

¹³ I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(A)