⁷ which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion^(A) and are trying to pervert^(B) the gospel of Christ.

⁴ This matter arose because some false believers^(A) had infiltrated our ranks to spy on^(B) the freedom^(C) we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.

¹² Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh^(A) are trying to compel you to be circumcised.^(B) The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted^(C) for the cross of Christ.

¹⁵ It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill.

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

Rebuking Those Who Fail to Do Good

¹⁰ For there are many rebellious people, full of meaningless talk^(A) and deception, especially those of the circumcision group.^(B)

¹² One of Crete’s own prophets^(A) has said it: “Cretans^(B) are always liars, evil brutes, lazy gluttons.”^[a]

False Teachers and Their Destruction

2 But there were also false prophets^(A) among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you.^(B) They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord^(C) who bought them^(D)—bringing swift destruction on themselves.