Bible in 90 Days
The Fact of Christ’s Resurrection
15 Now (A)I make known to you, brethren, the (B)gospel which I preached to you, which also you received, (C)in which also you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, (D)if you hold fast [a]the word which I preached to you, (E)unless you believed in vain.
3 For (F)I delivered to you [b]as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died (G)for our sins (H)according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He was (I)raised on the third day (J)according to the Scriptures, 5 and that (K)He appeared to (L)Cephas, then (M)to the twelve. 6 After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some (N)have fallen asleep; 7 then He appeared to [c](O)James, then to (P)all the apostles; 8 and last of all, as [d]to one untimely born, (Q)He appeared to me also. 9 For I am (R)the least of the apostles, [e]and not fit to be called an apostle, because I (S)persecuted the church of God. 10 But by (T)the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me did not prove vain; but I (U)labored even more than all of them, yet (V)not I, but the grace of God with me. 11 Whether then it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed.
12 Now if Christ is preached, that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there (W)is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and (X)if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified [f]against God that He (Y)raised [g]Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; (Z)you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who (AA)have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are (AB)of all men most to be pitied.
The Order of Resurrection
20 But now Christ (AC)has been raised from the dead, the (AD)first fruits of those who (AE)are asleep. 21 For since (AF)by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For (AG)as in Adam all die, so also in [h]Christ all will be made alive. 23 But each in his own order: Christ (AH)the first fruits, after that (AI)those who are Christ’s at (AJ)His coming, 24 then comes the end, when He hands over (AK)the kingdom to the (AL)God and Father, when He has abolished (AM)all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign (AN)until He has put all His enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be (AO)abolished is death. 27 For (AP)He has put all things in subjection under His feet. But when He says, “(AQ)All things are put in subjection,” it is evident that He is excepted who put all things in subjection to Him. 28 When (AR)all things are subjected to Him, then the Son Himself also will be subjected to the One who subjected all things to Him, so that (AS)God may be all in all.
29 Otherwise, what will those do who are baptized for the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why then are they baptized for them? 30 Why are we also (AT)in danger every hour? 31 I affirm, brethren, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, (AU)I die daily. 32 If [i]from human motives I (AV)fought with wild beasts at (AW)Ephesus, what does it profit me? If the dead are not raised, (AX)let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. 33 (AY)Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” 34 (AZ)Become sober-minded [j]as you ought, and stop sinning; for some have (BA)no knowledge of God. (BB)I speak this to your shame.
35 But (BC)someone will say, “How are (BD)the dead raised? And with what kind of body do they come?” 36 (BE)You fool! That which you (BF)sow does not come to life unless it dies; 37 and that which you sow, you do not sow the body which is to be, but a bare grain, perhaps of wheat or of [k]something else. 38 But God gives it a body just as He wished, and (BG)to each of the seeds a body of its own. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one flesh of men, and another flesh of beasts, and another flesh of birds, and another of fish. 40 There are also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies, but the glory of the heavenly is one, and the glory of the earthly is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for star differs from star in glory.
42 (BH)So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown [l](BI)a perishable body, it is raised [m](BJ)an imperishable body; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in (BK)glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a (BL)natural body, it is raised a (BM)spiritual body. If there is a natural body, there is also a spiritual body. 45 So also it is written, “The first (BN)man, Adam, became a living soul.” The (BO)last Adam became a (BP)life-giving spirit. 46 However, the spiritual is not first, but the natural; then the spiritual. 47 The first man is (BQ)from the earth, [n](BR)earthy; the second man is from heaven. 48 As is the earthy, so also are those who are earthy; and as is the heavenly, (BS)so also are those who are heavenly. 49 Just as we have (BT)borne the image of the earthy, [o]we (BU)will also bear the image of the heavenly.
The Mystery of Resurrection
50 Now I say this, brethren, that (BV)flesh and blood cannot (BW)inherit the kingdom of God; nor does [p]the perishable inherit [q](BX)the imperishable. 51 Behold, I tell you a (BY)mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be (BZ)changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for (CA)the trumpet will sound, and (CB)the dead will be raised [r]imperishable, and (CC)we will be changed. 53 For this [s]perishable must put on [t](CD)the imperishable, and this (CE)mortal must put on immortality. 54 But when this [u]perishable will have put on [v]the imperishable, and this mortal will have put on immortality, then will come about the saying that is written, “(CF)Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 (CG)O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of (CH)death is sin, and (CI)the power of sin is the law; 57 but (CJ)thanks be to God, who gives us the (CK)victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
58 (CL)Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in (CM)the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord.
Instructions and Greetings
16 Now concerning (CN)the collection for (CO)the saints, as (CP)I directed the churches of (CQ)Galatia, so do you also. 2 On (CR)the first day of every week each one of you is to [w]put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that (CS)no collections be made when I come. 3 When I arrive, (CT)whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem; 4 and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me.
5 But I (CU)will come to you after I go through (CV)Macedonia, for I (CW)am going through Macedonia; 6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may (CX)send me on my way wherever I may go. 7 For I do not wish to see you now (CY)just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, (CZ)if the Lord permits. 8 But I will remain in (DA)Ephesus until (DB)Pentecost; 9 for a (DC)wide door [x]for effective service has opened to me, and (DD)there are many adversaries.
10 Now if (DE)Timothy comes, see that he is with you without [y]cause to be afraid, for he is doing (DF)the Lord’s work, as I also am. 11 (DG)So let no one despise him. But (DH)send him on his way (DI)in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.
12 But concerning (DJ)Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.
13 (DK)Be on the alert, (DL)stand firm in the faith, (DM)act like men, (DN)be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done (DO)in love.
15 Now I urge you, brethren (you know the (DP)household of Stephanas, that [z]they were the (DQ)first fruits of (DR)Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for (DS)ministry to (DT)the saints), 16 that (DU)you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17 I rejoice over the [aa](DV)coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have [ab]supplied (DW)what was lacking on your part. 18 For they (DX)have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore (DY)acknowledge such men.
19 The churches of (DZ)Asia greet you. (EA)Aquila and Prisca greet you heartily in the Lord, with (EB)the church that is in their house. 20 All the brethren greet you. (EC)Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 The greeting is in (ED)my own hand—[ac]Paul. 22 If anyone does not love the Lord, he is to be [ad](EE)accursed. [ae](EF)Maranatha. 23 (EG)The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Introduction
1 Paul, (EH)an apostle of (EI)Christ Jesus (EJ)by the will of God, and (EK)Timothy our brother,
To (EL)the church of God which is at (EM)Corinth with all the [af]saints who are throughout (EN)Achaia:
2 (EO)Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3 (EP)Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and (EQ)God of all comfort, 4 who (ER)comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in [ag]any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For just (ES)as the sufferings of Christ are [ah]ours in abundance, so also our comfort is abundant through Christ. 6 But if we are afflicted, it is (ET)for your comfort and salvation; or if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which is effective in the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer; 7 and our hope for you is firmly grounded, knowing that (EU)as you are sharers of our sufferings, so also you are sharers of our comfort.
8 For (EV)we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our (EW)affliction which came to us in [ai](EX)Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; 9 [aj]indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; 10 who (EY)delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, [ak]He (EZ)on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, 11 you also joining in (FA)helping us through your prayers, so that thanks may be given by (FB)many persons on our behalf for the favor bestowed on us through the prayers of many.
Paul’s Integrity
12 For our [al]proud confidence is this: the testimony of (FC)our conscience, that in holiness and (FD)godly sincerity, (FE)not in fleshly wisdom but in the grace of God, we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you. 13 For we write nothing else to you than what you read and understand, and I hope you will understand (FF)until the end; 14 just as you also partially did understand us, that we are your reason to be proud as you also are ours, in (FG)the day of our Lord Jesus.
15 In this confidence I intended at first to (FH)come to you, so that you might [am]twice receive a [an](FI)blessing; 16 [ao]that is, to (FJ)pass [ap]your way into (FK)Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you, and by you to be (FL)helped on my journey to Judea. 17 Therefore, I was not vacillating when I intended to do this, was I? Or what I purpose, do I purpose (FM)according to the flesh, so that with me there will be yes, yes and no, no at the same time? 18 But as (FN)God is faithful, (FO)our word to you is not yes and no. 19 For (FP)the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us—by me and (FQ)Silvanus and (FR)Timothy—was not yes and no, but is yes (FS)in Him. 20 For (FT)as many as are the promises of God, (FU)in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is (FV)our Amen to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who (FW)establishes us with you in Christ and (FX)anointed us is God, 22 who also (FY)sealed us and (FZ)gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a [aq]pledge.
23 But (GA)I call God as witness [ar]to my soul, that (GB)to spare you I did not come again to (GC)Corinth. 24 Not that we (GD)lord it over your faith, but are workers with you for your joy; for in your faith you are (GE)standing firm.
Reaffirm Your Love
2 But I determined this [as]for my own sake, that I (GF)would not come to you in sorrow again. 2 For if I (GG)cause you sorrow, who then makes me glad but the one whom I made sorrowful? 3 This is the very thing I (GH)wrote you, so that (GI)when I came, I would not have sorrow from those who ought to make me rejoice; having (GJ)confidence in you all that my joy would be the joy of you all. 4 For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I (GK)wrote to you with many tears; not so that you would be made sorrowful, but that you might know the love which I have especially for you.
5 But (GL)if any has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to me, but in some degree—[at]in order not to say too much—to all of you. 6 Sufficient for such a one is (GM)this punishment which was inflicted by the majority, 7 so that on the contrary you should rather (GN)forgive and comfort him, otherwise such a one might be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. 8 Wherefore I urge you to reaffirm your love for him. 9 For to this end also (GO)I wrote, so that I might [au](GP)put you to the test, whether you are (GQ)obedient in all things. 10 But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes (GR)in the presence of Christ, 11 so that no advantage would be taken of us by (GS)Satan, for (GT)we are not ignorant of his schemes.
12 Now when I came to (GU)Troas for the (GV)gospel of Christ and when a (GW)door was opened for me in the Lord, 13 I (GX)had no rest for my spirit, not finding (GY)Titus my brother; but (GZ)taking my leave of them, I went on to (HA)Macedonia.
14 (HB)But thanks be to God, who always (HC)leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the (HD)sweet aroma of the (HE)knowledge of Him in every place. 15 For we are a (HF)fragrance of Christ to God among (HG)those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; 16 (HH)to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life. And who is (HI)adequate for these things? 17 For we are not like many, [av](HJ)peddling the word of God, but (HK)as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ (HL)in the sight of God.
Ministers of a New Covenant
3 Are we beginning to (HM)commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some, (HN)letters of commendation to you or from you? 2 (HO)You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 being manifested that you are a letter of Christ, [aw](HP)cared for by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of (HQ)the living God, not on (HR)tablets of stone but on (HS)tablets of [ax](HT)human hearts.
4 Such (HU)confidence we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are adequate in ourselves to consider anything as coming from ourselves, but (HV)our adequacy is from God, 6 who also made us adequate as (HW)servants of a (HX)new covenant, not of (HY)the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but (HZ)the Spirit gives life.
7 But if the (IA)ministry of death, (IB)in letters engraved on stones, came [ay]with glory, (IC)so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was, 8 how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory? 9 For if (ID)the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the (IE)ministry of righteousness abound in glory. 10 For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it. 11 For if that which fades away was [az]with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.
12 (IF)Therefore having such a hope, (IG)we use great boldness in our speech, 13 and are not like Moses, (IH)who used to put a veil over his face so that the sons of Israel would not look intently at the end of what was fading away. 14 But their minds were (II)hardened; for until this very day at the (IJ)reading of (IK)the old covenant the same veil [ba]remains unlifted, because it is removed in Christ. 15 But to this day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies over their heart; 16 (IL)but whenever a person turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where (IM)the Spirit of the Lord is, (IN)there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, (IO)beholding as in a mirror the (IP)glory of the Lord, are being (IQ)transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from (IR)the Lord, the Spirit.
Paul’s Apostolic Ministry
4 Therefore, since we have this (IS)ministry, as we (IT)received mercy, we (IU)do not lose heart, 2 but we have renounced the (IV)things hidden because of shame, not walking in craftiness or (IW)adulterating the word of God, but by the manifestation of truth (IX)commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 And even if our (IY)gospel is (IZ)veiled, it is veiled [bb]to (JA)those who are perishing, 4 in whose case (JB)the god of (JC)this [bc]world has (JD)blinded the minds of the unbelieving [bd]so that they might not see the (JE)light of the gospel of the (JF)glory of Christ, who is the (JG)image of God. 5 For we (JH)do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants [be]for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “(JI)Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has (JJ)shone in our hearts to give the (JK)Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.
7 But we have this treasure in (JL)earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of (JM)the power will be of God and not from ourselves; 8 we are (JN)afflicted in every way, but not (JO)crushed; (JP)perplexed, but not despairing; 9 (JQ)persecuted, but not (JR)forsaken; (JS)struck down, but not destroyed; 10 (JT)always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that (JU)the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 11 For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. 12 So death works in us, but life in you.
13 But having the same (JV)spirit of faith, according to what is written, “(JW)I believed, therefore I spoke,” we also believe, therefore we also speak, 14 knowing that He who (JX)raised the Lord Jesus (JY)will raise us also with Jesus and will (JZ)present us with you. 15 For all things are (KA)for your sakes, so that the grace which is [bf](KB)spreading to more and more people may cause the giving of thanks to abound to the glory of God.
16 Therefore we (KC)do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our (KD)inner man is (KE)being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, (KF)light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we (KG)look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
The Temporal and Eternal
5 For we know that if [bg]the (KH)earthly (KI)tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house (KJ)not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For indeed in this house we (KK)groan, longing to be (KL)clothed with our dwelling from heaven, 3 inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked. 4 For indeed while we are in this tent, we (KM)groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be (KN)clothed, so that what is (KO)mortal will be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who (KP)gave to us the Spirit as a [bh]pledge.
6 Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that (KQ)while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord— 7 for (KR)we walk by faith, not by [bi]sight— 8 we are of good courage, I say, and (KS)prefer rather to be absent from the body and (KT)to be at home with the Lord. 9 Therefore we also have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be (KU)pleasing to Him. 10 For we must all appear before (KV)the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for [bj]his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
11 Therefore, knowing the (KW)fear of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made manifest to God; and I hope that we are (KX)made manifest also in your consciences. 12 We are not (KY)again commending ourselves to you but are giving you an (KZ)occasion to be proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we [bk]are (LA)beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are of sound mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ (LB)controls us, having concluded this, that (LC)one died for all, therefore all died; 15 and He died for all, so that they who live might no longer (LD)live for themselves, but for Him who died and rose again on their behalf.
16 Therefore from now on we recognize no one [bl](LE)according to the flesh; even though we have known Christ [bm]according to the flesh, yet now we know Him in this way no longer. 17 Therefore if anyone is (LF)in Christ, [bn]he is (LG)a new creature; (LH)the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 18 Now (LI)all these things are from God, (LJ)who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the (LK)ministry of reconciliation, 19 namely, that (LL)God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, (LM)not counting their trespasses against them, and [bo]He has [bp]committed to us the word of reconciliation.
20 Therefore, we are (LN)ambassadors for Christ, (LO)as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be (LP)reconciled to God. 21 He made Him who (LQ)knew no sin to be (LR)sin on our behalf, so that we might become the (LS)righteousness of God in Him.
Their Ministry Commended
6 And (LT)working together with Him, (LU)we also urge you not to receive (LV)the grace of God in vain— 2 for He says,
“(LW)At the acceptable time I listened to you,
And on the day of salvation I helped you.”
Behold, now is “the acceptable time,” behold, now is “the day of salvation”— 3 (LX)giving no cause for offense in anything, so that the ministry will not be discredited, 4 but in everything (LY)commending ourselves as [bq](LZ)servants of God, (MA)in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5 in (MB)beatings, in imprisonments, in (MC)tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in (MD)hunger, 6 in purity, in (ME)knowledge, in (MF)patience, in kindness, in the (MG)Holy Spirit, in (MH)genuine love, 7 in (MI)the word of truth, in (MJ)the power of God; by (MK)the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and the left, 8 by glory and (ML)dishonor, by (MM)evil report and good report; regarded as (MN)deceivers and yet (MO)true; 9 as unknown [br]yet well-known, as (MP)dying [bs]yet behold, (MQ)we live; as [bt]punished [bu]yet not put to death, 10 as (MR)sorrowful yet always (MS)rejoicing, as (MT)poor yet making many rich, as (MU)having nothing [bv]yet possessing (MV)all things.
11 (MW)Our mouth [bw]has spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, our (MX)heart is opened wide. 12 You are not restrained [bx]by us, but (MY)you are restrained in your own [by]affections. 13 Now in a like (MZ)exchange—I speak as to (NA)children—open wide to us also.
14 (NB)Do not be [bz]bound together with (NC)unbelievers; for what (ND)partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness? 15 Or what (NE)harmony has Christ with [ca]Belial, or [cb]what has a (NF)believer in common with an (NG)unbeliever? 16 Or (NH)what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For we are (NI)the temple of (NJ)the living God; just as God said,
“(NK)I will (NL)dwell in them and (NM)walk among them;
And I will be their God, and they shall be My people.
17 “(NN)Therefore, (NO)come out from their midst and be separate,” says the Lord.
“And do not touch what is unclean;
And I will welcome you.
18 “(NP)And I will be a father to you,
And you shall be (NQ)sons and daughters to Me,”
Says the Lord Almighty.
Paul Reveals His Heart
7 Therefore, having these promises, (NR)beloved, (NS)let us cleanse ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
2 (NT)Make room for us in your hearts; we wronged no one, we corrupted no one, we took advantage of no one. 3 I do not speak to condemn you, for I have said (NU)before that you are (NV)in our hearts to die together and to live together. 4 Great is my (NW)confidence [cc]in you; great is my (NX)boasting on your behalf. I am filled with (NY)comfort; I am overflowing with (NZ)joy in all our affliction.
5 For even when we came into (OA)Macedonia our flesh had no rest, but we were (OB)afflicted on every side: (OC)conflicts without, fears within. 6 But (OD)God, who comforts the [cd]depressed, (OE)comforted us by the coming of (OF)Titus; 7 and not only by his coming, but also by the comfort with which he was comforted in you, as he reported to us your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me; so that I rejoiced even more. 8 For though I (OG)caused you sorrow by my letter, I do not regret it; though I did regret it—for I see that that letter caused you sorrow, though only for a while— 9 I now rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you were made sorrowful to the point of repentance; for you were made sorrowful according to the will of God, so that you might not suffer loss in anything [ce]through us. 10 For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a (OH)repentance [cf]without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For behold what earnestness this very thing, this [cg]godly sorrow, has produced in you: what vindication of yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what (OI)longing, what zeal, what (OJ)avenging of wrong! In everything you (OK)demonstrated yourselves to be innocent in the matter. 12 So although (OL)I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of (OM)the offender nor for the sake of the one offended, but that your earnestness on our behalf might be made known to you in the sight of God. 13 For this reason we have been (ON)comforted.
And besides our comfort, we rejoiced even much more for the joy of (OO)Titus, because his (OP)spirit has been refreshed by you all. 14 For if in anything I have (OQ)boasted to him about you, I was not put to shame; but as we spoke all things to you in truth, so also our boasting before (OR)Titus proved to be the truth. 15 His [ch]affection abounds all the more toward you, as he remembers the (OS)obedience of you all, how you received him with (OT)fear and trembling. 16 I rejoice that in everything (OU)I have confidence in you.
Great Generosity
8 Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God which has been (OV)given in the churches of (OW)Macedonia, 2 that in a great ordeal of affliction their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed in the (OX)wealth of their liberality. 3 For I testify that (OY)according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4 begging us with much urging for the (OZ)favor [ci]of participation in the [cj](PA)support of the [ck]saints, 5 and this, not as we had [cl]expected, but they first (PB)gave themselves to the Lord and to us by (PC)the will of God. 6 So we (PD)urged (PE)Titus that as he had previously (PF)made a beginning, so he would also complete in you (PG)this gracious work as well.
7 But just as you (PH)abound (PI)in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the [cm]love we inspired in you, see that you (PJ)abound in this gracious work also. 8 I (PK)am not speaking this as a command, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity of your love also. 9 For you know (PL)the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that (PM)though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 10 I (PN)give my opinion in this matter, for this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin (PO)a year ago not only to do this, but also to desire to do it. 11 But now finish [cn]doing it also, so that just as there was the (PP)readiness to desire it, so there may be also the completion of it by your ability. 12 For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable (PQ)according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For this is not for the ease of others and for your affliction, but by way of equality— 14 at this present time your abundance being a supply for (PR)their need, so that their abundance also may become a supply for (PS)your need, that there may be equality; 15 as it is written, “(PT)He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little had no lack.”
16 But (PU)thanks be to God who (PV)puts the same earnestness on your behalf in the heart of (PW)Titus. 17 For he not only accepted our (PX)appeal, but being himself very earnest, he has gone to you of his own accord. 18 We have sent along with him (PY)the brother whose fame in the things of the (PZ)gospel has spread through (QA)all the churches; 19 (QB)and not only this, but he has also been (QC)appointed by the churches to travel with us in (QD)this gracious work, which is being administered by us for the glory of the Lord Himself, and to show our (QE)readiness, 20 [co]taking precaution so that no one will discredit us in our administration of this generous gift; 21 for we (QF)have regard for what is honorable, not only in (QG)the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22 We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found diligent in many things, but now even more diligent because of his great confidence in you. 23 As for (QH)Titus, he is my (QI)partner and fellow worker [cp]among you; as for our (QJ)brethren, they are [cq](QK)messengers of the churches, (QL)a glory to Christ. 24 Therefore [cr]openly before the churches, [cs]show them the proof of your love and of our (QM)reason for boasting about you.
God Gives Most
9 For (QN)it is superfluous for me to write to you about this (QO)ministry to the [ct]saints; 2 for I know your readiness, of which I (QP)boast about you to the (QQ)Macedonians, namely, that (QR)Achaia has been prepared since (QS)last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them. 3 But I have sent the brethren, in order that our (QT)boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, (QU)as I was saying, you may be prepared; 4 otherwise if any (QV)Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to speak of you—will be put to shame by this confidence. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the (QW)brethren that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised [cu](QX)bountiful gift, so that the same would be ready as a [cv](QY)bountiful gift and not [cw](QZ)affected by covetousness.
6 Now this I say, (RA)he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows [cx]bountifully will also reap [cy]bountifully. 7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not (RB)grudgingly or under compulsion, for (RC)God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And (RD)God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9 as it is written,
10 Now He who supplies (RF)seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and (RG)increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11 you will be (RH)enriched in everything for all liberality, which through us is producing (RI)thanksgiving to God. 12 For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying (RJ)the needs of the [da]saints, but is also overflowing (RK)through many thanksgivings to God. 13 Because of the proof given by this (RL)ministry, they will (RM)glorify God for your obedience to your (RN)confession of the (RO)gospel of Christ and for the liberality of your [db]contribution to them and to all, 14 while they also, by prayer on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15 (RP)Thanks be to God for His indescribable (RQ)gift!
Paul Describes Himself
10 Now (RR)I, Paul, myself (RS)urge you by the (RT)meekness and gentleness of Christ—I who (RU)am [dc]meek when face to face with you, but bold toward you when absent! 2 I ask that (RV)when I am present I need not be bold with the confidence with which I propose to be courageous against (RW)some, who regard us as if we walked (RX)according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war (RY)according to the flesh, 4 for the (RZ)weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but [dd]divinely powerful (SA)for the destruction of fortresses. 5 We are destroying speculations and every (SB)lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the (SC)obedience of Christ, 6 and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever (SD)your obedience is complete.
7 [de](SE)You are looking at [df]things as they are outwardly. (SF)If anyone is confident in himself that he is Christ’s, let him consider this again within himself, that just as he is Christ’s, (SG)so also are we. 8 For even if (SH)I boast somewhat [dg]further about our (SI)authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be put to shame, 9 [dh]for I do not wish to seem as if I would terrify you by my letters. 10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and strong, but his [di]personal presence is (SJ)unimpressive and (SK)his speech contemptible.” 11 Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present.
12 For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with [dj]some of those who (SL)commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 13 But we will not boast (SM)beyond our measure, but [dk](SN)within the measure of the sphere which God apportioned to us as a measure, to reach even as far as you. 14 For we are not overextending ourselves, as if we did not reach to you, for (SO)we were the first to come even as far as you in the (SP)gospel of Christ; 15 not boasting (SQ)beyond our measure, that is, in (SR)other men’s labors, but with the hope that as (SS)your faith grows, we will be, [dl]within our sphere, (ST)enlarged even more by you, 16 so as to (SU)preach the gospel even to (SV)the regions beyond you, and not to boast [dm](SW)in what has been accomplished in the sphere of another. 17 But (SX)he who boasts is to boast in the Lord. 18 For it is not he who (SY)commends himself that is approved, but he (SZ)whom the Lord commends.
Paul Defends His Apostleship
11 I wish that you would (TA)bear with me in a little (TB)foolishness; but [dn]indeed you are bearing with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy; for I (TC)betrothed you to one husband, so that to Christ I might (TD)present you as a pure virgin. 3 But I am afraid that, as the (TE)serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ. 4 For if [do]one comes and preaches (TF)another Jesus whom we have not preached, or you receive a (TG)different spirit which you have not received, or a (TH)different gospel which you have not accepted, you (TI)bear this (TJ)beautifully. 5 For I consider myself (TK)not in the least inferior to the [dp]most eminent apostles. 6 But even if I am (TL)unskilled in speech, yet I am not so in (TM)knowledge; in fact, in every way we have (TN)made this evident to you in all things.
7 Or (TO)did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached the (TP)gospel of God to you (TQ)without charge? 8 I robbed other churches by (TR)taking wages from them to serve you; 9 and when I was present with you and was in need, I was (TS)not a burden to anyone; for when (TT)the brethren came from (TU)Macedonia they fully supplied my need, and in everything I kept myself from (TV)being a burden to you, [dq]and will continue to do so. 10 (TW)As the truth of Christ is in me, (TX)this boasting of mine will not be stopped in the regions of (TY)Achaia. 11 Why? (TZ)Because I do not love you? (UA)God knows I do!
12 But what I am doing I will continue to do, (UB)so that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be [dr]regarded just as we are in the matter about which they are boasting. 13 For such men are (UC)false apostles, (UD)deceitful workers, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. 14 No wonder, for even (UE)Satan disguises himself as an (UF)angel of light. 15 Therefore it is not surprising if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, (UG)whose end will be according to their deeds.
16 (UH)Again I say, let no one think me foolish; but if you do, receive me even as foolish, so that I also may boast a little. 17 What I am saying, I am not saying [ds](UI)as the Lord would, but as (UJ)in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Since (UK)many boast (UL)according to the flesh, I will boast also. 19 For you, (UM)being so wise, tolerate the foolish gladly. 20 For you tolerate it if anyone (UN)enslaves you, anyone (UO)devours you, anyone (UP)takes advantage of you, anyone (UQ)exalts himself, anyone (UR)hits you in the face. 21 To my (US)shame I must say that we have been (UT)weak by comparison.
But in whatever respect anyone else (UU)is bold—I (UV)speak in foolishness—I am just as bold myself. 22 Are they (UW)Hebrews? (UX)So am I. Are they (UY)Israelites? (UZ)So am I. Are they [dt](VA)descendants of Abraham? (VB)So am I. 23 Are they (VC)servants of Christ?—I speak as if insane—I more so; in [du](VD)far more labors, in [dv](VE)far more imprisonments, [dw](VF)beaten times without number, often in (VG)danger of death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews (VH)thirty-nine lashes. 25 Three times I was (VI)beaten with rods, once I was (VJ)stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, a night and a day I have spent in the deep. 26 I have been on frequent journeys, in dangers from rivers, dangers from robbers, dangers from my (VK)countrymen, dangers from the (VL)Gentiles, dangers in the (VM)city, dangers in the wilderness, dangers on the sea, dangers among (VN)false brethren; 27 I have been in (VO)labor and hardship, [dx]through many sleepless nights, in (VP)hunger and thirst, often (VQ)without food, in cold and [dy](VR)exposure. 28 Apart from such [dz]external things, there is the daily pressure on me of concern for (VS)all the churches. 29 Who is (VT)weak without my being weak? Who is [ea]led into sin [eb]without my intense concern?
30 If I have to boast, I will boast of what pertains to my (VU)weakness. 31 The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, (VV)He who is blessed forever, (VW)knows that I am not lying. 32 In (VX)Damascus the ethnarch under Aretas the king was (VY)guarding the city of the Damascenes in order to seize me, 33 and I was let down in a basket (VZ)through a window [ec]in the wall, and so escaped his hands.
Paul’s Vision
12 (WA)Boasting is necessary, though it is not profitable; but I will go on to visions and (WB)revelations [ed]of the Lord. 2 I know a man (WC)in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know, (WD)God knows—such a man was (WE)caught up to the (WF)third heaven. 3 And I know how such a man—whether in the body or apart from the body I do not know, (WG)God knows— 4 was (WH)caught up into (WI)Paradise and heard inexpressible words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 5 (WJ)On behalf of such a man I will boast; but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in regard to my (WK)weaknesses. 6 For if I do wish to boast I will not be (WL)foolish, (WM)for I will be speaking the truth; but I refrain from this, so that no one will credit me with more than he sees in me or hears from me.
A Thorn in the Flesh
7 Because of the surpassing greatness of the (WN)revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a (WO)thorn in the flesh, a (WP)messenger of Satan to [ee]torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! 8 Concerning this I implored the Lord (WQ)three times that it might leave me. 9 And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for (WR)power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather (WS)boast [ef]about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. 10 Therefore (WT)I am well content with weaknesses, with [eg]insults, with (WU)distresses, with (WV)persecutions, with (WW)difficulties, (WX)for Christ’s sake; for (WY)when I am weak, then I am strong.
11 I have become (WZ)foolish; you yourselves compelled me. Actually I should have been commended by you, for (XA)in no respect was I inferior to the [eh]most eminent apostles, even though (XB)I am a nobody. 12 The [ei](XC)signs [ej]of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by [ek]signs and wonders and [el]miracles. 13 For in what respect were you treated as inferior to the rest of the churches, except that (XD)I myself did not become a burden to you? Forgive me (XE)this wrong!
14 Here (XF)for this third time I am ready to come to you, and I (XG)will not be a burden to you; for I (XH)do not seek what is yours, but (XI)you; for (XJ)children are not responsible to save up for their parents, but (XK)parents for their children. 15 I will (XL)most gladly spend and be expended for your souls. If (XM)I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But be that as it may, I (XN)did not burden you myself; nevertheless, crafty fellow that I am, I (XO)took you in by deceit. 17 (XP)Certainly I have not taken advantage of you through any of those whom I have sent to you, have I? 18 I (XQ)urged (XR)Titus to go, and I sent (XS)the brother with him. Titus did not take any advantage of you, did he? Did we not [em]conduct ourselves [en]in the same (XT)spirit and walk (XU)in the same steps?
19 All this time [eo]you have been thinking that we are defending ourselves to you. Actually, (XV)it is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ; and (XW)all for your upbuilding, (XX)beloved. 20 For I am afraid that perhaps (XY)when I come I may find you to be not what I wish and may be found by you to be not what you wish; that perhaps there will be (XZ)strife, jealousy, (YA)angry tempers, (YB)disputes, (YC)slanders, (YD)gossip, (YE)arrogance, (YF)disturbances; 21 I am afraid that when I come again my God may humiliate me before you, and I may mourn over many of those who have (YG)sinned in the past and not repented of the (YH)impurity, [ep]immorality and sensuality which they have practiced.
Examine Yourselves
13 (YI)This is the third time I am coming to you. (YJ)Every [eq]fact [er]is to be confirmed by the [es]testimony of two or three witnesses. 2 I have previously said when present the second time, and though now absent I say in advance to those who have (YK)sinned in the past and to all the rest as well, that (YL)if I come again I will not (YM)spare anyone, 3 since you are (YN)seeking for proof of the (YO)Christ who speaks in me, and who is not weak toward you, but (YP)mighty in you. 4 For indeed He was (YQ)crucified because of weakness, yet He lives (YR)because of the power of God. For we also are (YS)weak [et]in Him, yet (YT)we will live with Him because of the power of God directed toward you.
5 (YU)Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; (YV)examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you [eu](YW)fail the test? 6 But I trust that you will realize that we ourselves [ev]do not fail the test. 7 Now we pray to God that you do no wrong; not that we ourselves may appear approved, but that you may do what is right, even though we may [ew]appear unapproved. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth. 9 For we rejoice when we ourselves are (YX)weak but you are strong; this we also pray for, [ex]that you be (YY)made complete. 10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present (YZ)I need not use (ZA)severity, in accordance with the (ZB)authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.
11 (ZC)Finally, brethren, [ey]rejoice, [ez](ZD)be made complete, be comforted, (ZE)be like-minded, (ZF)live in peace; and (ZG)the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 (ZH)Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 (ZI)All the [fa]saints greet you.
14 (ZJ)The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the (ZK)love of God, and the (ZL)fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all.
Introduction
1 Paul, (ZM)an apostle ((ZN)not sent from men nor through the agency of man, but (ZO)through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who (ZP)raised Him from the dead), 2 and all (ZQ)the brethren who are with me,
To (ZR)the churches of Galatia:
3 (ZS)Grace to you and peace from [fb]God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who (ZT)gave Himself for our sins so that He might rescue us from (ZU)this present evil [fc]age, according to the will of (ZV)our God and Father, 5 (ZW)to whom be the glory forevermore. Amen.
Perversion of the Gospel
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting (ZX)Him who called you [fd]by the grace of Christ, for a (ZY)different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are (ZZ)disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or (AAA)an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel [fe]contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be [ff](AAB)accursed! 9 As we (AAC)have said before, so I say again now, (AAD)if any man is preaching to you a gospel [fg]contrary to what you received, he is to be [fh](AAE)accursed!
10 For am I now (AAF)seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a (AAG)bond-servant of Christ.
Paul Defends His Ministry
11 For (AAH)I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is (AAI)not according to man. 12 For (AAJ)I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a (AAK)revelation of Jesus Christ.
13 For you have heard of (AAL)my former manner of life in Judaism, how I (AAM)used to persecute (AAN)the church of God beyond measure and (AAO)tried to destroy it; 14 and I (AAP)was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my [fi]countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my (AAQ)ancestral traditions. 15 But when God, who had set me apart even from my mother’s womb and (AAR)called me through His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son in me so that I might (AAS)preach Him among the Gentiles, (AAT)I did not immediately consult with [fj](AAU)flesh and blood, 17 (AAV)nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to (AAW)Damascus.
18 Then (AAX)three years later I went up (AAY)to Jerusalem to [fk]become acquainted with (AAZ)Cephas, and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I did not see any other of the apostles except [fl](ABA)James, the Lord’s brother. 20 (Now in what I am writing to you, [fm]I assure you (ABB)before God that I am not lying.) 21 Then (ABC)I went into the regions of (ABD)Syria and (ABE)Cilicia. 22 I was still unknown by [fn]sight to (ABF)the churches of Judea which were (ABG)in Christ; 23 but only, they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching (ABH)the faith which he once (ABI)tried to destroy.” 24 And they (ABJ)were glorifying God [fo]because of me.
The Council at Jerusalem
2 Then after an interval of fourteen years I (ABK)went up again to Jerusalem with (ABL)Barnabas, taking (ABM)Titus along also. 2 [fp]It was because of a (ABN)revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the (ABO)gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be (ABP)running, or had run, in vain. 3 But not even (ABQ)Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was (ABR)compelled to be circumcised. 4 But it was because of the (ABS)false brethren secretly brought in, who (ABT)had sneaked in to spy out our (ABU)liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to (ABV)bring us into bondage. 5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that (ABW)the truth of the gospel would remain with you. 6 But from those who [fq]were of high (ABX)reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; (ABY)God [fr]shows no partiality)—well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, seeing that I had been (ABZ)entrusted with the (ACA)gospel [fs]to the uncircumcised, just as (ACB)Peter had been [ft]to the circumcised 8 (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his (ACC)apostleship [fu]to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles), 9 and recognizing (ACD)the grace that had been given to me, [fv](ACE)James and (ACF)Cephas and John, who were (ACG)reputed to be (ACH)pillars, gave to me and (ACI)Barnabas the (ACJ)right [fw]hand of fellowship, so that we might (ACK)go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 They only asked us to remember the poor—(ACL)the very thing I also was eager to do.
Peter (Cephas) Opposed by Paul
11 But when (ACM)Cephas came to (ACN)Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he [fx]stood condemned. 12 For prior to the coming of certain men from [fy](ACO)James, he used to (ACP)eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, (ACQ)fearing [fz]the party of the circumcision. 13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even (ACR)Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they (ACS)were not [ga]straightforward about (ACT)the truth of the gospel, I said to (ACU)Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, (ACV)live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews? [gb]
15 “We are (ACW)Jews by nature and not (ACX)sinners from among the Gentiles; 16 nevertheless knowing that (ACY)a man is not justified by the works of [gc]the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by (ACZ)faith in Christ and not by the works of [gd]the Law; since (ADA)by the works of [ge]the Law no [gf]flesh will be justified. 17 But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found (ADB)sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? (ADC)May it never be! 18 For if I rebuild what I have once destroyed, I (ADD)prove myself to be a transgressor. 19 For through [gg]the Law I (ADE)died to [gh]the Law, so that I might live to God. 20 I have been (ADF)crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but (ADG)Christ lives in me; and [gi]the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in (ADH)the Son of God, who (ADI)loved me and (ADJ)gave Himself up for me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God, for (ADK)if righteousness comes through [gj]the Law, then Christ died needlessly.”
Faith Brings Righteousness
3 [gk]You foolish (ADL)Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ (ADM)was publicly portrayed as crucified? 2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of [gl]the Law, or by [gm](ADN)hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun [gn]by the Spirit, are you now [go]being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you [gp]suffer so many things in vain—(ADO)if indeed it was in vain? 5 So then, does He who (ADP)provides you with the Spirit and (ADQ)works [gq]miracles among you, do it by the works of [gr]the Law, or by [gs](ADR)hearing with faith?
6 [gt]Even so (ADS)Abraham (ADT)believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. 7 Therefore, [gu]be sure that (ADU)it is those who are of faith who are (ADV)sons of Abraham. 8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God [gv]would justify the [gw]Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “(ADW)All the nations will be blessed in you.” 9 So then (ADX)those who are of faith are blessed with [gx]Abraham, the believer.
10 For as many as are of the works of [gy]the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “(ADY)Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.” 11 Now that (ADZ)no one is justified [gz]by [ha]the Law before God is evident; for, “[hb](AEA)The righteous man shall live by faith.” 12 [hc]However, the Law is not [hd]of faith; on the contrary, “(AEB)He who practices them shall live [he]by them.” 13 Christ (AEC)redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “(AED)Cursed is everyone who hangs on (AEE)a [hf]tree”— 14 in order that (AEF)in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might [hg]come to the Gentiles, so that we (AEG)would receive (AEH)the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Intent of the Law
15 (AEI)Brethren, (AEJ)I speak [hh]in terms of human relations: (AEK)even though it is only a man’s [hi]covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds [hj]conditions to it. 16 Now the promises were spoken (AEL)to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as referring to many, but rather to one, “(AEM)And to your seed,” that is, Christ. 17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came (AEN)four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For (AEO)if the inheritance is [hk]based on law, it is no longer [hl]based on a promise; but (AEP)God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.
19 (AEQ)Why the Law then? It was added [hm]because of transgressions, having been (AER)ordained through angels (AES)by the [hn]agency of a mediator, until (AET)the seed would come to whom the promise had been made. 20 Now (AEU)a mediator is not [ho]for one party only; whereas God is only one. 21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? (AEV)May it never be! For (AEW)if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness [hp]would indeed have been [hq]based on law. 22 But the Scripture has (AEX)shut up [hr]everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, (AEY)being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. 24 Therefore the Law has become our (AEZ)tutor to lead us to Christ, so that (AFA)we may be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a [hs](AFB)tutor.
New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved.