Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

Boasting in the cross

¹¹ Look at the large-size letters I’m writing to you in my own hand. ¹² It’s the people who want to make a fine showing in the flesh who are trying to force you into getting circumcised—for this purpose only, that they may avoid persecution for the Messiah’s cross. ¹³ You see, even the circumcised ones don’t keep the law; rather, they want you to be circumcised, so that they may boast about your flesh.

¹⁴ As for me, God forbid that I should boast—except in the cross of our Lord Jesus the Messiah, through whom the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. ¹⁵ Circumcision, you see, is nothing; neither is uncircumcision! What matters is new creation. ¹⁶ Peace and mercy on everyone who lines up by that standard—yes, on God’s Israel.

¹⁷ For the rest, let nobody make trouble for me. You see, I carry the marks of Jesus on my body.

¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus the Messiah be with your spirit, my dear family. Amen.