which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man.

I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ;

but only, they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.”

It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the 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 running, or had run, in vain.

But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.

I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.

Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.

But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.

However at that time, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods.

But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental things, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again?

and that which was a trial to you in my bodily condition you did not despise or loathe, but you received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus Himself.

They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out so that you will seek them.

but I could wish to be present with you now and to change my tone, for I am perplexed about you.

I wish that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.

Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.