Then, after three years, I went up to Jerusalem to make the acquaintance of Cephas. I stayed a fortnight with him.

(It was in consequence of a revelation that I went up at all.) I submitted the gospel I am in the habit of preaching to the Gentiles, submitting it privately to the authorities, to make sure that my course of action would be and had been sound.

Besides, the so-called 'authorities' (it makes no difference to me what their status used to be ??God pays no regard to the externals of men), these 'authorities' had no additions to make to my gospel.

If it is discovered that in our quest for justification in Christ we are 'sinners' as well as the Gentiles, does that make Christ an agent of sin? Never!

Why, you make me afraid I may have spent my labour on you for nothing!

These men make much of you ??yes, but for dishonest ends; they want to debar you from us, so that you may make much of them.

with the freedom for which Christ set us free. Make a firm stand then, do not slip into any yoke of servitude.

Brothers, you were called to be free; only, do not make your freedom an opening for the flesh, but serve one another in love.

Make no mistake ??God is not to be mocked ??a man will reap just what he sows;

See what big letters I make, when I write you in my own hand!

These men who are keen upon you getting circumcised are just men who want to make a grand display in the flesh ??it is simply to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.