and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia:

But I make known to you, brothers, concerning the Good News which was preached by me, that it is not according to man.

For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ.

For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I severely persecuted the church of God, and tried to destroy it.

I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me through his grace,

to reveal his Son to me, that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood,

nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.

Now about the things which I write to you, behold, before God, I'm not lying.

And they glorified God because of me.

Then after a period of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.

But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.

But from those who were reputed to be important (whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God does not show partiality to man)?they, I say, who were respected imparted nothing to me,

(for he who appointed Peter to be an apostle of the circumcision appointed me also to the Gentiles);

and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised.

I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me. That 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.

I am afraid for you, that I might have wasted my labor for you.

I beg you, brothers, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong,

and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not despise nor reject; but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus.

Where was the blessing you enjoyed? For I testify to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

They zealously seek you, but for no good purpose; they desire to alienate you, that you may be zealous for them.

My children, of whom I am again in travail until Christ is formed in you?

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

Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law?

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, that you may not do the things that you desire.

See with what large letters I write to you with my own hand.

As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised; only that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

For even they who receive circumcision do not keep the law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh.

But far be it from me to boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus branded on my body.