although it is really not a different one, but rather some people are causing you trouble by trying to pervert the [true] Gospel of Christ.

For am I seeking [to gain] the favor of men or of God? Or, am I striving to please people [by what I do]? If I were still [trying] to please people, I would not be a [true] servant of Christ.

Now God is witness that the things which I am writing to you are true.

To whom we gave way not even for an hour; so that the true words of the good news might still be with you.

For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision.

The rest of the Jews joined him in this hypocrisy [ignoring their knowledge that Jewish and Gentile Christians were united, under the new covenant, into one faith], with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.

But when I saw that they were not being straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I told Cephas (Peter) in front of everyone, “If you, being a Jew, live [as you have been living] like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how is it that you are [now virtually] forcing the Gentiles to live like Jews [if they want to eat with you]?”

For if I [or anyone else should] rebuild [through word or by practice] what I once tore down [the belief that observing the Law is essential for salvation], I prove myself to be a transgressor.

So understand that it is the people who live by faith [with confidence in the power and goodness of God] who are [the true] sons of Abraham.

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:

And if you belong to Christ, then you are indeed true descendants of Abraham, and are heirs in fulfilment of the promise.

And because you are sons, God sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, "Dear, dear Father!"

But at that time, when you did not know [the true] God and were unacquainted with Him, you [Gentiles] were slaves to those [pagan] things which by [their very] nature were not and could not be gods at all.

Now, however, since you have come to know [the true] God [through personal experience], or rather to be known by God, how is it that you are turning back again to the weak and worthless elemental principles [of religions and philosophies], to which you want to be enslaved all over again?

so that your enemy have I become, being true to you?

It is always honorable to have your favor sought in an honorable cause, and not only when I am with you, my dear children--

My dear children! for whom I, again, am in birth-pains, until Christ be formed within you; -

You were going on well; who was the cause of your not giving ear to what is true?

but if you bite and tear one another, take heed that you be not consumed by one another.

Let us never tire of doing right, for at the proper season we shall reap our harvest, if we do not grow weary.

Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule [who discipline themselves and conduct their lives by this principle], and upon the [true] Israel of God (Jewish believers).