who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,

to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

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

For I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ.

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

and I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers.

I went up because of a revelation; and I set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately to those who were of reputation, for fear that I was running or had run my race in vain.

We did not yield to them even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.

(for he who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles),

For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to draw back and separate himself, fearing the party of the circumcision.

For if I rebuild what I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor.

For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God.

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

I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died for nothing."

For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to do them."

Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "The righteous man shall live by faith."

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for usfor it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"

What I mean 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.

For if the inheritance is based on the law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.

Is the law then opposed to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if a law had been given which could impart life, then righteousness would indeed have come by the law.

For you are all sons of God, through faith in Christ Jesus.

For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.

I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.

Brethren, I beg you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have done me no wrong;

What has become of the satisfaction you felt? For I bear you witness that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

They seek you, but for no good purpose; they want to shut you out, so that you may seek them.

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

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave and one by the free woman.

But the son by the slave was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.

This is allegorically speaking, for these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar.

Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.

But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.

For it is written, "Rejoice, O barren woman who does not bear; break forth and shout, you who are not in labor; for the children of the desolate are more numerous than the children of her who has a husband."

But what does the scripture say? "Cast out the slave and her son, for the son of the slave shall not inherit with the son of the free woman."

So then, brethren, we are not children of the slave, but of the free woman.

It was for freedom that Christ has set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.

For through the Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision is of any avail, but faith working through love.

For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, so that you may not do what you would.

For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

For each one will bear his own load.

Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.

For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption; but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life.

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.

Those who want to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.

For those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh.

For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but what counts is a new creation.

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