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Paul the apostle, not of men, nor by man [neither by man], but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, that raised him from death [that raised him from dead men],

and all the brethren that be with me, to the churches of Galatia,

grace to you and peace of God the Father, and of the Lord Jesus Christ [and of our Lord Jesus Christ],

that gave himself for our sins, to deliver us from the present wicked world, by the will of God and our Father, [the which gave himself for our sins, that he should deliver us from this present wayward world, after the will of God and our Father,]

to whom is honour and glory into worlds of worlds. Amen.

I wonder, that so soon ye be thus moved from him that called you into the grace of Christ, into another evangel [into another gospel];

which is not another, but that there be some that trouble you, and will mis-turn the evangel of Christ.

But though we, or an angel of heaven, preached to you, besides that that we have preached to you, be he accursed. [But though we, or an angel of heaven, evangelize to you, besides that that we have evangelized to you, cursed be he.]

As I have said before, and now again I say, if any man preach to you besides that that ye have received, be he accursed [if any shall evangelize except that that ye have taken, cursed be he].

10 For now whether counsel I men, or God? or whether I seek to please men? If I pleased yet men, I were not Christ's servant.[a]

11 For, brethren, I make known to you the evangel, that was preached of me, for it is not by man; [Soothly brethren, I make the gospel known to you, which is evangelized, or preached, of me, for it is not after man;]

12 nor I took it of man, nor learned [neither I took it of man, neither learned], but by [the] revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 For ye have heard my conversation sometime in the Jewry, that I pursued surpassingly the church of God [for over manner, or measure, I pursued the church of God], and fought against it.

14 And I profited in the Jewry above many of mine even-elders in my kindred, and was more abundantly a follower of my fathers' traditions [being more abundantly a lover, or follower, of my fathers' traditions].

15 But when it pleased him, that separated me [that parted me] from my mother's womb, and called by his grace,

16 to show his Son in me, that I should preach him among the heathen, at once I drew me not to flesh and blood [anon I accorded not to flesh and blood];

17 nor I came to Jerusalem [neither I came to Jerusalem] to the apostles, that were before me, but I went into Arabia, and again I turned again into Damascus.

18 And since three years after I came to Jerusalem, to see Peter, and I dwelled with him fifteen days; [Afterward after three years I came to Jerusalem, to see Peter, and dwelled with him fifteen days;]

19 but I saw none other of the apostles, but James, our Lord's brother [no but James, the brother of the Lord].

20 And these things which I write to you, lo! before God I lie not.

21 Afterward I came into the coasts [the parts] of Syria and Cilicia.

22 But I was unknown by face to the churches of Judaea, that were in Christ;

23 and they had only an hearing, that he that pursued us sometime, preacheth now the faith [now evangelizeth the faith], against which he fought sometime;

24 and in me they glorified God.

And since fourteen years after [Afterward after fourteen years], again I went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took with me Titus.

[Forsooth] I went up by revelation, and spake with them the evangel [and said together with them the gospel], which I preach among the heathen; and by themselves to these that seemed to be somewhat, lest I run, or had run in vain [forsooth asides hand, or by themselves, to them that were seen to be somewhat, lest peradventure I should run in vain, or had run in vain.]

And neither Titus, that had been with me, while he was heathen, was compelled to be circumcised; [But neither Titus, that was with me, when he was heathen, was compelled to be circumcised;]

but for false brethren that were brought in, which had entered to espy our freedom, which we have in Jesus Christ, to bring us into servage.[b]

But we gave no place to subjection[c], that the truth of the gospel should dwell with you.

But of these that seemed to be somewhat; which they were sometime, it pertaineth not to me [what manner they were sometime, it pertaineth nothing to me], for God taketh not the person of man; for they that seemed to be somewhat, gave me nothing [nothing to me gave].

But on the contrary, when they had seen, that the evangel of [the] prepuce was given to me, as the evangel of circumcision was given to Peter [that the gospel of prepuce, or of heathen men, was taken to me, as and of circumcision to Peter];

for he that wrought to Peter in apostlehood of circumcision, wrought also to me among the heathen;

and when they had known the grace of God, that was given to me, James, and Peter, and John, which were seen to be the pillars, they gave the right hand of fellowship to me and to Barnabas, that we among the heathen, and they into the circumcision;[d]

10 only that we had mind of poor men [only that we should be mindful of poor men], the which thing I was full busy to do.

11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I against-stood him in the face [I stood against him into the face], for he was worthy to be reproved.

12 For before that there came some men from James [Forsooth before that some came from James], he ate with heathen men; but when they were come, he withdrew, and separated him(self ) [and parted him], dreading them that were of circumcision.

13 And the other Jews assented to his feigning [And other Jews consented to his feigning], so that Barnabas was drawn of them into that feigning.

14 But when I saw, that they walked not rightly to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before all men, If thou, that art a Jew, livest heathen-like, and not Jew-like, how constrainest thou heathen men to become Jews?

15 We Jews of kind, and not sinful men of the heathen, [We be Jews of kind, and not sinners of heathen men,]

16 know that a man [soothly knowing for a man] is not justified of the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ; and we believe in Jesus Christ, that we be justified of the faith of Christ [that we be justified by the faith of Christ], and not of the works of the law. Wherefore of the works of the law each flesh shall not be justified.

17 And if we seek to be justified in Christ, we ourselves be found sinful men, whether Christ be minister of sin? God forbid. [That if we seeking to be justified in Christ, and we ourselves be found sinners, whether Christ is minister of sin? Far be it.]

18 And if I build again things that I have destroyed [Soothly if I build again those things that I destroyed], I make myself a trespasser.

19 For by the law I am dead to the law, [For by the law I am dead to the law, that I live to God;]

20 and I am fixed to the cross, that I live to God with Christ. And now live not I, but Christ liveth in me. But that I live now in flesh, I live in the faith of God's Son, that loved me, and gave himself for me. [with Christ I am fixed to the cross. Forsooth I live now, not I, but Christ liveth in me. Forsooth that I live now in flesh, I live in the faith of God's Son, which loved me, and betook himself for me.]

21 I cast not away the grace of God; for if rightwiseness be through law [for if rightwiseness is by the law], then Christ died without cause.

O! unwitty Galatians, before whose eyes Jesus Christ is exiled, and is crucified in you, who hath deceived you, that ye obey not to truth?[e]

This only I desire to learn of you, whether ye have received the Spirit of the works of the law, or of hearing of belief?[f]

So ye be fools, that when ye have begun in Spirit, ye be ended in flesh [now ye be ended by flesh].

So great things ye have suffered without cause [Ye have suffered so many things without cause], if it be without cause.

[Therefore] He that giveth to you [the] Spirit, and worketh works of power in you, whether of [the] works of the law, or of hearing of belief [or of hearing of faith]?

As it is written, Abraham believed to God, and it was reckoned to him to rightwiseness.

And therefore know ye, that these that be of belief, be the sons of Abraham.[g]

And the scripture seeing afar, that God justifieth the heathen of belief, told before to Abraham, That in thee all the heathen shall be blessed [for God justifieth of faith heathen men, told before to Abraham, For in thee all folks, or heathen men, shall be blessed].

And therefore these that be of belief [Therefore they that be of faith], shall be blessed with faithful Abraham.

10 For all that be of the works of the law, be under curse; for it is written, Each man is cursed, that abideth not in all things that be written in the book of the law, to do those things.[h]

11 And that no man is justified in the law before God, it is open, for a rightful man liveth of belief. [Forsooth for no man is justified in the law with God, it is known, for a rightful man liveth by faith.]

12 But the law is not of belief, but he that doeth those things of the law [but he that doeth those things], shall live in them.

13 But Christ again-bought us from the curse of the law, and was made accursed for us; for it is written, Each man is cursed that hangeth in the tree;[i]

14 that among the heathen the blessing of Abraham were made in Jesus Christ, that we receive the promise of Spirit through belief. [that the blessing of Abraham in heathen men should be made in Christ Jesus, that we take the promise of Spirit by faith.]

15 Brethren, I say after man, no man despiseth the testament of a man that is confirmed, or ordaineth above [or above-ordaineth other thing].

16 The promises were said to Abraham and to his seed; he saith not, In [the] seeds, as in many, but as in one, And to thy seed, that is, Christ.

17 But I say, this testament is confirmed of God; the law that was made after four hundred and thirty years, maketh not the testament vain to void away the promise.[j]

18 For if [the] heritage were of the law, it were not now of promise. But God granted to Abraham through promise [Forsooth God gave to Abraham by again-promise].

19 What then the law [What therefore profiteth the law]? It was set for trespassing, till the seed came, to whom he had made the promise. Which law was ordained by angels, in the hand of a mediator.

20 But a mediator is not of one. But God is one.

21 Is then the law against the promises of God? God forbid [Far be it]. For if the law were given, that might quicken, verily were rightwiseness of law [For if there were a law given, which might quicken, verily rightwiseness were of law].

22 But the scripture hath concluded all things under sin, that the promise of the faith [of faith] of Jesus Christ were given to them that believe.

23 And before that belief came, they were kept under the law, enclosed into that belief that was to be showed. [Forsooth before that the faith came, we were kept under the law, shut together into that faith that was to be showed.]

24 And so the law was our under-master in Christ, that we be justified of belief.[k]

25 But after that belief came [But after that the faith came], we be not now under the under-master.

26 For all ye be the children of God through the belief of Jesus Christ. [For all ye be the sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus.]

27 For all ye that be baptized, be clothed with Christ. [Forsooth whoever ye be baptized in Christ, ye have clothed in Christ.]

28 There is no Jew, nor Greek, no bondman, nor free man, no male, nor female [There is not Jew, neither Greek; there is not servant, neither free man; there is not male, neither female]; for all ye be one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be one in Jesus Christ, then ye be the seed of Abraham, and heirs by promise. [Forsooth if ye be of Christ, therefore ye be seed of Abraham, after the promise ye be heirs.]

But I say, as long time as the heir is a little child, he diverseth nothing from a servant, when he is lord of all things [when he is lord of all];

but he is under keepers and tutors, into the time determined of the father.[l]

So we, when we were little children, we served under the elements of the world. [So and we, when we were little, were serving under the elements of the world.]

But after that the fulfilling of the time came, God sent his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

that he should again-buy them that were under the law, that we should receive the adoption of sons.

And for ye be God's sons, God sent his Spirit into your hearts [God sent the Spirit of his Son into your hearts], crying, Abba, Father.

And so there is not now a servant, but a son; and if he is a son, he is an heir by God. [Therefore now there is not servant, but son; that if son, then and heir by God.]

But then ye not knowing God [But then soothly ye unknowing God], served to them that in kind were not gods.

But now when ye have known God, and be known of God, how be ye turned again to the feeble and needy elements, to the which ye will again serve? [Now forsooth when ye have known God, yea, rather ye be known of God, how be ye turned together again to sick, or frail, and needy elements, to which ye will serve again?]

10 Ye take keep to days [Ye keep, or wait (on), days], and months, and times, and years.

11 But I dread you, lest without cause I have travailed among you [lest peradventure I have travailed in you without cause].

12 Be ye as I, for I am as ye. Brethren, I beseech you, ye have hurt me nothing [ye have nothing hurt me].

13 But ye know, that by infirmity of flesh I have preached to you [I have evangelized to you] now before;

14 and ye despised not, neither forsook your temptation in my flesh [and your temptation in my flesh ye despised not, neither forsook], but ye received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.

15 Where then is your blessing [Where is therefore your blessedness, that ye had before time]? For I bear you witness, that if it might have been done, ye would have put out your eyes, and have given them to me.

16 Am I then made an enemy to you, saying to you the sooth? [Therefore am I made enemy to you, saying true thing to you?]

17 They love not you well [They love you not well], but they will exclude you, that ye follow them.

18 But follow ye the good evermore in good, and not only when I am present with you.

19 My small children, which I bear again, till that Christ be formed in you, [My little sons, whom I child, or bring forth by travail, again, till Christ be formed in you,]

20 and I would now be at you, and change my voice, for I am confounded among you [for I am confounded, or shamed, in you].

21 Say to me, ye that will be under the law, have ye not read the law?

22 For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, one of a servant, and one of a free woman [one of the handmaiden, and one of the free wife].

23 But he that was of the servant, was born after the flesh; but he that was of the free woman, by a promise.[m]

24 The which things be said by another understanding. For these be two testaments; one in the hill of Sinai, engendering into servage, which is Agar.[n]

25 For Sinai is an hill that is in Arabia, which hill is joined to it that is now Jerusalem, and serveth with her children.

26 But that Jerusalem that is above, is free, which is our mother.

27 For it is written, Be glad, thou barren, that bearest not; break out and cry, that bringest forth no children [break out and cry, thou that childest not]; for many sons be of her that is left of her husband [for many sons be of the deserted, or left woman], more than of her that hath an husband.

28 For, brethren, we be sons of promise after Isaac; [Forsooth, brethren, we be after Isaac the sons of promise;]

29 but now as this that was born after the flesh pursued him that was after the Spirit, so now.[o]

30 But what saith the scripture? Cast out the servant and her son, for the son of the servant shall not be heir with the son of the free wife.[p]

31 And so, brethren, we be not sons of the servant, but of the free wife, by which freedom Christ hath made us free.[q]

Stand ye therefore, and do not ye again be held in the yoke of servage. [Therefore stand ye, and again do not ye be together holden in the yoke of servage.]

Lo! I Paul say to you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall nothing profit to you. [Lo! I Paul say to you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit to you nothing.]

And I witness again to each man that circumciseth himself [Soothly I bear witnessing again to every man circumcising himself], that he is a debtor of all the law to be done.

And ye be voided away from Christ, and ye that be justified in the law, ye have fallen away from grace. [Ye be voided from Christ, ye that be justified in the law have fallen away from grace.]

For we through the Spirit of belief abide the hope of rightwiseness. [For we by Spirit of faith abide the hope of rightwiseness.]

For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision is any thing worth, neither prepuce, but the belief that worketh by charity [but faith that worketh by charity].

Ye ran well; who hindered you that ye obeyed not to the truth [who letted you to not obey to the truth]?

Consent ye to no man; for this counsel is not of him that hath called you [forsooth this persuasion, or counseling, is not of him that called you].

A little sourdough impaireth [maketh sour] all the gobbet.

10 I trust on you in our Lord [I trust of you in the Lord], that ye should understand none other thing. And who that disturbeth you [Forsooth he that distroubleth you], shall bear doom whoever he be.

11 And, brethren, if I preach yet circumcision, what suffer I yet persecution? then the stumbling of the cross is voided. [Forsooth, brethren, if I preach yet circumcision, what yet suffer I persecution? therefore the offence of the cross is voided.]

12 I would that they were cut away, that disturb you. [I would that they that distrouble you, be also cut off.]

13 For, brethren, ye be called into freedom; only give ye not freedom into occasion of flesh [Forsooth, brethren, ye be called into liberty only; give ye not liberty into occasion of flesh], but by charity of [the] Spirit serve ye together.

14 For every law is fulfilled in one word [Forsooth all the law is fulfilled in one word], Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.

15 And if ye bite, and eat each other, see ye, lest ye be wasted each from other.

16 And I say to you in Christ, walk ye in Spirit, and ye shall not perform the desires of the flesh.

17 For the flesh coveteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these be adversaries together, that ye do not all things that ye will [that ye do not those things, whatever ye will].

18 That if ye be led by Spirit [For if ye be led by the Spirit], ye be not under the law.

19 And the works of the flesh be open, which be fornication, uncleanness, unchastity, lechery,

20 service of false gods [serving to idols, or false gods], witchcrafts, enmities, strivings [strives], indignations, wraths, chidings, dissensions, sects [sects, or heresies],

21 envies, manslayings, drunken-nesses, unmeasurable eatings, and things like to these [gluttonies, and like things to these], which I say to you before, as I have told to you before, for they that do such things, shall not have the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is charity, joy, peace, patience, long abiding, benignity [benignity, or good will], goodness, mildness, faith,

23 temperance, continence, chastity; against such things is no law.

24 And they that be of Christ, have crucified their flesh with vices and covetings. [Forsooth they that be of Christ, have crucified their flesh with vices and concupiscenes, or covetings.]

25 If we live by Spirit, walk we by Spirit;

26 be we not made covetous of vain glory, stirring each other to wrath, or having envy each to other.

Brethren, if a man be occupied in any guilt, ye that be spiritual, inform ye such one in spirit of softness, beholding thyself, lest that thou be tempted.[r]

Each bear other's charges [Bear ye the charges the tother of the tother, or each of other], and so ye shall fulfill the law of Christ.

For who that troweth that he be aught, when he is nought, he beguileth himself. [For why if any man guesseth himself to be aught, when he is nought, he deceiveth himself.]

But each man prove his own work, and so he shall have glory [only] in himself, and not in another.

For each man shall bear his own charge.

He that is taught in word, commune he with him that teacheth him, in all goods. [Forsooth he that is taught by word, commune to him that teacheth him, in all good things.]

Do not ye err, God is not scorned; for those things that a man soweth, those things he shall reap [for why what things a man soweth, also these things he shall reap].

For he that soweth in his flesh, of the flesh he shall reap corruption; but he that soweth in the Spirit, of the Spirit he shall reap everlasting life.

And doing good fail we not [Forsooth we doing good, fail not]; for in his time we shall reap, not failing.

10 Therefore while we have time, work we good to all men; but most to them that be the home of the faith [but most to the household members of the faith].

11 See ye, what manner letters I have written to you with mine own hand.

12 For whoever will please in the flesh, these constrain you to be circumcised, only that they suffer not the persecution of Christ's cross.

13 For neither they that be circumcised keep the law; but they will that ye be circumcised, that they have glory in your flesh [but they will you to be circumcised, that they glory in your flesh].

14 But far be it from me to have glory [Forsooth be it far to me to glory], but in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world.

15 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision is any thing worth, nor prepuce, but a new creature.

16 And whoever follow this rule, peace on them, and mercy, and on Israel of God [peace upon them, and mercy, and upon Israel of God].

17 And hereafter no man be heavy to me; for I bear in my body the tokens of our Lord Jesus Christ. [From henceforth, no man be heavy to me; forsooth I bear in my body the tokens, or wounds, of our Lord Jesus Christ.]

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 1:10 I council now to men, or to God? or I seek to please men? If I yet pleased to men, I were not the servant of Christ.
  2. Galatians 2:4 but for false brethren, under-brought in, which privily entered to espy our liberty, which we have in Christ Jesus, that they should drive us into servage.
  3. Galatians 2:5 To whom neither at an hour we gave stead, or place, to subjection
  4. Galatians 2:9 and when they had known the grace, that is given to me, James, and Cephas, or Peter, and John, which were seen to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we preach among heathen men, they forsooth into the circumcision;
  5. Galatians 3:1 O! ye witless men of Galatia, who deceived you to obey not to the truth? before whose eyes Jesus Christ is condemned, or exiled, and in you crucified.
  6. Galatians 3:2 This thing only will I learn of you, have ye taken the Spirit by the works of the law, by the hearing of belief/or of the hearing of belief?
  7. Galatians 3:7 Therefore know ye, that they that be of faith, they be the sons of Abraham.
  8. Galatians 3:10 Forsooth whoever be of the works of the law, be under curse; for it is written, Cursed is each man, that dwelleth not in all things that be written in the book of the law, that he do them.
  9. Galatians 3:13 Christ delivered us from the curse of the law, made for us the curse; for it is written, Cursed is each that hangeth in the tree;
  10. Galatians 3:17 Forsooth I say this, a testament confirmed of God, which after four hundred years and thirty is made law, maketh not void for to do away the promise.
  11. Galatians 3:24 Therefore the law was our little master in Christ, that we be justified of faith.
  12. Galatians 4:2 but he is under tutors and keepers, till to/unto the time determined of the father.
  13. Galatians 4:23 Forsooth he that was of the handmaiden/handmaid was born after the flesh; but he that was of the free wife, was born by promise.
  14. Galatians 4:24 Which things be said by allegory, or by another understanding. For why these things be two testaments; soothly the one in the mount Sinai, gendering into servage, that is Agar.
  15. Galatians 4:29 but as then he that was born after the flesh pursued him that was born after the Spirit, so and now.
  16. Galatians 4:30 But what saith the scripture? Cast out the handmaiden and her son, for the son of the handmaiden/handmaid shall not be heir with the son of the free wife.
  17. Galatians 4:31 And so, brethren, we be not sons of the handmaiden/handmaid, but of the free, by which liberty Christ hath made us free.
  18. Galatians 6:1 Brethren, and if a man be before occupied, or overcome, in any guilt, or trespass, ye that be spiritual, teach such a manner man in the spirit of softness, or meekness, beholding thyself, that and thou be not tempted.

Paul, an apostle(A)—sent not from men nor by a man,(B) but by Jesus Christ(C) and God the Father,(D) who raised him from the dead(E) and all the brothers and sisters[a] with me,(F)

To the churches in Galatia:(G)

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,(H) who gave himself for our sins(I) to rescue us from the present evil age,(J) according to the will of our God and Father,(K) to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.(L)

No Other Gospel

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called(M) you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel(N) which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion(O) and are trying to pervert(P) the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you,(Q) let them be under God’s curse!(R) As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted,(S) let them be under God’s curse!

10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people?(T) If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Paul Called by God

11 I want you to know, brothers and sisters,(U) that the gospel I preached(V) is not of human origin. 12 I did not receive it from any man,(W) nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation(X) from Jesus Christ.(Y)

13 For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism,(Z) how intensely I persecuted the church of God(AA) and tried to destroy it.(AB) 14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous(AC) for the traditions of my fathers.(AD) 15 But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb(AE) and called me(AF) by his grace, was pleased 16 to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles,(AG) my immediate response was not to consult any human being.(AH) 17 I did not go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went into Arabia. Later I returned to Damascus.(AI)

18 Then after three years,(AJ) I went up to Jerusalem(AK) to get acquainted with Cephas[b] and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 I saw none of the other apostles—only James,(AL) the Lord’s brother. 20 I assure you before God(AM) that what I am writing you is no lie.(AN)

21 Then I went to Syria(AO) and Cilicia.(AP) 22 I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea(AQ) that are in Christ.(AR) 23 They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith(AS) he once tried to destroy.”(AT) 24 And they praised God(AU) because of me.

Paul Accepted by the Apostles

Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem,(AV) this time with Barnabas.(AW) I took Titus(AX) along also. I went in response to a revelation(AY) and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles.(AZ) I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race(BA) in vain. Yet not even Titus,(BB) who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.(BC) This matter arose because some false believers(BD) had infiltrated our ranks to spy on(BE) the freedom(BF) we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel(BG) might be preserved for you.

As for those who were held in high esteem(BH)—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism(BI)—they added nothing to my message.(BJ) On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task(BK) of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised,[c](BL) just as Peter(BM) had been to the circumcised.[d] For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle(BN) to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle(BO) to the Gentiles. James,(BP) Cephas[e](BQ) and John, those esteemed as pillars,(BR) gave me and Barnabas(BS) the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.(BT) They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles,(BU) and they to the circumcised. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor,(BV) the very thing I had been eager to do all along.

Paul Opposes Cephas

11 When Cephas(BW) came to Antioch,(BX) I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James,(BY) he used to eat with the Gentiles.(BZ) But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.(CA) 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas(CB) was led astray.

14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel,(CC) I said to Cephas(CD) in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew.(CE) How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?(CF)

15 “We who are Jews by birth(CG) and not sinful Gentiles(CH) 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law,(CI) but by faith in Jesus Christ.(CJ) So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in[f] Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.(CK)

17 “But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners,(CL) doesn’t that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not!(CM) 18 If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker.

19 “For through the law I died to the law(CN) so that I might live for God.(CO) 20 I have been crucified with Christ(CP) and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.(CQ) The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God,(CR) who loved me(CS) and gave himself for me.(CT) 21 I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law,(CU) Christ died for nothing!”[g]

Faith or Works of the Law

You foolish(CV) Galatians!(CW) Who has bewitched you?(CX) Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.(CY) I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit(CZ) by the works of the law,(DA) or by believing what you heard?(DB) Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?[h] Have you experienced[i] so much in vain—if it really was in vain? So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles(DC) among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?(DD) So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[j](DE)

Understand, then, that those who have faith(DF) are children of Abraham.(DG) Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”[k](DH) So those who rely on faith(DI) are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.(DJ)

10 For all who rely on the works of the law(DK) are under a curse,(DL) as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.”[l](DM) 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God,(DN) because “the righteous will live by faith.”[m](DO) 12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.”[n](DP) 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law(DQ) by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.”[o](DR) 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus,(DS) so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.(DT)

The Law and the Promise

15 Brothers and sisters,(DU) let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed.(DV) Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,”[p](DW) meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years(DX) later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise;(DY) but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions(DZ) until the Seed(EA) to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels(EB) and entrusted to a mediator.(EC) 20 A mediator,(ED) however, implies more than one party; but God is one.

21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not!(EE) For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.(EF) 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin,(EG) so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Children of God

23 Before the coming of this faith,[q] we were held in custody(EH) under the law, locked up until the faith that was to come would be revealed.(EI) 24 So the law was our guardian until Christ came(EJ) that we might be justified by faith.(EK) 25 Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.(EL)

26 So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God(EM) through faith, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ(EN) have clothed yourselves with Christ.(EO) 28 There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free,(EP) nor is there male and female,(EQ) for you are all one in Christ Jesus.(ER) 29 If you belong to Christ,(ES) then you are Abraham’s seed,(ET) and heirs(EU) according to the promise.(EV)

What I am saying is that as long as an heir is underage, he is no different from a slave, although he owns the whole estate. The heir is subject to guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. So also, when we were underage, we were in slavery(EW) under the elemental spiritual forces[r] of the world.(EX) But when the set time had fully come,(EY) God sent his Son,(EZ) born of a woman,(FA) born under the law,(FB) to redeem(FC) those under the law, that we might receive adoption(FD) to sonship.[s](FE) Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son(FF) into our hearts,(FG) the Spirit who calls out, “Abba,[t] Father.”(FH) So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.(FI)

Paul’s Concern for the Galatians

Formerly, when you did not know God,(FJ) you were slaves(FK) to those who by nature are not gods.(FL) But now that you know God—or rather are known by God(FM)—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces[u]? Do you wish to be enslaved(FN) by them all over again?(FO) 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!(FP) 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you.(FQ)

12 I plead with you, brothers and sisters,(FR) become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. 13 As you know, it was because of an illness(FS) that I first preached the gospel to you, 14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.(FT) 15 Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth?(FU)

17 Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them.(FV) 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you.(FW) 19 My dear children,(FX) for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,(FY) 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Hagar and Sarah

21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law,(FZ) are you not aware of what the law says? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave woman(GA) and the other by the free woman.(GB) 23 His son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh,(GC) but his son by the free woman was born as the result of a divine promise.(GD)

24 These things are being taken figuratively: The women represent two covenants. One covenant is from Mount Sinai and bears children who are to be slaves: This is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem that is above(GE) is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written:

“Be glad, barren woman,
    you who never bore a child;
shout for joy and cry aloud,
    you who were never in labor;
because more are the children of the desolate woman
    than of her who has a husband.”[v](GF)

28 Now you, brothers and sisters, like Isaac, are children of promise.(GG) 29 At that time the son born according to the flesh(GH) persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit.(GI) It is the same now. 30 But what does Scripture say? “Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman’s son.”[w](GJ) 31 Therefore, brothers and sisters, we are not children of the slave woman,(GK) but of the free woman.(GL)

Freedom in Christ

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.(GM) Stand firm,(GN) then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.(GO)

Mark my words! I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised,(GP) Christ will be of no value to you at all. Again I declare to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.(GQ) You who are trying to be justified by the law(GR) have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.(GS) For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope.(GT) For in Christ Jesus(GU) neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value.(GV) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.(GW)

You were running a good race.(GX) Who cut in on you(GY) to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you.(GZ) “A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.”(HA) 10 I am confident(HB) in the Lord that you will take no other view.(HC) The one who is throwing you into confusion,(HD) whoever that may be, will have to pay the penalty. 11 Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?(HE) In that case the offense(HF) of the cross has been abolished. 12 As for those agitators,(HG) I wish they would go the whole way and emasculate themselves!

Life by the Spirit

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.(HH) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[x];(HI) rather, serve one another(HJ) humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[y](HK) 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit,(HL) and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.(HM) 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.(HN) They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever[z] you want.(HO) 18 But if you are led by the Spirit,(HP) you are not under the law.(HQ)

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality,(HR) impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like.(HS) I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.(HT)

22 But the fruit(HU) of the Spirit is love,(HV) joy, peace,(HW) forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control.(HX) Against such things there is no law.(HY) 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh(HZ) with its passions and desires.(IA) 25 Since we live by the Spirit,(IB) let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited,(IC) provoking and envying each other.

Doing Good to All

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit(ID) should restore(IE) that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.(IF) If anyone thinks they are something(IG) when they are not, they deceive themselves.(IH) Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone,(II) without comparing themselves to someone else,(IJ) for each one should carry their own load.(IK) Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor.(IL)

Do not be deceived:(IM) God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.(IN) Whoever sows to please their flesh,(IO) from the flesh will reap destruction;(IP) whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.(IQ) Let us not become weary in doing good,(IR) for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.(IS) 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good(IT) to all people, especially to those who belong to the family(IU) of believers.

Not Circumcision but the New Creation

11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!(IV)

12 Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh(IW) are trying to compel you to be circumcised.(IX) The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted(IY) for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised keep the law,(IZ) yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh.(JA) 14 May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,(JB) through which[aa] the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.(JC) 15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything;(JD) what counts is the new creation.(JE) 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to[ab] the Israel of God.

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

18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ(JG) be with your spirit,(JH) brothers and sisters. Amen.

Footnotes

  1. Galatians 1:2 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in verse 11; and in 3:15; 4:12, 28, 31; 5:11, 13; 6:1, 18.
  2. Galatians 1:18 That is, Peter
  3. Galatians 2:7 That is, Gentiles
  4. Galatians 2:7 That is, Jews; also in verses 8 and 9
  5. Galatians 2:9 That is, Peter; also in verses 11 and 14
  6. Galatians 2:16 Or but through the faithfulness of … justified on the basis of the faithfulness of
  7. Galatians 2:21 Some interpreters end the quotation after verse 14.
  8. Galatians 3:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
  9. Galatians 3:4 Or suffered
  10. Galatians 3:6 Gen. 15:6
  11. Galatians 3:8 Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:18
  12. Galatians 3:10 Deut. 27:26
  13. Galatians 3:11 Hab. 2:4
  14. Galatians 3:12 Lev. 18:5
  15. Galatians 3:13 Deut. 21:23
  16. Galatians 3:16 Gen. 12:7; 13:15; 24:7
  17. Galatians 3:23 Or through the faithfulness of Jesus … 23 Before faith came
  18. Galatians 4:3 Or under the basic principles
  19. Galatians 4:5 The Greek word for adoption to sonship is a legal term referring to the full legal standing of an adopted male heir in Roman culture.
  20. Galatians 4:6 Aramaic for Father
  21. Galatians 4:9 Or principles
  22. Galatians 4:27 Isaiah 54:1
  23. Galatians 4:30 Gen. 21:10
  24. Galatians 5:13 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit; also in verses 16, 17, 19 and 24; and in 6:8.
  25. Galatians 5:14 Lev. 19:18
  26. Galatians 5:17 Or you do not do what
  27. Galatians 6:14 Or whom
  28. Galatians 6:16 Or rule and to