²⁵ Circumcision has value if you observe the law,^(A) but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.^{(B) 26} So then, if those who are not circumcised keep the law’s requirements,^(C) will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised?^{(D) 27} The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you^(E) who, even though you have the^[a] written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker.

²⁸ A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly,^(F) nor is circumcision merely outward and physical.^{(G) 29} No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart,^(H) by the Spirit,^(I) not by the written code.^(J) Such a person’s praise is not from other people, but from God.^(K)

³ Yet not even Titus,^(A) who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.^{(B) 4} This matter arose because some false believers^(C) had infiltrated our ranks to spy on^(D) the freedom^(E) we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. ⁵ We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel^(F) might be preserved for you.

⁶ As for those who were held in high esteem^(G)—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism^(H)—they added nothing to my message.^(I)