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Galatians
Chapter 1
1Paul, an apostle—not an apostle from men nor by human agency, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead—2and all the brothers with me, to the churches of Galatia:3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,4who gave himself for our sins so that he might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father:5to him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.6I am amazed that you are turning away so quickly from him who called you by the grace of Christ. I am amazed that you are turning to a different gospel,7not that there is another gospel, but there are some men who cause you trouble and want to distort the gospel of Christ.8But even if we or an angel from heaven should proclaim to you a gospel other than the one we proclaimed to you, let him be cursed.9As we have said before, so now I say again, "If someone proclaims to you a gospel other than the one you received, let him be cursed."10For am I now seeking the favor of men or of God? Am I seeking to please men? If I am still trying to please men, I am not a servant of Christ.11For I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I proclaimed is not man's gospel.12I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it. Instead, it was by revelation of Jesus Christ to me.13You have heard about my former life in Judaism, how I was persecuting the church of God beyond measure and that I was trying to destroy it.14I advanced in Judaism beyond many of those who were my own age, from out of my own people. That is how extremely zealous I was for the traditions of my fathers.15But when God, who had set me apart from my mother's womb, and who called me through his grace, was pleased16to reveal his Son in me, so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood.17I did not go up to Jerusalem to those who had become apostles before me. Instead, I went to Arabia and then returned to Damascus.18Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to get to know Cephas and I stayed with him fifteen days.19But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother.20In what I write to you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.21Then I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia.22I was still not known by face to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.23They only heard it being said, "The man who once persecuted us is now proclaiming as good news the faith he once tried to destroy."24So they glorified God because of me.
Chapter 2
1Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.2I went up because of a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I spoke privately to those who seemed to be important, in order to make sure that I was not running—or had not run—in vain.3But not even Titus, who was with me and who was a Greek, was forced to be circumcised.4The false brothers came in secretly to spy on the liberty we have in Christ Jesus. They desired to enslave us,5but we did not yield in submission to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.6But those who seemed to be important (whatever they were does not matter to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed important added nothing to me.7On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to those who are uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to those who are circumcised.8For God, who worked in Peter for the apostleship to those who are circumcised, also worked in me to the Gentiles.9When James, Cephas, and John, who had a reputation as pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles and they should go to the circumcised.10They requested only that we remember the poor, the very thing that I was eager to do.11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned.12Before certain men came from James, Cephas was eating with the Gentiles. But when these men came, he stopped and kept away from the Gentiles. He was afraid of those who were demanding circumcision.13Also the rest of the Jews joined in this hypocrisy. Even Barnabas was led astray with them by their hypocrisy.14But when I saw that their behavior was not following the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of all of them, "If you are a Jew but are living like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?"15We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners;16yet we know that no person is justified by the works of the law but through faith in Christ Jesus. So we also have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law. For by the works of the law no flesh will be justified.17But if, while we seek to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? Absolutely not!18For if I rebuild those things I once destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor.19For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. 20It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. 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.21I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing!
Chapter 3
1Foolish Galatians! Who has put a spell on you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly displayed as crucified.2This is the only thing I want to learn from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith?3Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now going to be perfected by the flesh?4Have you suffered so many things for nothing—if indeed it was for nothing?5Does he who gives the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith?6Just as Abraham "believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness,"7in the same way, understand, then, that those of faith are the children of Abraham.8The scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "In you all the nations will be blessed."9So then, those of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.10All who rely on the works of the law are under a curse; and so it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all the things written in the book of the law, and do them."11Now it is clear that no one is justified before God by the law, because "the righteous will live by faith."12But the law is not of faith; rather, "The person who does the works of the law must live by them."13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"—14so that the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.15Brothers, let me speak in human terms. Once a man-made contract is established by law, no one can set it aside or add to it.16Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his descendant. It does not say, "to descendants," referring to many, but instead to only one, "and to your descendant," who is Christ.17Now what I am saying is this: The law, which came 430 years afterward, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God, to nullify the promise.18For if the inheritance comes by the law, then it no longer comes by promise. But God freely gave it to Abraham by a promise.19What, then, was the purpose of the law? It was added because of transgressions until the descendant of Abraham would come to whom the promise had been made. The law was ordained through angels by the hand of an intermediary.20Now an intermediary implies more than one person. But God is one.21So is the law against the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.22But the scripture imprisoned everything under sin so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.23Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until faith should be revealed.24So then the law became our guardian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith.25But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.26For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.27For as many of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.28There 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.29Then if you are Christ's, you are Abraham's descendants, and heirs according to promise.
Chapter 4
1I am saying that the heir, for whatever time he is a child, is no different from a slave, though he is owner of the entire estate.2But he is under guardians and managers until the date set by his father.3So also, when we were children, we were enslaved to the elemental principles of the world.4But when the fullness of time had come, God sent out his Son, born of a woman, born under the law5so that he might redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.6And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, who cries out, "Abba, Father."7So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then you are also an heir through God.8But at that time, when you did not know God, you were made to be slaves to those who are, by their natural powers, not gods at all.9But now that you have come to know God, or rather that you are known by God, how is it that you are turning back to the weak and worthless elemental principles? Do you want to be enslaved all over again?10You observe days and new moons and seasons and years!11I am afraid for you that somehow my labor with you may have been for nothing.12I beg you, brothers, become like me, for I also have become like you. You did me no wrong.13But you know that it was because of a disease of the flesh that I proclaimed the gospel to you the first time,14and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself.15Where then is your blessing now? For I testify to you that, if it were possible, you would have torn out your own eyes and given them to me.16So then, have I become your enemy because I am telling you the truth?17They are zealous to win you over, but for no good purpose. They want to shut you out so you may be zealous for them.18It is always good to be zealous for a good purpose, and not only when I am present with you.19My little children, again I am suffering the pains of childbirth for you until Christ is formed in you.20I wish I could be present with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.21Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law?22For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the slave girl and one by the free woman.23One was born by the slave girl according to the flesh, but the other was born by the free woman through promise.24These things may be interpreted as an allegory, for these women represent two covenants. One of them is from Mount Sinai and she bears children into slavery. This is Hagar.25Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia; and she represents the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.26But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother.27For it is written,"Rejoice, you barren one who does not give birth;
cry out and shout for joy,
you who are not suffering the pains of childbirth;
because the children of the desolate woman are more numerous
than those of the woman who has a husband."
28But you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise.29At that time the one who was born according to the flesh persecuted the one born according to the Spirit. It is the same now.30But what does the scripture say? "Send away the slave girl and her son. For the son of the slave girl will not share in the inheritance with the son of the free woman."31Therefore, brothers, we are not children of a slave girl, but of the free woman.
Chapter 5
1For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not again be subject to a yoke of slavery.2Look, I, Paul, say to you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will not benefit you in any way.3I testify again to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.4You are cut off from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you no longer experience grace.5For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.6In Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has value, but only faith working through love.7You were running well. Who prevented you from obeying the truth?8This persuasion does not come from him who calls you!9A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough.10I have confidence in the Lord that you will think nothing different. The one who is troubling you will suffer the judgment, whoever he is.11Brothers, if I still proclaim circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the stumbling block of the cross has been removed.12As for those who are disturbing you, I wish they would cut themselves off!13For you were called to freedom, brothers. But do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh; rather, through love serve one another.14For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: "You must love your neighbor as yourself."15But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another.16But I say, walk by the Spirit and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh.17For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh. For these oppose each other, so that you cannot do the things you want.18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.19Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality,20idolatry, sorcery, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, rivalry, dissension, divisions,21envy, drunkenness, drunken celebrations, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,23gentleness, and self-control; against such things there is no law.24Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.26Let us not become boastful, provoking one another, envying one another.
Chapter 6
1Brothers, if someone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Be concerned about yourself, so you also may not be tempted.2Carry one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.3For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.4Each one should examine his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in someone else.5For each one will carry his own burden.6The one who is taught the word must share all good things with the one who teaches.7Do not be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man plants, that he will also reap.8For he who plants seed to his own flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction. The one who plants seed to the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.9Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the right time we will reap a harvest, if we do not give up.10So then, as we have the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the household of faith.11See what large letters I write to you with my own hand.12Those who want to make a good impression in the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. They do this only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.13For not even those who circumcised themselves keep the law, but they want you to be circumcised so that they may boast about your flesh.14But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.15For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but what counts is a new creation.16To all who walk according to this standard, peace and mercy be upon them, even upon the Israel of God.17From now on let no one trouble me, for I carry on my body the marks of Jesus.18The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.