But just as at that time the one born by natural descent persecuted the one born according to the Spirit, so it is now.

They were only hearing, “The one who once persecuted us is now proclaiming the good news of the faith he once tried to destroy.”

Now, brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed.

For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it.

Those who want to make a good showing in external matters are trying to force you to be circumcised. They do so only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.