I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my nation, and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.

My children – I am again undergoing birth pains until Christ is formed in you!

I wish I could be with you now and change my tone of voice, because I am perplexed about you.

But when the one who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace was pleased

and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me. Instead, you welcomed me as though I were an angel of God, as though I were Christ Jesus himself!

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