For if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.

But from those who were influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism between people) – those influential leaders added nothing to my message.

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision carries any weight – the only thing that matters is faith working through love.

For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that matters is a new creation!

I do not set aside God’s grace, because if righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing!

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.