who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age according to the will of our God and Father,

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

Brothers and sisters, I offer an example from everyday life: When a covenant has been ratified, even though it is only a human contract, no one can set it aside or add anything to it.

But I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ.

Now before faith came we were held in custody under the law, being kept as prisoners until the coming faith would be revealed.

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

You who are trying to be declared righteous by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace!

You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth?

and when James, Cephas, and John, who had a reputation as pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we would go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

However, it is good to be sought eagerly for a good purpose at all times, and not only when I am present with you.

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be subject again to the yoke of slavery.

Where then is your sense of happiness now? For I testify about you that if it were possible, you would have pulled out your eyes and given them to me!