But just as at that time the one born by natural descent<n id="1" /> persecuted the one born according to the Spirit,<n id="2" /> so it is now.

They were only hearing, &#8220;The one who once persecuted us is now proclaiming the good news<n id="1" /> of the faith he once tried to destroy.&#8221;

Now, brothers and sisters,<n id="1" /> if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?<n id="2" /> In that case the offense of the cross<n id="3" /> has been removed.<n id="4" />

<p class="bodytext">For you have heard of my former way of life<n id="1" /> in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it.

<p class="bodytext">Those who want to make a good showing in external matters<n id="1" /> are trying to force you to be circumcised. They do so<n id="2" /> only to avoid being persecuted<n id="3" /> for the cross of Christ.