Now this matter arose<n id="1" /> because of the false brothers with false pretenses<n id="2" /> who slipped in unnoticed to spy on<n id="3" /> our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, to make us slaves.<n id="4" />

And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, proclaimed the gospel to Abraham ahead of time,<n id="1" /> saying, &#8220;<b><i>All the nationsi>b><n id="2" /> <b><i>will be blessed in youi>b><sc>.&#8221;sc><n id="3" />

in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham would come to the Gentiles,<n id="1" /> so that we could receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.p>

<p class="bodytext">Why then was the law given?<n id="1" /> It was added<n id="2" /> because of transgressions,<n id="3" /> until the arrival of the descendant<n id="4" /> to whom the promise had been made. It was administered<n id="5" /> through angels by an intermediary.<n id="6" />

and though my physical condition put you to the test, you did not despise or reject me.<n id="1" /> Instead, you welcomed me as though I were an angel of God,<n id="2" /> as though I were Christ Jesus himself!<n id="3" />

Now Hagar represents Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.

I am confident<n id="1" /> in the Lord that you will accept no other view.<n id="2" /> But the one who is confusing<n id="3" /> you will pay the penalty,<n id="4" /> whoever he may be.

<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.

For those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised so that they can boast about your flesh.<n id="1" />

But may I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which<n id="1" /> the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.

<p class="bodytext">From now on let no one cause me trouble, for I bear the marks of Jesus on my body.<n id="1" />p>

I went there<n id="1" /> because of<n id="2" /> a revelation and presented<n id="3" /> to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so<n id="4" /> only in a private meeting with the influential people,<n id="5" /> to make sure that I was not running &#8211; or had not run<n id="6" /> &#8211; in vain.

For all who<n id="1" /> rely on doing the works of the law are under a curse, because it is written, &#8220;<i><b>Cursed is everyone who does not keep on doing everything written in the book of the lawb>.i>&#8221;<n id="2" />

Is the law therefore opposed to the promises of God?<n id="1" /> Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that was able to give life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law.<n id="2" />

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave<n id="1" /> nor free, there is neither male nor female<n id="2" /> &#8211; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.