1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.
2 Take notice: I, Paul, tell you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no value to you at all.
3 Again I testify to every man who gets himself circumcised that he is obligated to obey the whole law.
4 You who are trying to be justified by the law have been severed from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.
5 But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the hope of righteousness.
6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.
7 You were running so well. Who has obstructed you from obeying the truth?
8 Such persuasion does not come from the One who calls you.
9 A little leaven works through the whole batch of dough.
10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other view. The one who is troubling you will bear the judgment, whoever he may be.
11 Now, brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? In that case the offense of the cross has been abolished.
12 As for those who are agitating you, I wish they would proceed to emasculate themselves!