Paul's Letter to the Galatians

Galatians 1

Greetings to the Congregations of Galatia

1 Paul, an apostle (not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised him from the dead), 2 And all the brothers and sisters who are with me,

To the congregations of Galatia:

3 cheerful favor and peace to you from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of God our Father: 5 To whom be glory throughout the ages of eternity. Amen! (Truly!)

Stay with the True Gospel

6 I marvel that you are so quickly turning away from him who called you in the cheerful favor of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 Which is not another; but there are some who trouble you, and want to pervert the Good News about Christ. 8 But though we, or a messenger from heaven, should proclaim any other gospel to you, one which goes beyond the Good News we have proclaimed to you, let them be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I now say again, if anyone proclaims any other gospel to you, other than that which you have received, let them be accursed!

10 For now am I seeking to persuade people, or God? Or am I seeking to please people? For if I were still seeking to please people, I wouldn't be a servant of Christ.

God Taught Paul the Gospel

11 But I make known to you, brothers and sisters, that the Good News which was proclaimed by me wasn't according to a human source. 12 For I neither received it from a human being, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ.

13 For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted God's congregation beyond measure and sought to destroy it: 14 And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers.

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his cheerful favor, 16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might proclaim the Good News concerning him among the nations, I didn't immediately confer with flesh and blood, 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia. Then I returned to Damascus.

Paul Accepted by the Apostles and Others

18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and stayed with him fifteen days. 19 But I didn't see any of the other apostles, except for James the Lord's brother. 20 (Now concerning the things which I am writing to you; see, I testify before God, I am not lying.)

21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; 22 And I was unknown by face to the congregations of Judah which were in Christ: 23 But they were only hearing, "He who formerly persecuted us, now proclaims the Good News of the faith which he once tried to destroy." 24 And they glorified God in me.

Galatians 2

Defending the Gospel

1 Then after 14 years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and I also took Titus with me. 2 Now I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that Good News which I proclaim among the nations (but I did so privately to those who were of reputation), lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. 3 But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 4 And this occurred because of false brothers who were secretly brought in (who slipped in to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into bondage), 5 Yet we did not yield in submission to them, not even for an hour, that the truth of the Good News might continue with you.

6 But from those who seemed to be somebody (what they were, makes no difference to me, because God doesn't regard a person's status), yet those who seemed to be somebody added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the Good News had been entrusted to me for the uncircumcision, just as the Good News was entrusted to Peter for the circumcision; 8 (For he who worked effectively in Peter for apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the nations), 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the cheerful favor that was given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship; that we should go to the nations, and they to the circumcision. 10 They only desired that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.

Peter Corrected for Favoring Jews over Non-Jews

11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed. 12 Because before certain men came from James, he ate with those of the nations: but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews also played the pretender with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.

14 But when I saw that they were not being straightforward about the truth of the Good News, I told Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the nations do, and not like the Jews, why are you compelling those of the nations to live like Jews? 15 We, being Jews by nature, and not sinners of the nations, 16 Knowing that a person isn't justified by the works of the law, but by the faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law no flesh will be justified.

17 But if, while we seek to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also are found to be sinners, is Christ therefore a servant of sin? Certainly not!18 For if I rebuild the things which I have destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. 19 Because through the law, I died to the law, that I might live to God. 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 21 I do not set aside God's cheerful favor: for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing!"

Galatians 3

The Hearing of Faith

1 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed among you as crucified? 2 This only I want to learn from you, Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suffered so many things for nothing, if Truly it was for nothing?

5 So then, does he who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness. 7 Therefore those who are of faith, the same are sons of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the nations through faith, proclaimed the Good News to Abraham, saying, "In you all nations will be blessed." 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Trying to Live by the Law brings a Curse

10 Because as many as are of the works of the law, are under the curse: because it's written, "Cursed is everyone who doesn't continue to do everything which is written in the Book of the Law." 11 But it's evident that no one is justified by the Law in the sight of God: because, "The righteous must live by faith." 12 Yet the Law is not of faith: but, "The person who does them must live by them."

13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having been made a curse for us (for it's written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree") 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the nations through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

God's Changeless Promise

15 Brothers and sisters, I speak in terms of a human contract: even though it's only a human contract, yet when it's been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds to it. 16 Now the promises were made to Abraham and his Seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the Law, which was given 430 years later, cannot invalidate the covenant that was previously confirmed by God in Christ, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 Because if the inheritance is of the Law, it is no longer of promise: but God gave it to Abraham through a promise.

19 Then why was the Law given? It was added because of Israel's offenses, until the Seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was appointed through messengers by the hand of a mediator. 20 But a mediator doesn't mediate for one person only, but God is one.

21 Then is the Law against the promises of God? Certainly not! Because if a law had been given which was able to give life, Truly righteousness would have been through the Law. 22 But the Scripture has locked everyone up under sin, in order that through faith the promise in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the Law, kept for the faith which would be revealed after that. 24 Therefore the Law was our instructor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after faith has come, we are no longer under an instructor.

Through Faith We are All Sons of God

26 Because you are all Sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 Because as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female: because all of you are one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Galatians 4

Sons and Heirs of God

1 Now I say, That the heir, as long as they are a child, doesn't differ at all from a slave, though they are master of everything, 2 But they are under instructors and governors until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world system: 4 But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, 5 To ransom back those who were under the Law, that we might receive the position of a Son.

6 And because you are Sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying out, “Daddy, Father!” 7 Therefore you're no longer a slave, but a Son; and if a Son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Why do You Seek to be Enslaved Again?

8 But then, Truly, when you didn't know God, you served those which by nature are not gods. 9 But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire to be enslaved again? 10 You observe days, and months, and times, and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest perhaps I have labored in vain for you.

12 Brothers and sisters, I urge you, become like me, because I have became like you. You haven't wronged me at all. 13 You know how through weakness of the flesh I proclaimed the Good News to you at the first. 14 And the proof of my testing which was in my flesh, you didn't despise or reject; but received me as a messenger of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 What then was that sense of blessing you had? Because I bear you witness, that if it were possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me. 16 So then, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?

17 They zealously court you, but not for good; rather, they want to exclude you, that you may be zealous for them. 18 But it’s always good to be zealous in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you. 19 My little children, for whom I am having birth pains again, until Christ is formed in you: 20 I would like to be present with you now, and to change my tone, because I have doubts about you.

Hagar and Sarah, Slave and Free

21 Tell me, you who want to be under the law, don’t you hear what the Law says? 22 Because it’s written that Abraham had two sons: one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the one who was of the slave woman was born according to the flesh; but the one of the free woman came through the promise. 24 Which things are spoken allegorically; because these women are the two covenants, one from Mount Sinai, bringing forth children into slavery, which is Hagar. 25 Because Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, which corresponds  presently to Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it’s written, “Rejoice, O barren woman, you who have not given birth. Break out with a shout, you who have not suffered labor pains; because the woman who has been lonely will have many more children than the woman who has a husband.”

28 Now we, brothers and sisters, like Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But just as then, the one who was born according to the flesh persecuted the one who was born according the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the scripture say? “Throw out the slave woman and her son. Because the son of the slave woman will not be an heir with the son of the free woman.” 31 So then, brothers and sisters, we're not children of the slave woman, but of the free.

Galatians 5

Liberty in Christ

1 Therefore stand firmly in the liberty with which Christ has made us free; and don't be entangled again with the yoke of slavery. 2 Behold, I Paul, tell you, that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. 3 For I again testify to every man who becomes circumcised, that he is obligated to perform the whole law. 4 You who desire to be justified by the law, have been alienated from Christ. You have fallen from cheerful favor. 5 Because we through the Spirit wait for the expectation of righteousness, through faith. 6 Because in Jesus Christ neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power to save; but faith working through love.

7 You were running well; who hindered you, that you should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion didn’t come from him who calls you. 9 A little yeast leavens the whole lump of dough. 10 I have confidence in you, in the Lord, that you will not think any other way. But whoever troubles you will bear their own judgment, whoever they may be.

11 But I, brothers and sisters, if I still proclaimed circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Because then the offense of the cross would have ceased. 12 I could wish that those who trouble you would even amputate themselves!

Loving Your Neighbor Fulfills the Whole Law

13 Because you, brothers and sisters, have been called to freedom; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 Because the whole law is fulfilled in this one statement; “You're to love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, beware lest you be consumed by one another.

Walk in the Spirit

16 This I say then, “Walk in the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the desire of the flesh.” 17 Because the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary to each other, so that you’re unable to do what you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you’re not under the Law.

The Works of the Flesh

19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, impurity, lack of self-control, 20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfishness, divisions, heresies, 21 Envying, murders, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God's Kingdom.

The Fruit of the Spirit

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 Gentleness, self-control: there is no law against such things.

24 And those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let's also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not desire vain glory, provoking one another, and envying one another.

Galatians 6

Seek to Restore the Fallen and Help Others

1 Brothers and sisters, if a person is overtaken in any fault, you who are spiritual, should restore such a one in the spirit of gentleness; considering yourselves, lest you also be tempted. 2 Carry one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 Because if anyone thinks they are something, when they are nothing, they're deceiving themselves. 4 But each person should examine their own work, then they'll have rejoicing within themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5 Because each person should carry their own load. 6 But let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches them.

7 DON’T BE DECEIVED; GOD IS NOT MOCKED! FOR WHATEVER A PERSON SOWS, THAT THEY WILL ALSO HARVEST! 8 FOR THE ONE WHO SOWS TO THEIR FLESH WILL FROM THE FLESH HARVEST CORRUPTION; BUT THE ONE WHO SOWS TO THE SPIRIT WILL FROM THE SPIRIT HARVEST ETERNAL LIFE. 9 AND LET’S NOT GROW WEARY WHILE DOING GOOD, FOR IN DUE SEASON WE WILL HARVEST, IF WE DON’T BECOME LAZY! 10 SO THEN, AS WE HAVE OPPORTUNITY, LET’S DO GOOD TO EVERYONE, AND ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO ARE OF THE HOUSEHOLD OF FAITH! [Literally, relax.]

11 See with what LARGE LETTERS I have written to you with my own hand!

12 As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, simply so they won't be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Because even those who are circumcised, don't keep the Law; but they desire to have you circumcised, so that they may boast in our flesh. 14 But as for me, may it never be that I should boast in anything, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ: through whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 Because in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any power, but a new creation.

Peace, Compassion, and cheerful favor

16 Now as many as walk according to this rule; peace and compassion be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.

17 From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.

18 Brothers and sisters, may the cheerful favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Amen! (Truly!)