Galatians

Paul, an emissary—not from men nor through man, but through Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah and the Almĭghty Făther, who raised him from the dead, ^1:2and all the brothers with me, to the assemblies of Galatia.

^3Loving-kindness to you and shalōm, from our Almĭghty Făther, and ’Adŏnai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah, ^4who gave himself for our sins, so that he might rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our Almĭghty and Făther, ^5to whom be the glory for the ages of the ages. ’Amēn.

^6I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting him, who called you in the loving kindness of Mĕssiah, to a different good news, ^7which is not another one. But there are some who are disturbing you, and who want to change the good news of Mĕssiah. ^8But even though we, or a messenger from heaven, should announce to you good news contrary to that which we have proclaimed to you, let him be accursed. ^9As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is announcing to you good news contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.

^10Because am I now seeking the favor of men, or of the Almĭghty? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Mĕssiah.

Paul’s revelation from Mĕssiah

^11Because I would have you know, brothers, that the good news, which was proclaimed by me, is not according to man. ^12Because I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah.

^13Because you have heard of my former manner of life in Judaism, how I used to persecute the Assembly of the Almĭghty exceedingly, and tried to destroy it. ^14And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries among my countrymen, being more extremely zealous for my paternal traditions.

^15But when he who had set me apart from my mother’s womb, and called me through his loving kindness, was pleased ^16to reveal his Sŏn to me, that I might proclaim him among the nations, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, ^17nor did I go up to Yerūshalayim to those who were emissaries before me, but I went away to Arabia, and returned once more to Dammaseq. ^18Then after three years I went up to Yerūshalayim to become acquainted with Kēipha̓, and stayed with him fifteen days. ^19But I did not see any other of the emissaries except Ya‘aqōv̱ the brother of ’Adŏnai̱.

^20Now in what I am writing to you, I assure you before the Almĭghty that I am not lying. ^21Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. ^22And I was unknown by sight to the assemblies of Yehūdah which were in Mĕssiah, ^23but only, they were hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now proclaiming the faith which he once tried to destroy.” ^24And they were glorifying the Almĭghty because of me.

Then by way of fourteen years I went up again to Yerūshalayim with Bar-naba̓, taking Titus along also.

^2:2And it was because of a revelation that I went up, and I set before them the good news which I proclaim among the nations, but I did so in private to those who were recognized as important, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.

^3But not even Titus who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised ^4that is, through the false brothers who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒, in order to bring us into bondage.

^5To whom we did not yield in subjection for an hour, so that the truth of the good news might remain with you. ^6But from those who appeared to be important (What they were makes no difference to me. The Almĭghty shows no partiality)—well, those who appeared to be important added nothing to me.

^7But on the contrary, they saw that I was affirmed faithful with the good news to the uncircumcised, just as Peter was to the circumcised.

^8Because he who worked in Peter as an emissary of the circumcision, also worked in me for the nations, ^9and recognizing the loving kindness that was given to me, Ya‘aqōv̱ and Kēipha̓ and Yōḥanan, who were recognized as pillars, gave to me and Bar-nabba̓ the right hand of fellowship. So we go to the nations, and they to the circumcised.

^10They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.

^11But when Kēipha̓ came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was prejudiced.

^12Because prior to the coming of certain men from Ya‘aqōv̱, he used to eat with the nations, but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing those of the circumcision. ^13And the rest of the Yehūdi̱m joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Bar-naba̓ was carried away by their hypocrisy.

^14But when I saw that they were not being straightforward toward the truth of the good news, I said to Kēipha̓ before all, “If you, being Yehūdi̱, live like a non-Yehūdi̱ and not like a Yehūdi̱, how is it that you are compelling the nations to become Yehūdi̱m?”

^15“Are we Yehūdi̱m by nature, and not sinners from the nations? ^16aBut we have known justice will not be fulfilled for a man from traditional works, but through the faithfulness of Mĕssiah Yĕshua. ^16bEven we to Mĕssiah Yĕshua have affirmed faithfulness, so that justice may be fulfilled for us from the faithfulness of Mĕssiah, and not from traditional works, because from traditional works no flesh will make justice to be fulfilled. ^17But when seeking to fulfill justice in Mĕssiah, we have ourselves also been found guilty, is Mĕssiah then a minister of sin? May it never be! ^18Because if I rebuild whatever legal case I have destroyed, I prove myself to be a transgressor, ^19because through tradition, I die to tradition, so that I might live to the Almĭghty. ^20I have been crucified with Mĕssiah, so I no longer live, and Mĕssiah is living in me. What I am now living in the flesh, I am living in faithfulness to the Sŏn of the Almĭghty, who having loved me, also delivered himself up for me. ^21I am not setting aside the loving kindness of the Almĭghty, because if justice is through tradition then Mĕssiah died needlessly.”

You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah was publicly portrayed as crucified? ^3:2This is the only thing I want to find out from you. Did you receive the Spĭrit by traditional works, or by a report of faithfulness?

^3Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spĭrit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? ^4Did you suffer so many things in vain, if indeed it was in vain? ^5Does he then, who provides you with the Spĭrit and works miracles among you, do it because of the traditional works, or because of faithful listening, ^6just as ’Av̱raham affirmed faithfulness in Yăhwēh, and it was considered to him as righteousness?

^7Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faithfulness who are sons of ’Av̱raham. ^8And the Scripture, foresaw that the Almĭghty would fulfill justice for the nations through faithfulness, because it proclaimed the good news beforehand to ’Av̱raham. “All the nations will be blessed in you.” ^9So then those who are of faithfulness are blessed with the faithful ’Av̱raham.

^10Because as many as are seeking to fulfill justice from traditional works are under a curse, because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not stand by all the things written in the scroll of the law, to do them.”

^11Now it is clear that no one may fulfill justice from tradition before the Almĭghty, because the righteous one will live by faithfulness. ^12So, the tradition is not from faithfulness but, “He who practices the commandments will live by them.”

^13Mĕssiah redeemed us from the law’s curse, having become a curse for us. Because it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,” ^14in order that in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒ the blessing of ’Av̱raham might come to the nations, so that we might receive the promise of the Spĭrit through faithfulness.

^15Brothers, I am saying that according to man, in the same way, as with a humanly established covenant, no one is setting aside or adding modifications. ^16Now the promises were spoken to ’Av̱raham and to his seed. He does not say, “And to seeds,” as if only referring to many, unless also to one, “And to your seed,” that is, Mĕssiah.

^17So I am saying this: the covenant, which has been ratified by the Almĭghty, is not revoked by that which after ^430years has become the norm so as to nullify the promise.

^18For if the inheritance is based on the norm, it is no more based on the promise, but the Almĭghty has granted it to ’Av̱raham by means of a promise.

^19Then why the norm of transgressions? It was set forth (until the seed should come, which had been promised), having been arranged for through envoys in the hand of a mediator.

^20And it is not the mediator of One, but the Almĭghty is the One. ^21Then is the Law contrary to the promises of the Almĭghty? May it never be! Certainly if a tradition was given that was able to restore life, then justice would really have been from tradition. ^22But the Scripture has concluded all men to be subject to sin, that the promise from the faithfulness of Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕssiah might be given to those who affirm faithfulness.

^23But before this faithfulness came we were imprisoned under the status quo being shut away from this faithfulness, about to be revealed. ^24Therefore the status quo had become our chaperone to Mĕssiah, that we might fulfill justice through faithfulness. ^25But now that faithfulness has come, we are no more under a chaperone.

^26Because you are all sons of the Almĭghty through faithfulness in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒. ^27Because all of you, who have been immersed into Mĕssiah, have been clothing yourselves with Mĕssiah. ^28It does not consist in being Yehūdi̱ or Greek. It is not in being a slave or a free man, nor is it in being male or female, because you are all one in Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒. ^29And if you belong to Mĕssiah, then you are ’Av̱raham’s seed, heirs according to promise.

Now I say, as long as the heir is a child, he does not differ at all from a slave although he is owner of everything, ^4:2but he is under guardians and managers until the appointed time set by the father.

^3So also we, while we were childish, were held in bondage under the principles of the world.

^4But when the fullness of the time came, the Almĭghty sent forth his Sŏn, being born from a woman, coming under the norm ^5in order that he might redeem those under the status quo, that we might receive the adoption as sons.

^6And because you are sons, the Almĭghty has sent forth the Spĭrit of his Sŏn into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Făther!” ^7Therefore you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through the Almĭghty.

^8However at that time, when you did not know the Almĭghty, you were slaves to those which by nature are no gods. ^9But now that you have come to know the Almĭghty, or rather to be known by the Almĭghty, how is it that you turn back again to the weak and worthless elemental spirits, to which you desire to be enslaved all over again? ^10Days you are carefully watching, even months and seasons and years. ^11I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain.

^12I beg of you, brothers, become as I, because I also have become as you. You have done me no wrong, ^13but you know that it was because of a bodily affliction that I proclaimed the good news to you the first time. ^14And that which was a trial to you, due to my bodily affliction, you did not despise or spit at, but you received me as the Mĕssenger of the Almĭghty, as Mĕssiah Yĕshūa̒ himself. ^15Where then is that sense of blessing you had? Because I bear you witness, that if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given them to me.

^16Have I therefore become your enemy by telling you the truth? ^17They eagerly seek you, not commendably, but they wish to shut you out, in order that you may seek them. ^18But it is good always to be zealous for good, and not only when I am present with you.

^19My children, with whom I am again in labor until Mĕssiah is formed in you, ^20even now I could wish to be present with you and to change my tone, because I am perplexed about you.

^21Tell me, you who want to be under tradition, do you not listen to the Law? ^22Because it is written that A̕v̱raham had two sons, one by the slave woman and one by the free woman. ^23But the son by the slave woman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise.

^24These are allegorically interpreted, because these women are two wills one from mount Si̱nai̱, and into slavery begetting children, which is Hagar. ^25Indeed mount Si̱nai̱ is in Arabia, and Arabia corresponds to present Yerūshalayim, because she is in slavery with her children. ^26But the Yerūshalayim upwards at the top, is free. She is our mother, ^27because it is written, “Rejoice, barren one who does not bear. Break forth and shout, you who are not in labor, because more will be the children of the desolate one than of the one who has a husband.” ^28And you brothers, like Yitsḥaq, are children of promise.

^29But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spĭrit, so it is now also. ^30But what does the Scripture say? “Cast 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.” ^31So then, brothers, we are not children of a slave woman, but of the free woman.

Circumcision Does Not Save Anyone

ITwas for freedom that Mĕ­ssiah set us free! Therefore keep stand­ing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery. ^5:2Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you must receive circumcision, Mĕ­ssiah will be of no benefit to you. ^3And I testify again to every man receiving circumcision, that he is a debtor to do the whole Law. ^4You have been severed from Mĕ­s­siah, you who satisfy justice by tradition. You have fallen from loving-kindness, ^5because we through the Spĭr­it, by faithfulness, eagerly await the confident expec­ta­tion of righteousness.

^6Because in Mĕs­siah Yĕshūa̒ neither circumci­sion has any force nor uncircumcision, but faith­fulness working through love.

^7You were running well. Who hindered you from being loyal to the truth? ^8This persuasion did not come from him who calls you. ^9A little leaven leavens the whole lump of dough. ^10I have confidence in you in Yăhwēh, that you will adopt no other view, but the one who is disturbing you will bear his judgment, whoever he is.

^11But I, brothers, since I still proclaim circumcision, why still am I persecuted? It is because the offense of the cross, has been nullified by them. ^12Would that those who are troubling you would even mutilate themselves.

^13Because you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another, ^14because the whole Law is made complete in one saying, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” ^15But if you bite and devour one another, take care lest you be consumed by one another.

^16But I say, walk by the Spĭr­it, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. ^17Because the flesh sets its desire against the Spĭr­it, and the Spĭr­it against the flesh, because these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. ^18But if you are led by the Spĭr­it, you are not under the status quo.

^19Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, ^20idolatry, sor­cery, enmities, quarreling, jeal­ousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, ^21en­vying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you just as I have warned you before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the king­dom of the Al­mĭgh­ty.

^22But the fruit of the Spĭr­it is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, ^23gen­tle­ness, self-control. Against such things there is no law. ^24Now those who belong to Mĕ­ssiah Yĕshūa̒ crucify the flesh with its passions and desires. ^25If we live by the Spĭr­it, let us also walk by the Spĭr­it. ^26Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, or envying one another.

The Torah Of Mĕ­ssiah

Brothers, even if a man is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, looking to yourself, lest you too be tempted. ^6:2Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the Law of Mĕs­si­ah, ^3because if anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. ^4But let each one examine his own work, and then he will have reason for joyful satisfaction in regard to himself alone, and not in regard to another. ^5Because each one should bear his own load. ^6And let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teach­es. ^7Do not be deceived, the Al­mĭgh­ty is not mocked, because what­ever a man sows, this he will also reap. ^8Because the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spĭr­it will from the Spĭr­it reap everlasting life.

^9And let us not lose heart in doing good, because in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. ^10So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all men, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith.

^11See with what large letters I am writing to you with my hand. ^12As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh try to compel you to be circumcised, only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Mĕs­si­ah, ^13because those who are circumcised do not even keep the Law themselves, so much as they desire to have you circumcised, that they may boast in your flesh. ^14But may it never be that I should boast, except in the cross of our ’Adŏ­nai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕs­si­ah, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world, ^15because neither is circumcision any­thing, nor uncircumcision, but a renewed creation. ^16And those who will walk by this rule, shalōm and mercy be upon them, even upon the Yisra’ēl of the Al­mĭgh­ty.

^17From now on let no one cause trouble for me, because I bear on my body the brand-marks of Yĕshūa̒.

^18The loving-kindness of our ’Adŏ­nai̱ Yĕshūa̒ the Mĕs­si­ah be with your spirit, brothers. ’Amēn.