1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty with which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with the yoke of slavery.
2 Behold, I, Paul, say unto you that if ye become circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man that becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Ye are empty of the Christ, whosoever of you that justify yourselves by the law; ye are fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails anything nor uncircumcision, but faith which works by charity.
7 Ye did run well; who hindered you that ye should not trust in the truth? 8 This persuasion does not come of him that called you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in you through the Lord that ye will not be otherwise minded, but he that troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is. 11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? Then is the offence of the cross {Gr. stauros – stake} ceased. 12 I even desire that those who trouble you would cut themselves off.
13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only do not use liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by charity serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. 15 But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye are not consumed one of another.