GOD'S WORD Translation GW
New International Version NIV
11 Look at how large the letters [in these words] are because I'm writing this myself.
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See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
12 These people who want to make a big deal out of a physical thing are trying to force you to be circumcised. Their only aim is to avoid persecution because of the cross of Christ.
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Those who want to impress people by means of the flesh are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13 It's clear that not even those who had themselves circumcised did this to follow Jewish laws. Yet, they want you to be circumcised so that they can brag about what was done to your body.
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Not even those who are circumcised keep the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your circumcision in the flesh.
14 But it's unthinkable that I could ever brag about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. By his cross my relationship to the world and its relationship to me have been crucified.
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May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15 Certainly, it doesn't matter whether a person is circumcised or not. Rather, what matters is being a new creation.
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Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is the new creation.
16 Peace and mercy will come to rest on all those who conform to this principle. They are the Israel of God.
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Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God.
17 From now on, don't make any trouble for me! After all, I carry the scars of Jesus on my body.
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From now on, let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18 May the good will of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters! Amen.
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The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.
GOD'S WORD® is a copyrighted work of God's Word to the Nations. Copyright © 1995 by God's Word to the Nations. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.