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Galatians

Urges believers to stand firm in the freedom Christ has given and not return to the law for salvation.

Chapter 2

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1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

*After a while, I went back to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and brought Titus along too.

2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

*I received a divine message and shared the gospel I teach to non-Jews with others. But I did it secretly for those who were well-known, so that my efforts wouldn't be wasted.

3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

*But Titus, my companion, a Greek, didn't have to get circumcised.

4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:

*Because of deceitful people secretly joining us, who pretended to be friends but actually wanted to check how free we are because of Jesus, they planned to control us again.

5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

*We didn't let anyone take control over us, not even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel can keep on living with you.

6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:

*But those who appeared important didn't really help me much, because personal status doesn't matter to God. In meetings, they didn't add anything to my knowledge or value.

7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

*But on the other hand, when they realized that the message of the uncircumcised people was given to me, just like the message of the circumcised people was given to Peter;

8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

*The one who powerfully worked in Peter for his role as an apostle to the Jewish people, also had great strength in me for my work with non-Jewish people.

9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.

*When James, Peter, and John, who appeared to be strong supporters, saw the grace I received, they gave Barnabas and me their support. We were to reach out to non-Jews, while they reached out to Jews who followed the Jewish laws.

10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

*Only those who want us to remember the poor are people like me who were eager to help too.

11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

*But when Peter arrived in Antioch, I confronted him directly because he had done something wrong.

12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

*Before a group from James arrived, he ate with non-Jews. But when the group arrived, he stopped and kept away from the non-Jews, afraid of those who followed Jewish customs.

13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

*And the other Jews lied too, just like him; so much that Barnabas was fooled by their lies as well.

14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

*But when I noticed they weren't following the truth of the gospel, I asked Peter in front of everyone, "If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like Jews, why do you make the Gentiles live like Jews?"

15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

*We, who are real Jews, and not like the non-Jews who do wrong.

16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

*We understand that people are not made right with God through following laws, but through believing in Jesus. So, we believe in Jesus to be made right with God, not by following laws. Because no one can be made right with God just by following laws.

17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.

*But if, as we try to be made right by Christ, we still find ourselves as sinners, does that mean Christ helps sin? No way.

18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

*If I rebuild what I tore down, I become a rule-breaker.

19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

*Because of the law, I died to it, so I can live for God.

20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth 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.

*I'm spiritually united with Christ, even though I still live on earth. It's not me living, but Christ through me. My life here is sustained by my belief in God's Son, who loved me so much that he sacrificed himself for me.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

*I don't ruin God's kindness: because if being good comes from rules, then Jesus died for no reason.

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* work in progress, there will be mistakes

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