Study Desk

I went in response to a revelation, and in a private meeting with the reputed leaders I set before them the gospel I proclaim among the Gentiles. I did this because I was afraid thatLest somehow">[fn] I was running or had run for nothing.Acts 15:12; Philippians 2:16; 1 Thessalonians 3:5;">[xr]

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly wrong.was self-condemned">[fn]Acts 15:35;">[xr]

Does Godhe">[fn] supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you because you do the worksthrough the works">[fn] of the law or because you believe what you heard?through the hearing of faith">[fn]2 Corinthians 3:8;">[xr]

Because the Scripture saw ahead of time that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, it announced the gospel to Abraham beforehand when it said, "Through you all nationsall the Gentiles">[fn] will be blessed."Genesis 12:3">[fn]Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; Acts 2:35; Romans 9:17; Galatians 3:22;">[xr]

Now it is obvious that no one is justified in the sight of God by the law, because "The righteous will live by faith."Habakkuk 2:4">[fn]Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 2:16; Hebrews 10:38;">[xr]

Why, then, was the law given?Why then the law?">[fn] It was added because of transgressions until the descendant came to whom the promise was given. It was put into effect through angels by means of an intermediary.Exodus 20:19,21-22; Deuteronomy 5:5,22-23,27, 31; John 1:17; 15:22; Acts 7:38,53, 27,31; Romans 4:15; 5:20; Galatians 1:16; 1 Timothy 1:9; 2:5; Hebrews 2:2;">[xr]

A person is no longer a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free person, a male or a female, because all of you are one in Christ Jesus.John 10:16; 17:20-21; Romans 10:12; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Galatians 5:6; Ephesians 2:14-16; Colossians 3:11;">[xr]

Now because you are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into ouryour">[fn] hearts to cry out, "Abba!Abba is Aram. for Father.">[fn] Father!"Romans 5:5; 8:15;">[xr]

You know that it was because I was illbecause of a weakness of the flesh">[fn] that I brought you the gospel the first time.1 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 11:30; Galatians 1:6;">[xr]

Indeed, I wish I were with you right now so that I could change the tone of my voice, because I am completely baffled by you!

Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to present-day Jerusalem, because she is in slavery along with her children.

Look at how large these letters are because I am writing with my own hand!

Therefore, because I have heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your loveyour love">[fn] for all the saints,Colossians 1:4;">[xr]

You used to be dead because of your offenses and sins,John 5:24; Ephesians 2:5; 4:18; Colossians 2:13;">[xr]

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love for uslove with which he loved us">[fn]Romans 10:12; Ephesians 1:7;">[xr]

even when we were dead because of our offenses, made us alive together within">[fn] Christ (by grace you have been saved),Romans 5:6,8, 10; 6:4-5; Ephesians 5:1; Colossians 2:12-13;">[xr]

So then, I ask you not to become discouraged because of my troubles on your behalf, which are your glory.Acts 14:22; 2 Corinthians 1:6; Ephesians 3:1; Philippians 1:14; 1 Thessalonians 3:3;">[xr]

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart.Acts 26:18; Romans 1:21; Galatians 4:8; Ephesians 2:12; 1 Thessalonians 4:5;">[xr]

Do not let anyone deceive you with meaningless words, for it is because of these things that God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.the sons of disobedience">[fn]Jeremiah 29:8; Matthew 24:4; Romans 1:18; Ephesians 2:2; Colossians 2:4,8, 18; 2 Thessalonians 2:3;">[xr]

making the best use of timebuying up the time">[fn] because the days are evil.Ecclesiastes 11:2; 12:1; John 12:35; Galatians 6:10; Ephesians 6:15; Colossians 4:5;">[xr]