Study Desk

When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.

For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.

know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because "the righteous will live by faith."

Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator.

Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."

As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you,

how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Now Hagar stands for Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present city of Jerusalem, because she is in slavery with her children.

For it is written: "Be glad, barren woman, you who never bore a child; shout for joy and cry aloud, you who were never in labor; because more are the children of the desolate woman than of her who has a husband."

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,

I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.

They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.

But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.

Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient.

making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.

because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,

And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.

But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice,