1 THEN after fourteen years I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking along Titus.

2 I went up by revelation, and I stated to them the good news which I proclaim among the Gentiles. But I did this privately before those who were most esteemed, that I might not be running, or have run, to no Purpose.

3 But even Titus, who was with me and was a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised,

4 though it was suggested on account of false brethren who had been brought in, who had crept in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us.

5 But we did not yield in subjection to them even for an hour, that the truth of the good news might continue with you.

6 But from those who were esteemed to be something \'97 whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God does not regard the social standing of a man \'97 those who were most esteemed did not impart to me anything additional.

7 But, on the contrary, seeing that I was entrusted with the good news for the uncircumcision as Peter was for the circumcision,

8 for he who had worked in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcision had worked in me for the Gentiles,

9 recognizing the grace given to me, James, Cephas, and John, who were regarded as pillars, gave the right hand of fellowship to me and Barnabas, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcision.

10 Only they wished us to remember the poor. This very thing I also was earnest in doing.

11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he had been justly censured.

12 For before certain persons came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.

13 And the rest of the Jews practiced the same hypocrisy with him, so that even Barnabas was led off with them in their hypocrisy.

14 But when I saw that they were not walking straight according to the truth of the good news, I said to Cephas before them all, "If you who are a Jew are living like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?"

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

16 knowing that a man is not declared righteous because of works of law, but through faith in Christ Jesus, we also have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be declared righteous because of faith in Christ, and not because of works of law, for because of works of law no human being will be declared righteous.

17 If while seeking to be declared righteous in Christ we ourselves are found sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Never.

18 For if I am building up again what I pulled down, I show myself as a transgressor.

19 For I through law died to law that I might live to God.

20 I have been crucified with Christ. I am living, yet no longer I, but Christ is living in me. The life that I am now living in flesh I am living by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

21 I do not make nothing of the grace of God, for if righteousness is through law, then Christ died for nothing.