FOURTEEN years afterwards I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas,
taking Titus also along with us. (2)And I went up then by revelation,
and laid before them that gospel which I preach among the Heathen, but
in private conference with those who were of the first importance, that
haply I might not run, nor had run in vain. (3)And even Titus, who was
with me, though a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised: (4)but
this I did because of false brethren artfully introduced, who came to
pry into our liberty which we hold in Christ Jesus, that they might
bring us into bondage: (5)to whom not even for an hour have we yielded
subjection, that the truth of the gospel might abide with you. (6)But
from those who appeared men of the greatest importance, (what sort of
men soever they were it maketh no difference to me: God accepteth not a
man's person;) for these important personages in conference added
nothing to me; (7)but contrariwise when they saw that I was entrusted
with the gospel to the uncircumcision, as Peter was to the
circumcision: (8)(for he that wrought powerfully by Peter in his
apostolic mission to the circumcision, wrought mightily also by me
among the Gentiles.) (9)And when they knew the grace which was bestowed
on me, James and Cephas and John, who appeared to be the pillars _of
the church_, gave unto me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship,
that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision:
(10)only desiring that we would remember the poor--the very thing which
I have also been diligent to perform.
(11)But when Peter came to Antioch I withstood him to his face, because
he was blameable. (12)For before certain persons came from James, he
did eat with the Gentiles, but when they were come, he withdrew, and
separated himself, fearing those of the circumcision. (13)And the other
Jews were guilty of the same dissimulation with him, so that even
Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. (14)But when I saw that
they walked not directly according to the truth of the gospel, I said
to Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as the Gentiles,
and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to judaize?
(15)We who are Jews by descent, and not sinners sprung from Gentiles,
(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 faith in Christ, and not by works of the law;
because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. (17)For if
seeking to be justified by Christ, we also ourselves should be found
sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? God forbid. (18)For if I
build up again the very same things which I have pulled down, I stamp
myself a transgressor.
(19)For I through the law am dead to the law, that I should live unto
God. (20)I am crucified with Christ, yet I live; though no more I, but
Christ liveth in me: and my present life in the flesh, is a life by
faith in the Son of God, who hath loved me, and delivered up himself
for me. (21)I do not set at nought the grace of God; for if
righteousness came by the law, truly Christ hath died in vain.