13. It’s clear that not even those who had themselves circumcised did this to follow Moses’ laws. Yet, they want you to be circumcised so that they can brag about what was done to your body.
14. But it’s unthinkable that I could ever brag about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. By his cross my relationship to the world and its relationship to me have been crucified.
15. Certainly, it doesn’t matter whether a person is circumcised or not. Rather, what matters is being a new creation.
16. Peace and mercy will come to rest on all those who conform to this principle. They are the Israel of God.
17. From now on, don’t make any trouble for me! After all, I carry the scars of Jesus on my body.
18. May the good will of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters! Amen.