12. Those who want to make a good impression in the flesh are the ones who would compel you to be circumcised — but only to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ.
13. For even the circumcised don’t keep the law themselves; however, they want you to be circumcised in order to boast about your flesh.
14. But as for me, I will never boast about anything except the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The world has been crucified to me through the cross, and I to the world.
15. For both circumcision and uncircumcision mean nothing; what matters instead is a new creation.
16. May peace come to all those who follow this standard, and mercy to the Israel of God!
17. From now on, let no one cause me trouble, because I bear on my body scars for the cause of Jesus.
18. Brothers, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.