12 Some men are trying to force you to be circumcised. They do these things so that the Jews will accept them. They are afraid that they will be treated badly if they follow only the cross of Christ.
13 Those who are circumcised do not obey the law themselves, but they want you to be circumcised. Then they can brag about what they forced you to do.
14 I hope I will never brag about things like that. The cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is my only reason for bragging. Through the cross of Jesus my world was crucified and I died to the world.
15 It is not important if a man is circumcised or not circumcised. The important thing is being the new people God has made.
16 Peace and mercy to those who follow this rule—to all of God’s people.
17 So do not give me any more trouble. I have scars on my body. These show I belong to Christ Jesus.