For all who seek to be right with God by trying to meet all the requirements of the Law of Moses are under a curse [from God], because it is written [Deut. 27:26], “Every person is cursed [i.e., cut off from God] who does not continue to obey all of the requirements written in the Law of Moses.”
Christ bought us back from the curse [caused by our not obeying all the requirements] of the Law of Moses; He became a curse for us [by dying on the cross], for it is written [Deut. 21:23], “Every one who hangs on a tree [i.e., a cross] is cursed [i.e., cut off from God].”
However, if we [apostles] or even an angel [claiming to be] from heaven were to preach any other “gospel” than the one we have [already] preached to you, let that person be cut off from God’s [salvation].
Therefore, I am telling you that no one who speaks under the influence of the Holy Spirit of God says, “Jesus is cursed!” And no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except under the influence of the Holy Spirit.
Then I ask, “Did God reject His [own] people [i.e., the Jews]?” Certainly not! For I am an Israelite too, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin.
The head priest can also verify all this, and so can the body of [Jewish] elders. They furnished me with letters to our fellow-Jews in Damascus, to which I also traveled to bring people back here to Jerusalem, bound in chains to be punished.
Greetings to Andronicus and Junias, my fellow-Jews [or possibly actual relatives] who were in prison with me. These [men] are considered outstanding by the apostles, and were Christians before I was [converted].
So, I will most gladly spend [all I have], and [even] spend myself for the sake of your souls. If I love you so much, should you love me less [than that]?
I repeat what I have already said: If any person preaches to you a “gospel” other than what you have already received [from us apostles], he should be cut off from God’s [salvation].
Slaves, you should obey those who are your earthly masters, out of reverence and eagerness to please them, with a sincere heart, as you would [obey] Christ.