If you follow the law, {\cf2\super [21]} then your circumcision {\cf2\super [22]} has meaning. But if you break the law, then it is like you were never circumcised.
God made promises to Abraham {\cf2\super [35]} and his Descendant. {\cf2\super [36]} The Scripture does not say, “and to your descendants.” {\cf2\super [37]} (That would mean many people.) But it says, “and to your Descendant.” (That means only one person; that person is Christ.)
Our fathers on earth punished us for a short time. They punished us the way they thought was best. But God punishes us to help us, so that we can become holy {\cf2\super [159]} like him.
For this reason Jesus had to be made like us his brothers and sisters in every way. Jesus became like people so that he could be their merciful and faithful high priest {\cf2\super [14]} in service to God. Then Jesus could bring forgiveness for the people’s sins.
People always use the name of someone greater than themselves to make a vow (promise). The vow proves that what they say is true. And this ends all arguing about what they say.