I don’t want any of you to think that I’m not concerned about the people of Israel. They’re my family, my own flesh and blood. (I’m not lying, I’m telling you the truth as one in Christ—my conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it.)
But, as you know, I didn’t come to Corinth on my way to Macedonia. I stayed away because I wanted to spare you. (God is my witness that this was the reason—may he take my life if I’m lying!)
We’re the ones who have truly been circumcised: We serve God by his Spirit, we boast in Christ Jesus, and we don’t put our trust in who we are or what we can do—although I myself could do that for many reasons.
After all this had happened, Paul decided to go over to Macedonia and Achaia and then on to Jerusalem. “And after I’ve been there,” he said, “I must also visit Rome.”
I was appointed to be a messenger and an apostle to preach the good news. (I’m telling the truth; I’m not lying.) God appointed me to be a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
It is true that I worship the God of our people as a follower of the Way of Jesus. They call it a cult, but everything I believe agrees with the Law and the Prophets.