For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. (Galatians 5:5-6)

Paul can give us very dense sentences. The fifth verse is a short sentence dealing with the Holy Spirit, faith, hope, righteousness, and waiting. Some unpacking might help.

The following goes beyond a literal translation, but it may do a better job of communicating Paul's insight in language we will understand.

"By giving ourselves to the Spirit in full confidence and conviction we enter a state of actively anticipating (nearly experiencing) God's intention for our lives."

Do not be distracted by arguments over form. The issue of circumcision or uncircumcision is just such a distraction.

All that truly matters is for our confident understanding of God - our faith - to be made effectual and experienced through the self-sacrificing love of agape.

Above is a portrait of Paul by Rembrandt.