King James Bible
"But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now."
Paul references the Genesis account where Ishmael (born naturally to Hagar) mocked Isaac (born supernaturally through God's promise). He uses this historical event as an allegory, with 'flesh' representing human effort and natural descent, while 'Spirit' signifies divine promise and supernatural birth. Paul draws a direct parallel to his contemporary situation where Jewish legalists (relying on fleshly descent and law-keeping) were persecuting Gentile Christians (born spiritually through faith). This timeless principle reveals that those trusting in human achievement will often oppose those who rely on God's grace.