Galatians 2
Paul's Journey to Jerusalem; Paul's Decision and FidelityIn this section, Paul recounts another journey he made to Jerusalem, where he met with the other apostles. This was an important meeting, as there were some disagreements between Jewish and Gentile Christians regarding the requirements of the Mosaic law. Paul demonstrates his authority and commitment to the true gospel, refusing to compromise even when pressured by false teachers. He also shows the unity and cooperation among the apostles, as they recognize each other's callings and work together for the sake of the gospel.v. 1: Paul explains that this journey to Jerusalem took place fourteen years after his previous visit. This shows the independence of his ministry and the fact that he did not need the approval of the other apostles to preach the gospel (Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem, Galatians 2:1 a). v. 2: Paul says he went to Jerusalem by divine revelation, not on his own initiative. He took Barnabas and Titus with him. Bringing Titus, an uncircumcised Gentile convert, was a bold statement of Paul's gospel message (And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, Galatians 2:2 b). v. 3: Even though there was pressure to circumcise Titus, Paul refused to compromise the gospel. He would not allow Titus to be forced into following the Mosaic law, as that would undermine the freedom believers have in Christ (But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised, Galatians 2:3 c). v. 4–5: Paul calls the people who wanted Titus circumcised "false brothers." They had secretly infiltrated the church to undermine the gospel of grace. But Paul stood firm, refusing to give in "even for an hour," in order to preserve the truth of the gospel for the Gentile believers (And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour, Galatians 2:4–5 d). – v. 6: Paul affirms that the other apostles, who were highly respected, did not add anything to his gospel message or authority. His message and calling came directly from God, not from human sources (But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me, Galatians 2:6 e). v. 7–8: The other apostles recognized that God had entrusted Paul with the gospel for the Gentiles, just as He had entrusted Peter with the gospel for the Jews. They acknowledged Paul's divine calling and authority (But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles), Galatians 2:7–8 f). – v. 9–10: The apostles extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas, affirming their equality and partnership in the gospel. They agreed that Paul and Barnabas would focus on the Gentiles, while they continued with the Jews. The only additional request was that Paul remember to help the poor in Jerusalem, which he was eager to do (And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do, Galatians 2:9–10 g). – Peter Reproved by PaulIn this passage, Paul tells the Galatians about an important event that took place in Antioch. Paul had to correct Peter publicly because Peter’s actions were confusing and discouraging to Gentile believers. This event demonstrates that even respected leaders like Peter can make mistakes, and that the truth of the gospel must be protected. Paul uses this example to strongly teach that people are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, not by obeying the Jewish law.v. 11–13: Paul explains that when Peter came to Antioch, he at first ate freely with Gentile Christians. But when some Jewish Christians arrived from Jerusalem, Peter became afraid of their opinions and stopped eating with the Gentiles. This caused other Jewish believers to follow Peter’s example, even Barnabas. Paul points out that this was hypocrisy and it hurt the Gentile believers (But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed... And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation, Galatians 2:11–13 h). – – v. 14: When Paul saw that Peter and the others were not acting in line with the gospel, he confronted Peter in front of everyone. Paul asked why Peter, who was a Jew but lived like a Gentile, was now trying to force Gentiles to live like Jews. Paul’s challenge was clear: it is wrong to demand that Gentiles follow Jewish customs in order to be accepted (If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles... why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?, Galatians 2:14 i). v. 15–16: Paul teaches that even Jewish Christians, who were brought up under the law, know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. He reminds them that both Jews and Gentiles are saved by faith in Christ, not by keeping the law (Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ..., Galatians 2:15–16 j). – v. 17–18: Paul says that if, while seeking to be justified by Christ, believers are still considered sinners because they do not keep the law, then Christ would appear to promote sin. But Paul rejects this idea completely. He argues that if he went back to relying on the law after trusting in Christ, he would be making himself guilty, not Christ (For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor, Galatians 2:17–18 k). – v. 19: Paul explains that through the law, he died to the law, so that he might live for God. He stopped seeking righteousness through the law, because the law itself shows that no one can be justified by it. Now, his life belongs to God alone (For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God,. v. 20: Paul describes the Christian life: he says that he has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer Paul who lives, but Christ living in him. The life he now lives in his body, he lives by faith in the Son of God, who loved him and gave himself for him (I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me, Galatians 2:20 l). v. 21: Paul ends this section by saying that he does not set aside the grace of God. If it were possible to be made right with God through the law, then Christ died for nothing. This shows the importance of faith in Christ, not works, for salvation (I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain, Galatians 2:21 m).
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