Gal 2:4-5 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Gal 2:4-5: 2:4-5 The false Christians entered the church there (either Jerusalem or Antioch) to subvert Paul’s message that Gentiles are free from Jewish requirements such as circumcision. 2:4 By labeling some so-called believers as false, Paul denied that they were Christians at all. They did not understand or truly receive the Good News, in contrast with the apostles in Jerusalem (2:3 ). • were secretly brought in: Paul implies that a larger group of Jewish “Christians” opposed his preaching (cp. Acts 15:5 ) and stood behind the false teachers who entered the church. • Requiring Gentile Christians to observe Jewish law would enslave them to regulations (see Gal 3:23

a2:4-5►

b2:4►

c2:3►

dActs 15:5►

eGal 3:23–4:11►

f2:5►

g2:3►

h2:11-21►

‏ Galatians 2:4-5

Summary for Gal 2:4-5: 2:4-5 ^a The false Christians entered the church there (either Jerusalem or Antioch) to subvert Paul’s message that Gentiles are free from Jewish requirements such as circumcision. 2:4 ^b By labeling some so-called believers as false, Paul denied that they were Christians at all. They did not understand or truly receive the Good News, in contrast with the apostles in Jerusalem (2:3 ^c).

• were secretly brought in: Paul implies that a larger group of Jewish “Christians” opposed his preaching (cp. Acts 15:5 ^d) and stood behind the false teachers who entered the church.

• Requiring Gentile Christians to observe Jewish law would enslave them to regulations (see Gal 3:23–4:11 ^e) and deny the Good News of Christ.
2:5 ^f we refused to give in to them for a single moment: Titus was not circumcised (2:3 ^g), and Paul did not require circumcision of Gentile Christians.

• to preserve the truth: The false teaching would destroy the gospel message by adding other requirements and impeaching the effectiveness of Christ’s death and God’s grace (cp. 2:11-21 ^h).