Galatians Chapter 2
- Oct 21, 2024
- 8 min read
INTRODUCTION:
We are in the third week of our study of Galatians. Last week we looked at Galatians 1 as the introduction to Paul's letter to the Galatian church, which deals with a significant theological crisis—distortion of the Gospel by others. Paul defends the divine authority of his apostleship and the Gospel's unity, denouncing any perversion of the Christ-centered message by false teachers.
We will read this week that Paul is still working on the Galatians…as we cover a mix of Paul's personal experiences and theological points. Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus and confronts the hypocrisy he saw in the behavior of some church leaders. The heart of the chapter focuses on faith in Christ over adherence to the Jewish law, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith, not through legalistic practices.
While every Sunday, we want you to have things to take away, I want to call today “Application Sunday” since there are so many things to takeaway today. Let’s see what Paul has to say this week. I bet we will see It's all about aligning actions with true beliefs.
Galatians 2:1-10
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
What are some observations we can make about these verses?
Paul recounts his trip to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus to meet the early church leaders. This meeting's purpose was to ensure that their message of the gospel aligned. Paul emphasizes that he didn't yield to pressure to make Titus, a Greek, undergo circumcision since it was such a hot topic with those who were “adding” to and “combining” stirring up the theological crisis….
This moment showcased that salvation doesn't hinge on observing the Jewish law but rather faith in Jesus.
The leaders recognized Paul's mission to preach to the Gentiles, affirming unity in their shared purpose. Real blending of faith and action, if you ask me.
What Truths Can We Take Away and Apply to Our Lives
Even after 14 years, Paul still did a “health check” - he met with the other leaders (apostles) to check that what he had been teaching was still aligned with the truth of the gospel.
We read that humility is required to spread the truth. The other apostles, even though they were perceived as pillars and influential leaders, none of them claimed authority over each other -their one goal was to preserve and teach the truth.
Remembering the poor and their needs within the ministry of the gospel is important.
Thought - There is never a point that we have learned so much, nor been followers/teachers for so long that cannot make mistakes or be led astray. It is important to always check our teachings/learnings: first against the written word of God, second to be humble enough to check in with other teachers/leaders.
Unity in Diversity: Embrace differences within your community, recognizing that faith in Christ unites us beyond cultural or traditional divides.
Authentic Faith: Live out your beliefs genuinely, not yielding to external pressures or societal expectations that may compromise your faith.
Encouragement for Leaders: Church leaders should actively seek alignment and unity with other leaders, ensuring their messages are in harmony and built on the foundation of faith.
Grace Over Legalism: Focus on grace and faith rather than getting bogged down in legalistic practices. Remember, salvation is through Christ alone.
If you write anything down - This is a call to live authentically and seek unity, anchored in faith.
Galatians 2:11-14
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”
What are some observations we can make about these verses?
Awkward moment incoming? Paul recalls a significant confrontation with Peter in Antioch. Peter initially ate with Gentile Christians, but he withdrew when certain men from James arrived, fearing criticism from the circumcision group.
Paul called Peter out for his hypocrisy because he was not acting in line with the truth of the gospel.
Paul emphasized that Jews and Gentiles alike are justified by faith in Christ, not by the law. It was a powerful reminder that actions must match beliefs.
What Truths Can We Take Away and Apply to Our Lives
We should be bold enough to confront hypocrisy that is contrary to the truth of the gospel. We should also be prepared and willing to be confronted if we are acting in any hypocrisy ourselves.
The Greek word for hypocrite is to speak behind a mask like in the theater. The mask told the audience the mood of the scene. Actor had 2 faces. That’s where we get 2 faced. Peter was acting 2 faced.
We have all either done it or seen it - when you are part of a group, all is going along smoothly, and someone new enters the scene that has different beliefs or acts different. All of a sudden someone (or you) starts to act or speak differently just to impress or to placate that “new” presence. Back to Galatians 1:10 - who are we trying to please? Man or God…
Confronting Hypocrisy: Have the courage to call out inconsistency and stand up for the truth, even when it's uncomfortable. Step into the awkward at times.
Integrity in Faith: Ensure your actions match your beliefs. Don’t change your behavior based on who’s watching.
Accountability: Hold yourself and others accountable to live in alignment with gospel values.
If you write anything down - It’s about living true to your faith, no matter the audience.
Galatians 2:15-21
We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.
But if, in our endeavor to be justified in Christ, we too were found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! For if I rebuild what I tore down, I prove myself to be a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.
What are some observations we can make about these verses?
Paul dives deep into what is faith versus the law. He asserts that we are justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law. He emphasizes that if righteousness could be gained through the law, then Christ died for nothing.
This part is a bold declaration that true life and justification come through faith in Jesus, effectively "crucifying" the old self and living anew in Christ. Powerful stuff.
Check this out...Here is a note from Faithlife Study Bible: 2:15 “We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; “This captures the attitude of most Jewish people of the time toward Gentiles. From the Jewish point of view, a sinner is a person who does not live by the law. Because the Gentiles were not given the law, they are sinners by default
What Truths Can We Take Away and Apply to Our Lives
Paul points out that through our faith in Jesus, we all become “sinners/transgressors” in the eyes of the Jewish law - because the law must be abandoned as the way to salvation - it is only through faith we are saved.
Paul went to Jerusalem out of a revelation from the Holy Spirit and was given the right words to say. He knew that if he didn’t handle things carefully that it could destroy everything that he was doing and had already done. It is important how we handle ourselves when we are dealing with others in the church and out of the church. We could have the right words or right message, but if it is not presented right, we could destroy our ministry or witness.
How about Pride…. It can also destroy our witness.
The law was an external way to be justified- now we have Christ living in us and through the grace of God, we are now justified. Jesus provided a new path to salvation - through him, and him alone.
Rely on Faith: Emphasize faith in your daily life rather than trying to “earn it” through your actions alone. Let your relationship with Christ guide you.
Live Authentically: Recognize that your old self is "crucified" with Christ and strive to live a life reflecting His values and teachings.
Reject Legalism: Don't get caught up in legalistic practices. Remember, it's not about strict rule-following but about a heartfelt faith.
Embrace Grace: Accept that grace is a gift from God, not something you can earn. Let this awareness foster humility and gratitude in you.
If you write anything down - It's about living in the freedom of faith and grace.
CONCLUSION:
In conclusion, Paul makes it clear that justification comes through faith in Jesus, not by the works of the law. This part of his letter to the Galatians is a powerful call to live out one's faith with integrity and authenticity, emphasizing grace over legalism. Our God is a God of grace and knows we could not do the work of salvation on our own part, so He stepped in and took care of things for us. All we have to do is believe.
Discussion Question Ideas:
In our world today, adherence to the Jewish rituals/requirements are really not in controversy- but what are some things that we deal with today that lend themselves towards ‘works based righteousness’?
What are some ways you can do your own “health/truth check”?