Galatians 2: Standing Firm in Grace
An exploration of Paul's journey to Jerusalem, his confrontation with Peter, and the foundational doctrine of justification by faith.
1. Paul's Journey to Jerusalem and Recognition (Galatians 2:1-5)
1.1 The Purpose of the Visit
Verses: Galatians 2:1-2
- Paul went up to Jerusalem after fourteen years, taking Barnabas and Titus with him.
- He communicated the gospel he preached among the Gentiles to the leaders, lest he should run, or had run, in vain.
1.2 Titus: A Test of Faith
Verses: Galatians 2:3-5
- Titus, being a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised, demonstrating the freedom from legalistic requirements.
- False brethren sought to bring believers into bondage, but Paul and his companions did not give place by subjection, even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue.
2. Recognition by the Pillars (Galatians 2:6-10)
2.1 Acknowledging Paul's Ministry
Verses: Galatians 2:6-8
- Those who seemed to be something added nothing to Paul; God shows no partiality.
- They recognized that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed to Paul, as the gospel of the circumcision was to Peter.
2.2 Fellowship and Remembrance of the Poor
Verses: Galatians 2:9-10
- James, Cephas (Peter), and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to Paul and gave him and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship.
- They agreed that Paul and Barnabas should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision, with the understanding that they should remember the poor, which Paul was eager to do.
3. Paul's Confrontation with Peter (Galatians 2:11-14)
3.1 Peter's Hypocrisy
Verses: Galatians 2:11-13
- When Peter came to Antioch, Paul withstood him to his face because he was to be blamed.
- Before certain men came from James, Peter ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
3.2 The Straightening of Peter
Verses: Galatians 2:14
- Paul saw that Peter was not straightforward about the truth of the gospel and rebuked him before all.
- Paul questioned Peter's actions, pointing out the inconsistency of living like a Gentile while compelling Gentiles to live like Jews.
4. Justification by Faith, Not by Law (Galatians 2:15-21)
4.1 Knowing and Rejecting Legalism
Verses: Galatians 2:15-16
- Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ.
- Even believers have believed in Jesus Christ, that they might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
4.2 The Implications of Grace
Verses: Galatians 2:17-21
- If, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? Certainly not!
- If I build again those things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. For I through the law died to the law that I might live to God.
- I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.