Summary
Galatians 2:1–10 – The Gospel Affirmed in Jerusalem
What happens: Paul goes to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus because of a revelation. He sets his gospel before the leaders, who add nothing to it. Titus, a Greek, is not compelled to be circumcised. They recognize Paul’s mission to the Gentiles, extend the right hand of fellowship, and ask only that he remember the poor.
What it means: The one gospel unites the church across cultures. Salvation is by grace through Christ, not by ritual. Caring for the poor shows God’s justice and love at work.
Galatians 2:11–14 – Confronting Hypocrisy at Antioch
What happens: Paul opposes Peter when he draws back from Gentile believers out of fear of certain men. Barnabas and others get carried away by the hypocrisy. Paul rebukes Peter publicly because his conduct is not in step with the truth of the gospel.
What it means: The gospel shapes behavior, not only belief. God calls His people to integrity that protects table fellowship in Christ. Unity rests on grace, not on cultural badges.
Galatians 2:15–21 – Made Right with God by Faith in Christ
What happens: Paul says a person is not made right with God by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. If righteousness were through the law, Christ died for nothing. Paul is crucified with Christ; he lives by faith in the Son of God who loved him and gave Himself for him.
What it means: God justifies by grace through faith, revealing His mercy and justice in the cross. The believer’s new life flows from union with Christ. The law cannot give life or remove guilt; Christ does.
Application
- Guard gospel unity across cultures and classes.
- Let your conduct match the truth you confess.
- Live by faith in Christ, not by works that cannot save.
- Remember the poor as a gospel fruit.
