Unbound
Gal 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
A total of 17 years has passed since Paul was separated unto Jesus. He was sent as the Apostle to the Gentiles with the message of grace.
Rom 11:13 For I speak to you Gentiles, inasmuch as I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify mine office:
He went with both Barnabas (well respected among the leadership in Jerusalem) and Titus (a Gentile convert)
Gal 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
He went by revelation; God told him to go. He spoke the gospel of grace, the same gospel he preached to the non-Jew. But he spoke to those of reputation privately. The purpose of this trip was to assure the leaders in Jerusalem that Paul was being obedient to God in his presentation of the gospel to the Gentiles; they perhaps had feared that he had compromised the message or the plan of God.
It is important that the true gospel message be taught, for in the last days there will be many false teachers.
Gal 2:3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
Paul's point in verse 3 is that the leadership in Jerusalem accepted Titus, a Gentile convert, even though he was not circumcised in accord with the Mosaic law, demonstrating that the Jerusalem leadership accepted Paul's gospel of grace and not works of the law. Circumcision was a Jewish command through the Abrahamic Covenant. Grace does not require the works of the law or of the old covenant. Jesus came with a new covenant in his blood; forgiveness of sins; by grace are ye saved by faith.
Gal 2:4 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:
Yet, the lack of circumcision in Titus became an issue because of false brethren (Paul doesn't hesitate to call these legalists such!) who came out for the sole purpose of bringing Paul and other Christians into bondage.
These were the Judaizers, who required Christians to keep the requirements of the law, including the sign of circumcision. Beware lest anyone add anything to the gospel of grace. You are free in Christ, it is He we serve. We owe love to one another, and are not to restrict anothers freedom, unless it is for their safety or the welfare of others.
Gal 2:5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Paul did not allow others to force another into bondage, yet his motive was not pride, but that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Gal 2:6 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:
Summary of Paul's point: his gospel or apostolic credentials did not depend on any sort of approval or influence from men, even influential men , His authority was from God.
Paul will not even acknowledge the "big names" among Christians at that time as being "something"; he says whatever they were, it makes no difference to me. Paul could say this because he knew that in God's sight such status and "fame" means nothing. Not when the truth is at stake. Yet we are to honor all people as much as possible. But in the family of God love is most important.
1 Pet 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.
Paul's time in Jerusalem added nothing to the gospel he preached or the apostolic authority he possessed. It is the time we spend with God that benefits us spiritually. Let no man put you in bondage, you are free in Christ.
Pillars
Gal 2:6 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:
Gal 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
Gal 2:8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
Gal 2:9 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.
A pillar is a main support of a building; every church has a few who seem to do the most work and have the most influence. I had a pastor give an illustration once to those who thought the church could not survive without them. He had a bucket of water, he placed his hand in the water then removed it. This is how we will be missed...the water immediately takes the place of the hand. This was to show that Jesus is the true head of the Church. He is the living word, the water of the word continues with or without us. Better to continue with the word, Jesus is Lord. We are his servants, blessing one another, loving one another. We are to bring the lost to Jesus. Thank you Jesus for receiving us.
Who were the pillars of the Church in Jerusalem that Paul spoke to, and gained their approval? James, the brother of Jesus; Peter and John, all were chosen to give forth the word, each had been used of the Lord to increase our knowledge of him. They approved of Paul and his ministry to the Gentiles. Then those who were saved would reach out to the Jews.
Note that the "Pillars", were of one heart with Paul. If we are called of God to do something, the rest of the body should be in agreement.Who are the pillars of God?
Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
God has honored the apostles who honored him in the book of revelation, speaking of the heavenly city.
Rev 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
Who opposed Jesus? They were the ones who should have received him, the Jewish leaders. But instead they opposed him. Those who oppose the work of the ministry of Jesus Christ are serving the devil. Jesus spoke to them about this.
John 8:42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.
John 8:43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.
John 8:44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.
John 8:45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.
John 8:46 Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?
John 8:47 He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.
John 8:48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil?
John 8:49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me.
John 8:50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth.
John 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
John 8:52 Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.
John 8:53 Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
John 8:54 Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God:
John 8:55 Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying.
John 8:56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.
John 8:57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?
John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
John 8:59 Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple,
We are called not to seek glory, but to glorify the Lord. Yet let nothing be done to cause another to stumble. We are to honor one another, love one another, preferring one another. Beware of those who oppose the message of Jesus. They opposed him, they will oppose you. It doesn't matter who they say they are, if they oppose the ministry, they are not of Christ.
One more note: Spiritual discernment is required, but sometimes we can be wrong. I have seen many demons come forth online, it is something to be concerned about, but sometimes I am wrong, as the Pharisees were wrong concerning Jesus. My concern is for the soul of the person; I am not trying to put down another, but to free them. The Pharisees were seeking to kill Jesus, their motivation was not of concern but of hate. Always we do things for the reason of love.
Gal 2:10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
The Church leaders in Jerusalem counseled Paul that the Gentile churches should remember the poor. The church in Jerusalem was being persecuted, many believers had no income. Remember how they came together having all in common?
Acts 2:44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
Acts 2:45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.
Acts 2:46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
Acts 2:47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Gal 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Gal 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Gal 2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
These who came of Jewish background were thinking that to be a Christian one must first be as a Jew, under the law. The symbol of the law was circumcision. The Gentiles were saved through faith, not the law. Peter and Barnabas ate with the Gentle believers, but chose to separate from them so as to not offend the Jewish Christians. Were these the legalistic Judaizers Paul spoke against? Paul saw this as contrary to the doctrine of grace and publicly rebuked Peter.
Barnabas was Paul's right hand man in their ministry to the Gentiles. It was a blow to Paul to be so betrayed in the truth of the doctrine of Grace. We will have to stand alone for what is true, even if our most trusted associates cave in to a false choice. Many are impressed by titles and high positions of men, but to compromise truth is a big offense. Who will you seek to please, that is more important than pleasing God? The Holy Spirit will not allow you to get away with hypocrisy.
Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Paul saw this as inconsistent behavior. Contrast this to Paul's statement in 1 Corinthians. Was Paul being overly critical?
1 Cor 9:19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
1 Cor 9:20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;
1 Cor 9:21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.
1 Cor 9:22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.
1 Cor 9:23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.
Once we receive Jesus we live by grace, not the law. It is important to not add anything to grace. Religion in the past has been guilty of that. Making idols, to appease the idol worshippers and mixing customs of peoples with the gospel. Easter and Christmas, even Halloween are from pagan rituals.
We celebrate Christ Jesus every day, all his life is for us each day. Christmas and Easter have meaning to the Christian as we celebrate the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord. All things are clean to those who are under the blood and who love the LORD.
I Am Crucified
Gal 2:15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
Jews by nature, born Jews and obeying the laws. If we who are Jewish by nature can put aside Jewish customs to receive Jesus, why must we force a Gentile outside of the Jewish covenant to be as a Jew?
Gal 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
Titus 3:6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour;
Titus 3:7 That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Gal 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
Though we fail and sin, yet it is Christ Jesus that has justified us, he keeps on saving us. If we fail we bring dishonor to him, but he himself has no sin of his own; but he did take our sins upon himself to the cross for our healing. Be sure others will point out your sins. We must stay pure and point to Jesus if we are to be witnesses of His grace.
Gal 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
Gal 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
There is nothing we can do by works, to add or take away from the finished work of Christ. We are dead to the law and alive in Christ Jesus. After we are saved we should be about our Father's business, dead to the old life and alive to the new life in His Spirit.
Rom 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
Rom 12:2 And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.
Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
Gal 2:20 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.
I love this verse. I am crucified with Christ, my body died with him; so that I might live in Christ and he in me, by His Spirit. I live by faith in the Son of God, he loves me, and gave himself for me. Jesus did it all. Now we work out our life to conform to our new position as children of God. Saved through faith unto good works. We must be careful to remember the order of things. Faith and then works. We are his voice and body to proclaim the way; Grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
Gal 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Frustration is confusion in action; we do not seek our righteousness by our own efforts, if it were so, then Christ need not have died on the cross. If we make our own righteousness, why did Jesus have to come? Many religions insist on works or some gift or action to be truly saved. It is the work of God through faith.
John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:
John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.
Eph 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)
We add nothing to grace. If we could save ourselves, then Jesus did not need to come, to suffer and die for our sins. Believe in him and trust and obey God. We will be judged for faithfulness, as to rewards. Yes, it is possible to be saved by grace and do nothing with your new life, but isn't that a waste? All are gifted for some ministry. Add nothing to salvation, but give all your life to Christ Jesus in His service.
Galatians Chapters
Galatians 3
Galatians 1
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