Believers Justified by Faith: Galatians 2

Read Galatians Chapter 2

Introduction: Galatians 2 speaks of several serious aspects of early Christianity, including the unity of the church, the confrontation with false teachings, and the centrality of faith over the Law for salvation. Paul makes it clear here,  that both Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith, not by the works of the Law. He emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the freedom Christ offers. This chapter not only gives historical insight but also is an inspiring writing about the true gospel that liberates believers from the constraints of legalism.

I. Paul’s Visit to Jerusalem (Galatians 2:1-2)
In the first two verses, Paul recounts his journey to Jerusalem, 14 years after his conversion, bringing with him Barnabas and Titus. He went in response to a revelation he had from the Lord, and he laid out the gospel plan he preached to the gentiles, so they would know he was not running in vain.
Cross reference verses:

• Acts 15:2 – Paul and Barnabas are appointed to go to Jerusalem to discuss the question of Gentiles following Jewish customs, indicating the seriousness of the matter.
• Ephesians 3:3 – Paul speaks of receiving revelation, which is the basis for his teaching about the inclusion of Gentiles.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:4 – Paul seeks God’s approval, not human approval, which aligns with his concern about not running in vain.

II. The Acceptance of Gentile Believers (Galatians 2:3-5)
Even though Titus, a Greek, did not feel the need to be circumcised, false brethren were secretly brought in to spy on the freedom believers have in Christ. Paul and others did not yield to them for even a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain for the Galatians.
Cross reference verses:

• Acts 15:24-29 – The Jerusalem Council’s decision not to burden Gentile believers with circumcision and Jewish customs .
• 2 Corinthians 11:26 – Paul faced dangers from false brothers, indicating the challenges in maintaining the purity of the gospel.
• Jude 1:4 – Warning against those who pervert the grace of God, reflecting the threat posed by the false brothers.

III. The Pillars of the Church Agree with Paul (Galatians 2:6-10)
In these verses, Paul says that the leaders of the church added nothing to his message and that they recognized the grace given to him. They agreed that Paul and Barnabas should go to the Gentiles while they went to the Jews, only asking that they remember the poor, which Paul was eager to do.
Cross reference verses:

• Acts 14:27 – God’s work among the Gentiles was recognized by the church leaders.
• Romans 15:25-27 – Paul’s commitment to remembering the poor is demonstrated by his collection for the Jerusalem church.
• 1 Corinthians 16:1-3 – Instructions for the collection for the saints, showing the unity of the church in supporting those in need.

IV. Paul Confronts Peter in Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14)
When Peter came to Antioch,  he at first, ate with gentiles but then withdrew out of fear of circumcision group (the Jews that were there). Paul withstood Peter publicly because of his decision to withdraw from the gentile believers,, this was not in line with the truth of the gospel.
Cross reference verses:

• Acts 11:2-3 – Peter faced criticism from circumcision believers for eating with Gentiles, an issue that continued to cause tension.
• Matthew 23:3 – Jesus criticized the Pharisees for not practicing what they preach, similar to Peter’s inconsistent behavior.
• 1 Timothy 5:20 – Publicly rebuking those who persist in sin, as Paul did with Peter, to maintain the integrity of the church.

V. Justification by Faith, Not by the Law (Galatians 2:15-21)
In these verses, Paul says that Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith alone in Jesus Christ and not by works of the Law. If righteousness could be gained through the Law, then Christ died for nothing. All believers are crucified with Christ; it is no longer they themselves who live, but Christ lives in them, thereby justifying them through their faith.
Cross reference verses:

• Romans 3:28 – Justification by faith apart from the Law is a consistent theme in Paul’s letters .
• Philippians 3:9 – Paul desires to be found in Christ, having righteousness through faith, not through his own adherence to the Law .
• Colossians 2:20-22 – Christians have died with Christ to the elemental spiritual forces, emphasizing freedom from religious rules.

Conclusion: Galatians 2 gives us a view about the unity of the church and the central theme of justification by faith, rather than living by the Law. Paul here in these verses points out the importance of faithfulness to the true gospel. His commitment is to the freedom in Christ being preserved for all believers, regardless of their background, is the foundation to understanding the message of Christianity. We as believers are reminded by this chapter to stand firm in their freedom and to live out the truth of the gospel, letting Christ live within them.