BIBLE STUDY

GALATIANS 2 : 1-14
How to study the Bible
(This is how I do it:)
While I navigate my daily activities, I listen to my
favourite preachers and teachers.

CONTEXT IS KEY! Seek not only topical sermons but

embrace the richness of sound exegetical and
expository teachings.

Delve into the Word of God yourself—explore and

understand multiple translations. Yet, always return
to the original language and the original intent of the
scripture.

Equip yourself with a good study Bible (I personally

use the ESV Study Bible, though there are many out
there).
GALATIANS 2 Summary:
Paul is addressing false believers that infiltrated the
churches of Galatia, which he planted. The false
believers are trying to sway people from the Gospel.
The false believers are not unbelievers
Two distinct groups emerge: Jewish Christians,
who embrace Jesus yet honor the Mosaic Law, and
Gentile Christians, who follow Jesus without the
constraints of the Mosaic Law. Despite their
differences, they unite in a singular truth: Jesus is
Lord.
Paul’s teachings didn’t transcend (go beyond) the
message of the apostles, the teachings of the apostles
confirmed Paul’s teachings even though he didn’t
receive it from them directly.
Yet, this doesn’t mean it is a different gospel from
what the 12 apostles were sharing.
He met with the apostles and they agreed that his
message echoed the truths imparted by Jesus.
Paul does not want the people to fall back into slavery
(under the Law).
Paul states that if the people reject him, they are
rejecting the apostles and Jesus.
 'Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with
Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. And I went up by
revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I
preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of
reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.
Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was
compelled to be circumcised. And this occurred because of
false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to
spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they
might bring us into bondage), to whom we did not yield
submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might
continue with you.'
-Galatians 2: 1-5
VERSE 1:
Paul is busy building his case from the beginning.
Raised as a Jew, he was expected to visit Jerusalem for festivals
three times a year but only made the trip twice in 14 years, he did
not keep the Jewish festivals.
While the apostles remained in Jerusalem at that time, Paul was
called to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles in surrounding areas.
On his journey, he was accompanied by Titus, a Gentile, and
Barnabas, a fellow Jew.
This mission, prompted by a famine, is detailed in Acts 11:27-30,
showcasing Paul's commitment to aiding the needy as noted in
Galatians 2:10.
 'And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch.
Then one of them, named Agabus, stood up and showed by
the Spirit that there was going to be a great famine
throughout all the world, which also happened in the days of
Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his
ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in
Judea. This they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands
of Barnabas and Saul.'
-Acts 11: 27-30
VERSE 2:
Paul went to Jerusalem by divine revelation. He took notice of the
warnings from the prophets yet still decided to go to Jerusalem,
obeying God.
He met privately with the original apostles to discuss and confirm
the Gospel, ensuring his efforts were not in vain.
Any disagreements would be handled and worked through
privately not to cause confusion to less mature Christians who
might witness their meetings.
Ultimately, the apostles affirmed Paul's message, which he
received directly from Jesus.
VERSE 3:
Paul’s travel companions were Barnabas and Titus.
Titus' refusal of circumcision is profound because, as a Gentile
traveler, he embraced the Gospel while serving its message. “Yet
not even Titus was compelled to be circumcised.”
During this time some Jewish Christians convinced the Galatian
churches that, although Jesus is the Messiah, following the Law was
crucial.
They believed one must first adopt the Law of Moses, with
circumcision as the initial rite of passage.
 Circumcision was seen as the starting point; only then could one
truly follow the Law of Moses and Jesus. This idea distorted the
Gospel!
Some attempted to enhance the Gospel by asserting,
“Complete these rituals, and you will achieve salvation,”
merging actions with faith.
Acts performed for Jesus affirm faith but do not define it; belief
in Jesus inspires labor for Him.
Titus' decision to remain uncircumcised was steadfast—yielding
would betray the true essence of the Gospel!

VERSE 4-5:
Taking away the freedom that Christ brought and return to bondage
of the Law.
The group of Jewish Christians were basically saying the blood of
Jesus was good, but not sufficient. You recognize what Jesus did
but you want more, “the blood of Jesus AND ... “

VERSE 6-7:
The original apostles affirmed Paul’s teachings without adding
anything to the gospel.
Heeding God’s call transcends worldly measures.
We often adopt worldly standards of success, but Jesus' metrics
differ significantly.

'But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they

were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal
favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something
added nothing to me. But on the contrary, when they saw that
the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me,
as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter '
-Galatians 2: 6-7
VERSE 9-10:
“The poor” refers to the Acts trip.
Paul, a steadfast warrior of faith, was well-acquainted with trials
during that era. In his epistle to the Philippians, he articulates his
understanding of both abundance and scarcity, affirming that
through Christ, he possesses the strength to conquer all challenges.

'I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound.

Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and
to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all
things through Christ who strengthens me.'
-Philippians 4: 12-13

'(for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to

the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the
Gentiles), and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to
be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they
gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we
should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They
desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing
which I also was eager to do.'
-Galatians 2: 8-10
VERSE 11-14:
“No Return to the Law”
A major conflict arises as Paul confronts Peter in verse 11.
Peter's actions, though not sinful, show hypocrisy (verses 12-13).
A division is forming between the circumcised and uncircumcised,
with Paul at the center.
Even Barnabas was influenced by their hypocrisy.
Hypocrisy is the gap between words and actions; Peter, despite
his teachings, felt shame in associating with Gentiles.
After a private discussion with the apostles (verses 1-10), Paul
publicly calls out Peter, whose judgment was clouded.
Peter knew the importance of accepting Gentiles (Acts 10:9-48),
which led to Paul's confrontation.

'Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his

face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men
came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when
they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those
who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also
played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was
carried away with their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they
were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said
to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live in the
manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews, why do you compel
Gentiles to live as Jews? '
-Galatians 2: 11-14