By: Brian G. Chilton, Ph.D., and Curtis Evelo | January 12, 2024
S7E17 Galatians 2: Paul the Freedom Fighter
The Freedom Fighter
Paul, accompanied by Barnabas and Titus, visited Jerusalem for a second time 14 years after his first visit. Paul found that he needed to fight for the grace of God and against the legalism of the Judaizers of the day.
I. Freedom Fighting by the Endorsement of Apostolic Authority (2:1–10)
A. The reason for the endorsement (2:1–2): It was to confer with the Christian leaders there concerning Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles.
B. The results of their endorsement (2:3–10)
- The Entrapment of the Legalists (2:4–5): They made an unsuccessful attempt to push their legalism upon him.
- The Endorsement of the Leaders (2:3, 6–10)
a. The leaders agreed with Paul that Titus should not be circumcised (2:3).
b. The leaders accepted Paul as a coworker (2:6–10).
i. Accepted by the three pillars of the church (Peter, James, and John; 2:6–7, 9)
ii. Accepted Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles (2:8–9)
iii. Accepted with condition (ministry to poor; 2:10)
II. Freedom Fighting by the Exercise of Apostolic Authority (2:11–21)
Though Peter was one of the three pillars of the early church, Paul had to remind him of the freedom they had in Christ. No matter who it is, bias and favoritism have no place in God’s kingdom.
A. The need for Paul’s rebuke (2:11–13): Peter was refusing to fellowship with saved but uncircumcised Gentiles.
B. The nature of Paul’s rebuke (2:14–21)
- The contents (2:14–18): He reminded Peter that it is faith, not circumcision, which saves both Jews and Gentiles.
- The conclusion (2:19–21)
- All believers have been crucified with Christ (2:19–20a).
- All believers are to live by the faith of the indwelling Christ (2:20b–21).
To listen to the last episode, click the following link: https://bellatorchristi.com/2024/01/04/s7e16-galatians-intro-and-chapter-1/
(c) 2024. Bellator Christi.
