Galatians 2:1-10 (ESV)

Galatians 2:1-10 (ESV) Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.

I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.

But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek.

Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery—

to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.

On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised

(for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles),

and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. Galatians 2:1, ESV

Second visit to Jerusalem Paul describes his second visit to Jerusalem Is this 14 years after his conversion or after his first visit to Jerusalem? Most come to the conclusion that this is 14 years after his conversion Paul had been gone from Jerusalem for over a decade, and we are told he went with Barnabas and Titus

Barnabas Barnabas was a significant person in the early Church He was the first to trust in the grace given to Paul after his conversion (see Acts 9:27), and later partnered with Paul in Antioch (Acts 11:25) Eventually, Barnabas and Paul are called to be missionaries (Acts 14:1, and all the chapter for Barnabas’ significance) Before the second missionary journey, there was a rift between Paul and Barnabas Barnabas wanted to bring John Mark, but Paul did not (see Acts 15:36-41)

Barnabas (2) Most conclude that Barnabas and Paul eventually reconciled This stems from Paul considering Mark useful to the ministry in later letters (See Colossians 4:10, Philemon 1:24, II Timothy 4:11) Though it should be noted that we do not know what happened to Barnabas either during or after his own second missionary journey

I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. Galatians 2:2, ESV

Reason for visiting Jerusalem Paul went to Jerusalem because of a Revelation This revelation was likely the prophetic message by Abagus concerning the upcoming famine (see Acts 11:27-30) While at Jerusalem he set his Gospel before those who were influential (the apostles/pillars of Jerusalem) This Gospel is a faith-based righteousness and salvation versus a works based law abiding righteousness and salvation Paul is not doubting the Gospel he has been preaching Paul recognizes that His Gospel is from God Instead the concern comes with the possibility of a divided Church

But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. Galatians 2:3, ESV

Titus The pillars agreed with Paul by not having Titus circumcised Clearly Titus not being forced to be circumcised ends up making quite the statement It also may be informing us of the problem in Galatia It is likely that we are now experiencing the problem that the Galatians are facing, they must be circumcised or they are not part of the kingdom Paul argues against this, recognizing that it is by faith, not circumcision that one enters into the kingdom

Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery—to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. Galatians 2:4-5, ESV

The Debate Apparently, while the discussion is going on with the Pillars, false brothers slip in and debate the point These were likely Judaizers who were seeking to force circumcision as the means for entering the kingdom This further is implied when Paul says that they were attempting to force those in Christ into slavery Slavery here is slavery in following the Law for righteousness and salvation They would call Jesus Messiah, but failed to understand salvation through faith in Him Paul and the others argued against this interpretation They argued for the Gospel of faith, so that the truth would be preserved not only for the Jews, but for the Gentiles, such as the Galatians

And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. Galatians 2:6, ESV

Nothing Added Paul reflects back on those who “seemed to be influential” The past tense of “seemed” likely refers to the fact that Paul is considering it as a past event Paul then says that who the pillars are doesn’t matter The reason for this? God shows no partiality Paul recognizes that they have been graced with their respective ministries He is warning not to venerate mere men They should not be venerated, but that doesn’t mean that they should not be respected The apostles in Jerusalem do not add anything to Paul’s Gospel This further implies that Paul’s Gospel is from God, not man

On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), Galatians 2:7-8, ESV

Recognition Instead of adding to anything, they recognize Paul’s anointing They see that Paul was called to spread the Gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter was to the circumcised I.E. Paul was to spread the Gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter was to the Jews The ministries for the Gentiles and Jews show that through faith in Christ both Jews and Gentiles are bound in a way which was previously impossible Ultimately, those who are disturbing the Galatian Churches are wrong in their assumptions about Paul and his relationship with Jerusalem

and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do. Galatians 2:9-10, ESV

Right Hand of Fellowship Paul and Barnabas are given the right hand of fellowship by the pillars: Peter, James, and John During this time period there was writing on how the pillars of Judaism were the Patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob It is possible that this is being applied to these three apostles The right hand of fellowship shows that they agree with Paul and Barnabas concerning the Gospel They also recognize that Paul has been graced with going to the Gentiles, as they to the Jews This does not mean that they never have contact with the different groups Instead it is a recognition that they have been called to these different spheres of individuals with the Gospel of faith overarching both

Remember the Poor The Jerusalem Apostles only ask that they remember the poor Paul would likely have been doing this anyway, and something he had been eager to continue doing Also, if this visit is for the famine relief, it shows that Paul already desires to help those brothers and sisters who are in need

Main Points The entire point of these verses is that the Jerusalem apostles agree with Paul’s Gospel The second is grace

Final Points The Poor Who are the poor who are in mind? Is it all the poor or certain poor? My generation will cheer for the first, that all the poor are in view Yet, the focus does not seem to be all the poor, at least not in this context Consider Paul and Barnabas: They are bringing supplies to the poor Church in Jerusalem They are not bringing supplies to Jerusalem, but to the Jerusalem Church The richer Church (Antioch) is helping the poorer Church (Jerusalem) in time of need (see Acts 11:27-30)

Final Points The Poor (2) This makes sense, then, in context They are asking them to remember the poor, not necessarily the poorer Churches, but the poor brothers and sisters (whether they be Antioch or other Churches) Oftentimes when we read of the poor in the New Testament we read it as the universal poor Yet, if we read it, we will find that the focus is not on the universal poor, but poor brothers and sisters of the faith It should not surprise us to consider James encouraging them to remember the poor, consider what he writes

Final Points “[1] My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. [2] For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, [3] and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” [4] have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

Final Points [5] Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? [6] But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court? [7] Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called? [8] If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. [9] But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” (James 2:1-9 ESV)

Final Points The Poor (3) Notice, the focus is on those who are poor within the Christian community This does not mean that we should never help those outside of our community But the focus here is on brothers and sisters of the faith Wouldn’t the stronger witness be to help our brothers and sisters? Ultimately, our greatest testimony in regards to our faith is not how much we help those outside the Church But as Jesus said: “[34] A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. [35] By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV)

Final Points Religious Leaders (and grace) Paul gives the apostles in Jerusalem respect, but also recognizes they stand on grace Since the Great Awakening there has been an undercurrent of following after big names in our congregations It started with Whitefield and the Wesleys Look no further than the many conferences which feature a particular person who has done this or that Even within our own conservative corner of the world we have this kind of reverence for specific teachers While it is good to respect certain teachers and leaders in the Church, we also need to remember that God is not a God of partiality

Final Points Religious Leaders (and grace) (2) This all reflects the grace of God No man is saved by his merits No leader is a leader because they have sold so many books, or have so much success If anything, they stand on the grace of God The grace of God puts us all in the same level Yet it is this same grace which allows some to be rich, and be successful We need to be careful when we consider our leaders, and remember how easily power corrupts, even power from reverence

Final Points Religious Leaders (and grace) (3) Paul’s response to the Apostles should be our response to the religious leaders God has called today This means not needlessly fanaticizing, but recognizing grace on a fallen world and fallen people With this grace as our foundation, we will find ourselves rightly respecting those whom God has called by His grace

Final Points Faith-Righteousness and the Law Some may read through this letter in Galatians and think Paul is 100% against the Law Paul is not against the Law Paul is not saying that the Law is pointless and void Paul, instead, is arguing that we do not find our righteousness through following the Law, but through Jesus Christ The Law is not something to be followed in order to be declared righteous Yet, the Law is good and should be followed We need to look at the Law through the lens of Jesus Christ

Final Points Faith-Righteousness and the Law (2) When we place our faith in Jesus we find that all the Law has been fulfilled by Jesus Therefore His righteousness becomes our righteousness This is called imputed righteousness The law is no longer on our backs, but in our hands The penalty for breaking the Law has been fulfilled by Christ for those who have faith in Him When we seek the Law, we do so not for the necessity to attain righteousness Not because God is whipping us into shape But because we know that God first loved us, and so we love God and desire to follow His will

Final Points Faith-Righteousness and the Law (3) Paul often points to the Law in order to show obedience to God Consider what Paul says in the following verses

Final Points [9] Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, [10] nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. [11] And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 ESV)

Final Points [8] Now we know that the law is good, if one uses it lawfully, [9] understanding this, that the law is not laid down for the just but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who strike their fathers and mothers, for murderers, [10] the sexually immoral, men who practice homosexuality, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and whatever else is contrary to sound doctrine, [11] in accordance with the gospel of the glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. (1 Timothy 1:8-11 ESV)

Final Points Faith-Righteousness and the Law (4) As we can see, these things are found within the Law If Paul listed these things with the basis of rejecting the Law, then these teachings would be meaningless Instead it is as Paul said to Timothy…the Law is good…in accordance with the Gospel of glory of the blessed God with which I have been entrusted. The encouragement, then, is to follow the Law Not because the Law equates to righteousness, or because God is forcing us to do so But because God so loved us And so we love God and desire to follow His will

Final Points False Believers There continues to be a trend of false gospels and false believers in Galatians This trend will continue even in our own time of false believers teaching things contrary to the Gospel of Jesus False teachers and believers will not have a sign saying, “I am a wolf in sheep's clothing!” Nor will be a warning attached to their gospel They will look and sound like believers, and what they say will have Christianity interspersed within

Final Points False Believers (2) So how will we know a false believer? Jesus tells us in Matthew 7 we will know them by their fruits Yet even false believers can appear to be living correctly Therefore it is necessary for us to know and study Scripture in order to distinguish true from false We need to make sure we know the Scriptures in context, and in the overall theme of the Gospel

Final Points False Believers (3) This is the point, be prepared for false teachers, false disciples, false gospels, by knowing Scripture When one references a Scripture in a sermon, check to make sure that their reference is not taken out of context Do not be fooled into thinking that because a Scripture is referenced it must be taken as accurate The oldest and greatest trick of the devil is twisting the Word of God (see Genesis 3/Matthew 4) Therefore, know Scripture yourself, and test everything against the revelation of Jesus Christ according to the Scriptures

Final Points The Gospel It is only by knowing the Gospel we can know truth, know ourselves, and know God The way to know a false gospel or teacher is to know the true Gospel This is the Gospel of Jesus We were fearfully and wonderfully made by our Creator We are even created in His Image It is this image which tells us of our personal being and diversity, our sense of morality, and our ability to reason

Final Points The Gospel (2) Though we are so wonderfully made, we fell into sin Even if we all only sinned once against God it would incur a moral guilt against Him Yet, the truth is, we have committed countless sins against God Nothing we can do can alleviate the incredible debt we have accrued Left to our own wills we are lost in darkness without hope

Final Points The Gospel (3) God, however, did not leave us in despair Instead He sent us hope He sent us His Son to die on the cross By dying on the cross Jesus became the atonement, the propitiation, the expiation, for the sins of those who repent and place their faith in Him Faith in His death and resurrection, faith that His righteousness can sustain even our great debt

Final Points The Gospel (4) Those who do not repent of their sins and place their faith in Jesus will receive judgment For those who do repent and place their faith in Jesus receive salvation, hope An eternal kingdom filled with those who are sons and daughters of God Most High

Galatians 2:1-10 (ESV)