Introduction

Galatians 2 describes Paul's interactions with Jerusalem leaders and his confrontation with Peter. The chapter establishes the fundamental truth: justification comes through faith in Christ, not by observing the Law.

Jerusalem Accepted Paul's Gospel (verses 1-10)

Fourteen years later Paul went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along. He went in response to a revelation and presented to the leaders the gospel he preaches among the Gentiles—privately to those esteemed as leaders, for fear that he was running or had run in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with him, was compelled to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated their ranks to spy on the freedom they have in Christ Jesus and to make them slaves. They did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for the Galatians.

As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to Paul; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to his message. On the contrary, they saw that Paul had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. They recognized the grace given to Paul and gave him and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship. All they asked was that they should continue to remember the poor, the very thing Paul had been eager to do all along.

• Gospel Approved: Jerusalem leaders added nothing
• Freedom Preserved: Titus wasn't compelled to be circumcised
• Divided Ministry: Paul to Gentiles, Peter to Jews

Paul Opposes Peter (verses 11-14)

When Cephas came to Antioch, Paul opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. When Paul saw they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, he said to Cephas in front of them all: "You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs?"

• Public Rebuke: Error required public correction
• Hypocrisy Exposed: Peter's actions contradicted his beliefs
• Gospel at Stake: The truth of the gospel was on the line

Justified by Faith (verses 15-21)

"We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the Law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law, because by the works of the Law no one will be justified. But if, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves also among the sinners, doesn't that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker. For through the Law I died to the Law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the Law, Christ died for nothing!"

Key Takeaways

• Faith, Not Works: Justification comes through faith alone
• Crucified with Christ: Our old life has died
• Christ Lives in Me: His life replaces ours
• Grace Stands: If the Law could save, Christ died needlessly

Reflection Questions

• Are you trusting in faith or adding works to secure your standing with God?
• What does it mean for you that Christ lives in you?
• How do you live by faith in the Son of God who loved you and gave Himself for you?