Galatians 2:1-10

The Judaizers: The Judaizers (referred to here as “false breatheren”) were Jewish converts to Christianity who insisted that Gentile believers must adopt Jewish customs and follow Jewish laws as a condition for salvation (Acts 15:1). Paul consistently opposed their teachings, insisting that only faith in Jesus Christ was necessary for salvation. Christ sets us free from the requirements of the Jewish law because He perfectly and completely fulfilled all its requirements during His time on earth and then died on our behalf.

2:1-3 | Barnabas (originally named Joses) was “full of the Holy Spirit and of faith” (Acts 11:24). The apostles called him Barnabas, which means “son of encouragement” (Acts 4:36). Titus was Paul’s spiritual son and coworker (Titus 1:4-5). As a Greek convert, he was a product of the very ministry that the Judaizers were attacking.

2:3 | Not even the highest level of authority in the church - the Jerusalem Council - required Titus to be circumsised (Acts 15:1-22). This overwhelming victory for the gospel of grace was proof that circumcision was not necessary for salvation (Acts 15:23-29).

2:4-5 | Christians must resist those who might bring them into bondage through any means. The truth of the gospel - salvation by grace alone through faith alone - was Paul’s message, and it always brings freedom. It is by definition a work of the Spirit, not of man.

2:5 | Paul would not yield to those opposed to the gospel (1:6; 2:14; 3:1). His courage reminds us of the many believers who have given their lives to preserve the truth of the gospel of Christ.

2:7 | God does not give two different gospels. The gospel Peter preached to the circumcised Jews (2:8) was the same one Paul preached to the uncircumcised Gentiles (3:26-28; Acts 9:15; 13:46; 22:21; Rom. 11:13; 1 Thess. 2:4).

2:9 | When the apostles in Jerusalem understood the grace that had been given to Paul, they offered him the right hand of fellowship - a solemn vow of friendship and a symbol of partnership. They also approved Paul and Barnabas’ ministry to the Gentiles. This act of unity thwarted the Judaizers and preserved the gospel.

2:10 | Throughout his ministry, Paul was eager to help the poor (Rom. 15:25-27; 1 Cor. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 8-9). Even though many early believers lived in poverty, a key component of NT worship was that Christians would share with their spiritual brothers and sisters in need.