|
|
Galatians 2 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
As we read in Chapter 1 of Galatians, Paul’s message that he was delivering to the Gentiles came straight from God. In so many words, he was establishing that he was not the apostles’ “messenger boy.” His work was independent of the work they were doing. After 3 years, he came back to get acquainted with Peter and also met James, but then he went away again to preach the Gospel. Here in Chapter 2, we pick up on the second visit to Jerusalem in which he will interact with the apostles once again. It would be about 11 years after the first visit (or 14 years from his conversion).
Paul’s main point is that his Gospel is the real thing. It was not some abbreviated, second-hand instruction that required further “laws” from the “real Jewish believers.” The Galatian believers could trust it because it was directly from God. In fact, in many ways, it was the Jewish version that had been corrupted. The Jews had tacked on circumcision to the Salvation message and required it in order to be saved.
In this letter, he establishes that his message is the real deal. He also establishes, however, that the apostles agree his message is the real deal. Paul knew that unity was important. That is why he gets so emotional over his Jewish brothers who have compromised on the truth.
Paul was a smart guy. He decided to bring Titus along with him to the conference in Jerusalem. In doing this, he forced the council to make a decision about the Salvation of uncircumcised Gentiles. If they were to say that Titus (a Greek) was not a true believer, it was a clear message that Gentiles must convert to Jews before they can be saved. However, if they decided Titus was indeed part of the church, then all believers would need to recognize that Gentiles were equal members of the body.
The entire issue arose when false converts infiltrated the church. They were neither adhering to Judaism nor Christianity. They professed Christ which disqualified them from Judaism. But, they required old laws and traditions to be saved which disqualified them from Christianity. This was the enemy’s plan to derail the early church and we should take special note of it. These “false brothers,” as Paul calls them, were putting people back in chains instead of proclaiming their freedom through grace.
Paul didn’t put up with it for a second. In order to preserve the message of grace, Paul stood up for truth. In order to preserve what he knew was truth, he continued to preach grace through faith alone. Within the world we live, it’s so easy to fall prey to Jesus + ______ = Salvation. This letter to the Galatians reminds us that it’s always just been about Jesus. His grace is truly unearned, undeserved and completely transformative.