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Galatians 2:1-10 - A Warning Against Compromise
A Second Visit
It is important to note that this section builds on Paul’s thoughts that began in Chapter 1. In verse 12, he informed the Galatians that despite the accusations against his law-free gospel, he never received his gospel from men, nor was he ever taught it by man. Paul then provides an airtight defense to prove his point, detailing the events that unfolded immediately following his conversion. He continues that defense in Chapter 2, referencing his second trip to Jerusalem with Barnabas. This trip to Jerusalem likely coincides with the events of Acts 11:27-30. Luke records, “Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them, named Agabus, stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:27-30, ESV).
In addition to Barnabas, Paul brings Titus, who acts as Paul’s test case for his circumcision-free gospel. Paul lays before the apostles in Jerusalem his gospel, along with Titus, and the apostles affirm his message. Despite what the Judaizers in Galatia claimed, Paul has the evidence that he is preaching the same gospel that the Jerusalem apostles are teaching (Galatians 1:1-3).
Pressure to Compromise In verses 4-5, Paul references “false brothers,” or Judaizers, who were present in Jerusalem (or perhaps previously in Antioch). Though we aren’t sure exactly what occurred, these false brothers were pressuring Paul to circumcise Titus and to give in to their demands that one must be circumcised to perfect their salvation (v. 4). But Paul doesn’t compromise. The freedom the gospel offers is at stake, and so is the unity the gospel creates.
Main Point of the Sermon: Compromising gospel truth forfeits gospel blessings.
Outline: Two blessings we forfeit when we compromise the truth of the gospel:
- We forfeit the freedom the gospel offers. vv1-5
- We forget the unity the gospel creates. vv6-10
Additional Study Questions
- Why was this meeting such an impactful event in the history of the church? Consider the importance of unity in the gospel.
- Describe the freedom that Paul references in verses 4-5. How does this freedom relate to the law?
- What additions are we tempted to add to the gospel that may cause us to forfeit our freedom in the gospel?
- Why is it important that the Jerusalem apostles affirm Paul’s gospel and his apostleship?
- Why is gospel unity so important for the church? In what ways can we strive for unity in the gospel within our own church and with like-minded churches?
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By Redemption Hill ChurchA Second Visit
It is important to note that this section builds on Paul’s thoughts that began in Chapter 1. In verse 12, he informed the Galatians that despite the accusations against his law-free gospel, he never received his gospel from men, nor was he ever taught it by man. Paul then provides an airtight defense to prove his point, detailing the events that unfolded immediately following his conversion. He continues that defense in Chapter 2, referencing his second trip to Jerusalem with Barnabas. This trip to Jerusalem likely coincides with the events of Acts 11:27-30. Luke records, “Now in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. And one of them, named Agabus, stood up and foretold by the Spirit that there would be a great famine over all the world (this took place in the days of Claudius). So the disciples determined, every one according to his ability, to send relief to the brothers living in Judea. And they did so, sending it to the elders by the hand of Barnabas and Saul” (Acts 11:27-30, ESV).
In addition to Barnabas, Paul brings Titus, who acts as Paul’s test case for his circumcision-free gospel. Paul lays before the apostles in Jerusalem his gospel, along with Titus, and the apostles affirm his message. Despite what the Judaizers in Galatia claimed, Paul has the evidence that he is preaching the same gospel that the Jerusalem apostles are teaching (Galatians 1:1-3).
Pressure to Compromise In verses 4-5, Paul references “false brothers,” or Judaizers, who were present in Jerusalem (or perhaps previously in Antioch). Though we aren’t sure exactly what occurred, these false brothers were pressuring Paul to circumcise Titus and to give in to their demands that one must be circumcised to perfect their salvation (v. 4). But Paul doesn’t compromise. The freedom the gospel offers is at stake, and so is the unity the gospel creates.
Main Point of the Sermon: Compromising gospel truth forfeits gospel blessings.
Outline: Two blessings we forfeit when we compromise the truth of the gospel:
- We forfeit the freedom the gospel offers. vv1-5
- We forget the unity the gospel creates. vv6-10
Additional Study Questions
- Why was this meeting such an impactful event in the history of the church? Consider the importance of unity in the gospel.
- Describe the freedom that Paul references in verses 4-5. How does this freedom relate to the law?
- What additions are we tempted to add to the gospel that may cause us to forfeit our freedom in the gospel?
- Why is it important that the Jerusalem apostles affirm Paul’s gospel and his apostleship?
- Why is gospel unity so important for the church? In what ways can we strive for unity in the gospel within our own church and with like-minded churches?