Galatians

Salvation by grace! Justification by faith! Sanctification by faith!

“But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is by works, then it is no longer on the basis of grace; otherwise work is no longer work. Romans 11:6

Galatians 1

Paul’s message, the gospel of grace, and his authority as an apostle were directly from God!

Galatians 2 - Paul’s Authority

Recognized by the Apostles - 2:1-10

In his rebuke of Peter - 2:11-21

Galatians 2:1-10

Verse 1 – Barnabas - Jewish; Titus – Gentile

Paul’s Jerusalem Visits:

1. After he left Damascus – Acts 9:26-30

2. The famine visit – Acts 11:27-30

3. The Jerusalem Council – Acts 15:1-29

4. The end of his second missionary journey – Acts 18:22

5. The final visit & imprisonment – Acts 21:15-23:35

Verse 2 -

“…because of a revelation…” This could be the revelation of Agabus that prompted Barnabas and Saul to take a contribution to

the poor saints in Jerusalem. This would be the famine visit – Acts 11:27-30

“…I did so in private…” The Council at Jerusalem in Acts 15 was very public.

Verse 2 – “…submitted to them the gospel…” Paul “laid before” them the gospel of grace.

“…running or had run, in vain.” – Fear that his message to the gentiles would suffer.

Verse 3 – Titus, the test case!

If it was necessary for the Gentiles to keep the law then Titus would have been placed under the law for circumcision.

Verse 4 – False brethren…

Three groups in Jerusalem:

1. False brethren – unbelievers

2. Believing Pharisees – believers who were confused about the need for keeping the law (Acts 15:5)

3. The apostles and other believers

Our liberty in Christ:

1. Freedom from ‘religion’ – Galatians 5:1

2. Freedom from the ‘sin nature’s’ control – Romans 6:11-12

3. Freedom to worship God in ‘Spirit and Truth’ – John 4:23-24

4. Freedom to serve in love – Galatians 5:13

5. Freedom to ‘walk’ in the Spirit – II Corinthians 3:17-18

Bondage: “To reduce to slavery”

“Legalists then, and now, are determined to reduce Christianity to a system of do’s and don’ts. The work of the Spirit of God is foreign to them. Their teaching must be continually exposed and opposed.”

Ron Merryman, Galatians

Verse 5 – The Grace Defenders!

Their firmness – absolutely no submission

Their promptness – not for even an hour

Their purpose – “…that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.”

WHERE THE GOSPEL WAS THREATENED, PAUL WAS ADAMANT:

THE GOSPEL IS NON-NEGOTIABLE!

Verse 6 – It is God’s gospel. Paul didn’t receive his teaching or his authority

from the Jerusalem leaders.

Verses 7-8 – Paul’s acceptance

1. Paul’s mission perceived

Paul entrusted with the gospel mainly to the Gentiles

Peter entrusted with the gospel mainly to the Jews

The source of both apostleships was God Himself!

Verses 9-10

2. Recognition of God’s grace

James, Peter and John – the ‘pillars’

Right hand of fellowship = full acceptance

The gospel would remain pure!