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Galatians 2

21 verses

TL;DR

Paul confronts Peter in Antioch over the issue of circumcision, affirming that justification comes through faith, not law.

Summary

Paul returns to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus after fourteen years and reports that Titus, being Greek, did not need circumcision. He then recounts how false brethren tried to undermine the liberty of Gentiles in Christ, leading him to address the situation privately. Paul describes a theological exchange where the gospel for uncircumcised people is entrusted to him, while the gospel for circumcised people goes to Peter. James, Cephas (Peter), and John give Paul and Barnabas the right of fellowship to minister to the Gentiles. In Antioch, Peter behaves hypocritically, eating with Gentiles but withdrawing when other Jews arrive; Paul confronts him, insisting that justification is by faith, not by the works of the law, and emphasizes his own death to the law and living in Christ.

Outline
  1. Paul’s mission to Jerusalem and the circumcision issue
  2. Paul’s confrontation with Peter in Antioch
  3. Paul’s theological claim of justification by faith
Themes
Justification by faith vs. works of the lawUnity of Jews and GentilesCircumcision controversyApostolic authority and fellowshipGrace versus legalism
Keywords
justificationfaithlawcircumcisionapostlesgospelgraceChrist
People
PaulBarnabasTitusPeterCephasJamesJohnfalse brethrenJewsGentiles
Places
JerusalemAntioch
Things
circumcisiongospellawgracejustificationfaithcrucifixionright of fellowship
Key Verses
  • Galatians 2:11-14: Paul’s confrontation with Peter over the circumcision controversy
  • Galatians 2:16-17: Paul’s statement that justification comes through faith, not law
  • Galatians 2:20: Paul’s declaration of being crucified with Christ and living by faith
Questions
  • Why did Paul feel compelled to confront Peter in Antioch?
  • What does the ‘right of fellowship’ signify for the early church?
  • How does Paul’s claim of justification by faith challenge the legalistic practices of the time?
  • In what ways does this confrontation influence the relationship between Jewish and Gentile believers?
  • What implications does Paul’s statement in Galatians 2:20 have for Christian identity today?
Sentiment

mixed
Tense confrontation balanced with theological affirmation.