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GALATIANS CHAPTER 2
STANDING FIRM IN THE GOSPEL
Questions and Answers…
Please note: Some of my answers are lengthy for clarity. Yours will likely be shorter, which is fine.
How long had it been since Paul got saved according to verse 1?
The events in Galatians 2 seem to take place 14 years after Paul’s conversion. However, if you consider the three years mentioned in chapter 1:18, the total time becomes 17 years. This total time frame might include Paul’s early ministry years, prior to the events described in this chapter.
What did Paul approach the church leaders about in private?
He wanted to present them with the message that he was preaching to the Gentiles, and that God had revealed this mission to him.
How did Paul’s ministry differ from that of Peter’s?
Paul was called to preach the gospel to the Gentiles and Peter was ministering to the Jews.
What does Paul mean in verse 4 when he says, “that they might bring us into bondage?” What were these spies trying to achieve?
Paul is referring to those who wanted to impose the old Mosaic law upon the followers of Christ, even though they had been set free from that law through faith in Jesus. These “spies” were trying to force believers back into the practices of ceremonial cleansings, sacrifices, and traditions that were part of the Jewish law. In essence, they were attempting to make believers serve two conflicting masters: the works of the law and faith in Christ.
Paul understood that these two paths are incompatible. Following the works of the law leads to bondage and spiritual death, while faith in Christ brings freedom and life. This tension between law and grace is a recurring theme in Paul’s writings, as he continually emphasizes that it is only through faith in Jesus that one can truly be justified and set free.
“Now therefore why tempt ye God, to put a yoke upon the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?” – Acts 15:10
In this context, the yoke represents the heavy burden of trying to earn salvation through legalistic adherence to the law, a burden that neither the early disciples nor their forefathers could bear. Paul’s message in Galatians is clear: believers are freed from this bondage by the grace of Jesus Christ, and this freedom should not be compromised.
What made Peter revert back to the legalistic attitude/actions he once forsook?
In Acts chapter 10, God gave Peter a vision through which He taught Peter that the Gentiles were not unpure or unclean. Immediately Peter understood that Jews were not forbidden to associate with Gentiles. In fact, Peter said, “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.” (Acts 10:34)
Peter understood that the Gentiles were called to salvation, in fact he was instrumental in ushering the first Gentile converts into Christianity. (Acts 11)
The reason that Peter reverted back to his old ways when the Jews came to visit the church is because it was easier to avoid conflict than to deal with it.
What was the result of this?
He separated himself from the Gentiles, joined in the hypocrisy of his fellow Jews, and in the process he led Barnabas astray.
Why did Paul confront Peter?
Paul confronted Peter because Peter’s withdrawal from the Gentiles sent a confusing and incorrect message about what it means to be justified by faith. Paul recognized the gravity of this inconsistency, understanding that it could lead others astray from the core message of Christianity. He felt compelled to confront Peter to correct the behavior and reinforce the essential belief that all believers, whether Jew or Gentile, are one in Christ Jesus.
What is the ONLY thing that saves?
The only thing that saves us is faith in Jesus Christ.
Explain “justification.”
Justification is not about what we have done, but what Christ has done for us. When we put our faith in Jesus Christ, God declares us righteous. When He looks at us, He doesn’t see our mistakes and failures, He see the perfection of Jesus.
This doesn’t mean that we’ll never sin again. It means we’re accepted and loved just as we are. All of our sins are forgiven, and we’re seen in the light of Christ’s righteousness. It’s a free gift that comes from trusting in Jesus, not from following a set of rules or laws.
The Bible says in Romans 5:1 (NIV), “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Justification leads to peace with God. It’s a profound truth that touches the heart of every believer, reminding us of God’s boundless grace and love.
In simple terms, justification is the act of God loving us so much that He sees us through the lens of His Son’s perfection, giving us a relationship with Him that nothing can take away. It’s about being embraced by God, despite our imperfections, all because of Jesus. It’s a theme full of hope, freedom, and unconditional love, and it’s central to understanding our walk with Christ.
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