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Galatians 2:1-10
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
Watch the Sermon
Summary: Paul reports on his second trip to Jerusalem. This trip was 14 years after his conversion, 11 years after his first visit. He has been preaching, serving churches, and doing the work of ministry. He travels to Jerusalem, compelled by God, not to confirm he has the right message, but to make sure the gospel is not divided by false teachers who want to add requirements to the gospel. These opponents, or false brothers, are probably from Jerusalem, and so Paul wants the apostles to validate the freedom of the gospel from required laws, like circumcision. Paul is protecting the church from splitting into Jewish and Gentile factions with their own gospels. His trip is a success as they affirm Paul's gospel and extend the right hand of fellowship ending this threat from these false brothers.
Review and Apply
Why did Paul return to Jerusalem after all those years?
Explain the nature of debate with Paul and the false teachers?
How would you define legalism? How do you see it today?
How does legalism hurt us personally and corporately?
How do you decide whether to enter a theological controversy? What hills are you willing to battle over?
In what ways do you engage in the plight of the poor?
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