Themes
Overarching Theme: Grace over legalism.
Chapter Two Theme: Acceptance not insistence – pleasing God, not people
History & Context
In our study, we are holding to the view that, as Paul makes no mention of the letter agreed upon at the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15, he was writing to the Galatians before the Council was held. This places his Jerusalem visit (referred to in v1 of this chapter) in the troubled context of Acts 12. This being so, the revelation that prompted Paul to go to Jerusalem could have been the prophecy given to the Antioch church by Agabus concerning a coming empire-wide famine (Acts 11:27-29).
The visit of Cephas (Peter) to Antioch (see v11 of this chapter) could have occurred before or after Paul’s first missionary journey to Cyprus and Galatia. However, the fact that the legalism Paul had seen directed towards Titus in Jerusalem was beginning to affect Gentiles so far afield may suggest that the issue had been fermenting all the time Paul was on that journey, increasing its impact on the Galatian believers.
Study Guide
Make sure to watch the video looking at Galatians Chapter 2 and have a Bible ready in front of you.
Verses 1-5
Paul continues his account of interacting with the Jerusalem church and tells how he kept himself accountable to the leaders while remaining steadfast on an issue relating to one of his team.
Questions
Paul met privately with those ‘esteemed as leaders’ in Jerusalem in order to present the gospel he had been preaching for the past fourteen years. Discuss why you think he considered their endorsement important.
Paul was really strong in his conviction that Titus should not be circumcised. Identify some of the reasons why you think he was prepared to take such a firm stand.
Verses 6-10
Even though Paul meets with the Church’s key leaders, he maintains God as the highest authority of his calling.
Questions
Paul describes the senior leaders in Jerusalem as ‘pillars’. What attributes do you think should be present in the ‘pillars’ of today, both in our local churches and at a regional and national level?
Paul and Barnabas are recognised as being called to reach the Gentiles but are told to continue to remember the poor. Why do you think this particular issue was given such a high priority?
Verses 11-16
Paul notes a time when Cephas (Peter) visited Antioch and became entangled in tensions that arose between Jewish and Gentile believers.
Questions
Arguably, there aren’t many more famous than Peter (Cephas) among the twelve Apostles. How do you think Paul summed up the courage and commitment to challenge Peter publicly?
Paul accused Peter of being hypocritical when working out his faith. How can we avoid compromise when engaging with others today, and how should we respond if someone were to highlight our inconsistencies?
Verses 17-21
Paul finishes his historical account by focusing again on the gospel.
Questions
Having begun his letter with a brief summary of the gospel, Paul returns to it again building on his conversation with Peter. Why do you think it is important to keep returning to the simplicity and truth of the gospel even when addressing fellow believers?
Discuss how far Paul’s inclusive attitude should extend. If Jews and Gentiles should eat together, should that extend to believers and unbelievers?
KEY TAKEAWAY
In this second chapter, we see Paul standing firmly by his principles, both in Jerusalem over Titus and in Antioch with Peter. In chapter one we saw how, over a decade earlier, he had sorted out his thinking before God and had his stance confirmed by Peter. In this chapter, Paul is back in Jerusalem, able to back up his convictions with his experience of ministering around Cilicia, and is delighted that once again he is endorsed. It is his confidence in his convictions in practice as well as in theory that gives him so much boldness.
PRAYER & REFLECTION
End your time as a group, or individually, in a time of prayer.
If it is helpful, below is a written prayer you can use as a reflection on John and Mary’s encounters that we have looked at today.
Lord,
As we see Paul’s alertness when facing the issues that occurred in his life,
give us the grace, in the midst of our daily circumstances, to be quick to discern
and to deal with things courageously.
Help us to see the larger picture and to be aware of its consequences,
incorporating into our own endeavours the strategies that we observe to be good.
Strengthen our grasp on Your gospel so that we are ready to give an account,
highlighting Your truth in a relevant way and pointing people to follow You
with a spirit of adoration and excellence.
Amen
