Galatians 2
by Philip Layton
Gentiles should not have to follow Jewish customs
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Discussion Questions
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Is this the same revelation that Paul referred to in 2 Corinthians chapter 12 (vv 1, 2)?
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Does knowing the flaws of some of the great apostles help add to Scripture’s reliability and authenticity (vv 11-14)?
Share your thoughts below, or tweet about it with the #boundlessbible hashtag. Don't forget this week's Children's Challenge!
Going Deeper From 'Words of Life'
Paul used strategy as well as prayer. He knew that reaching out to Gentiles, and fully embracing them into faith, was new and radical. But it was of God. And so, he went to the leaders who were somewhat in opposition, trying to coerce them privately that preaching to the Gentiles was valid and right.
Titus was a perfect example of one accepted into the fellowship, by God’s grace, as a Gentile. The other apostles acknowledged this, so Paul shares this with the sceptical Galatians. It came down to the fundamental question: Were the Gentiles saved by faith in Christ or were they not? The gospel states that we are not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore we are to be Christians living by faith, day to day, as we walk with Christ:
I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me (v 20).
Living by faith is about trust in God – for the big things, for the small things. It’s about having the assurance that God will meet our every need. Then, it’s about sharing this profound truth with others – from all walks of life. We’re all in this together; for he lives within each one of us.
Living by faith embraces the truth that God loves us, and gave of himself for us. How personal! How intimate! And if he loves us that much, how can we do anything less than live by faith in him? To trust him; to realise he is with us – and will be – day by day.
Prayer
Father, I realise what you’ve done for me. Help me, in response, to love you more and more; to be a person who is seen to be living by faith. I no longer live, because Christ lives in me. Hallelujah!
Evelyn Merriam
Tags: Galatians