 |  |
Gal. 2: 1-14.
A | 1, 2. | a | Paul goes to Jerusalem; for the faith.
b | Barnabas stands fast.
B | 3-5. | c | Titus not compelled to be circumcised.
d | Paul's stand for THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL.
C | 6-10. | e | Seemed to be somewhat.
f | Added nothing to me.
g | Gospel to Circumcision.--PETER.
g | Gospel to Uncircumcision.--PAUL.
e | Seemed to be pillars.
f | Remember the poor.
A | 11-13. | a | Peter comes to Antioch; overthrow faith.
b | Even Barnabas carried away.
B | 14. |
d | Peter's walk; against THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL.
c | Compelled Gentiles to Judaize.
The opening verses of chapter 2: tell of a visit which the apostle paid to Jerusalem,
accompanied by Barnabas and Titus, when he laid before the Church at Jerusalem "that
gospel which he preached among the Gentiles", the case being crystallized for us in the
account of the treatment of Titus:--
"But neither Titus, who was with me being a GREEK, was compelled to be
circumcised" (Gal. 2: 3).
This is in direct contrast with the subsequent defection of Peter who by his conduct
was compelling the Gentiles to Judaize (2: 14). Paul's stand for the truth thus set forth in
Titus' immunity from the law was in contrast with Peter's walk which was not according
to the truth of the gospel, but would put the believer under law. The truth of the gospel is
the truth that declares every believer in Christ free from the law, whether the ceremonial
law, as imparting special sanctity, or the code of works, providing a righteousness
before God. It needs an exposition of the epistle to exhibit in any measure of fullness
this blessed liberty, and this we hope to give in due time. The background provided by
Acts 15: will, however, make manifest something of the nature of that truth of the gospel
which makes the believer free.
A door of faith had been opened to the Gentiles through the ministry of the
apostle Paul (Acts 14: 27). Yet many of the saints at Jerusalem, instead of rejoicing in
the spread of the truth, seem to have opposed it and sought to load the gospel of grace
with obsolete laws and ceremonies:--
"And certain men, which came down from Judæa, taught the brethren, and said,
Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, YE CANNOT BE SAVED"
(Acts 15: 1).
This cause great searching of heart among the newly-converted Gentiles, and much
dissension and disputation among the leaders, with the result that Paul and Barnabas are
led to go to Jerusalem to settle the matter, the inner history of the visit being given in
Gal. 2: