Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me.
Summary: Paul continues to provide evidence of the validity of his gospel. This passage is especially powerful in that it links Paul with the most authoritative people on the planet.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:9a – Esteemed as Pillars”For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles.
Summary: Looking at the history of the world in four parts helps bring into focus the challenges God faced in redeeming his creation.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:8 – World History in Four Parts”On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.
Summary: Paul’s assignment from God wasn’t a figment of his imagination. It was real. We know this because the apostles in Jerusalem affirmed Paul’s gospel.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:7 – Validity”… they added nothing to my message.
Summary: Paul wanted to know if the other apostles agreed with his gospel message. The answer was an encouragement to him and to us.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:6b – Double Check”As for those who were held in high esteem —whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—
Summary: As Paul recounts his second visit to Jerusalem as a follower of Jesus, he reminds us that God does not show favoritism, and neither should we.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:6a – Pecking Order”We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
Summary: Paul was just as human as you or me. We all feel the pressure when others want us to conform. Like Paul, we all have to choose whether we stand on truth or bend to the will of the people around us.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:5 – Peer Pressure”This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.
Summary: From the beginning, Paul’s letter to the Galatians is confrontational. Paul is deeply concerned about the messages false believers spread among his flock.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:4 – Spy Novel”Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.
Summary: The issue of circumcision plagued the early church for years. It was like yelling, “I believe in life after death!” in a room full of Pharisees and Sadducees.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:3 – Covenant Conundrum”I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.
Summary: Paul’s journey to Jerusalem was inspired by a revelation from God. Paul’s motivation included wanting to be assured that his gospel message rang true with the other apostles.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:2c – The Thin Line”… and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles.
Summary: Sometimes, the simplest thing is to tell it like it is.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:2b – Double Check”