Daily Meditations on the Bible / We stand with Israel
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”I went in response to a revelation …
Summary: The two key words in this passage are “revelation” and “response.” The Bible is full of wonderful examples of both.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:2a – The Naked Truth”I took Titus along also.
Summary: In this passage we discover another friend and coworker of Paul’s.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:1c – A Cord of Three Strands”Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem …
… this time with Barnabas.
Summary: The Bible tells us a lot about Barnabas, but the information is scattered throughout the New Testament, so we have to do a little digging to learn about him.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:1b – Barnabas”Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, …
Summary: Telling a story is an art form. Telling a truth in story form is a different kind of art. God, the ultimate Author, can do both.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:1a – The Key”And they praised God because of me.
Summary: How we live determines how we are remembered.
Continue reading “Galatians 1:24 – Epitaph”I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only heard the report: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.”
Summary: Life is complicated, and so is the Bible. Sometimes, it helps to simplify things. Hopefully, a simple explanation using a peanut will help us see the value of this passage.
Continue reading “Galatians 1: 22-23 – Nuts”