Brothers and sisters, if I am still preaching circumcision, why am I still being persecuted?
Summary: Disagreements take many forms. Some result in physical conflict, others are a test of wills.
Continue reading “Galatians 5:11a – People Are Power”Galatians 3:1b – The Best Kind of News
Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified.
Summary: Trying to keep up with Paul’s logic can be challenging. Today’s passage challenges us to consider the importance of Christ’s crucifixion to Paul’s argument against circumcision.
Continue reading “Galatians 3:1b – The Best Kind of News”Galatians 2:14b – Awkward Situation
I said to Cephas [aka Peter] in front of them all,
Summary: Conflict resolution can be a challenging topic. In this passage Paul illustrates a technique for dealing with a large group.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:14b – Awkward Situation”Galatians 2:12a – Flashback
For before certain men came from James, he [Peter] used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles …
Summary: In this passage, Paul tells the story about a time when Peter came to visit his ministry in Antioch.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:12a – Flashback”Galatians 2:11b – Standing Firm
… because he stood condemned.
Summary: Today’s passage uses the word “condemned.” Because the word can mean that we have passed judgment on someone, we look at other possible meanings for the original Greek text.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:11b – Standing Firm”Galatians 2:11a – Clash of the Titans
When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face,
Summary: Sadly, conflict is an unavoidable part of life this side of heaven.
Continue reading “Galatians 2:11a – Clash of the Titans”Galatians 2:8 – World History in Four Parts
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”Galatians 2:6b – Double Check
… 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”Galatians 2:6a – Pecking Order
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”Ephesians 3:20b – Lame Excuse
… according to his power that is at work within us,
Summary: When it comes to acts of God, everything depends on how much of God’s power is at work. How we can get that power and what it can do are fascinating topics of conversation.
Continue reading “Ephesians 3:20b – Lame Excuse”