The Gospel and Freedom in Christ

Galatians 2:1 ARA

1 Catorze anos depois, subi outra vez a Jerusalém com Barnabé, levando também a Tito.

Galatians 2:1-10

Introduction

The passage in Galatians 2:1-10 gives us a glimpse into the challenges faced by the early church in integrating Jews and Gentiles under the same faith. Paul recounts his journey to Jerusalem, emphasizing the fight for freedom in Christ and the preservation of the unity of the gospel. This account is a powerful testimony of how the gospel is sufficient for all cultures and how God works in unity through diverse ministries.

1. Paul’s Journey to Jerusalem (Verses 1-2)

“Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also.”

a) Divine Motivation

• Paul went to Jerusalem 14 years after his ministry to the Gentiles, guided by divine revelation (κατὰ ἀποκάλυψιν, kata apokalypsin)— rather than human pressure.

• He presented the gospel to the apostles to ensure unity in message and practice.

b) Cultural Context

• Titus, an uncircumcised Gentile, was a living example that salvation does not depend on the Law of Moses but on faith in Christ.

Application: The gospel is universal and transcends cultural barriers. God works not through human conventions but through His grace.

2. Freedom in Christ (Verses 3-5)

“Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.”

a) Resistance to Legalism

• False brothers (ψευδάδελφοι, pseudadelphoi), attempted to impose circumcision and Jewish practices as conditions for salvation (Ac. 15:1,24; Rom. 2:25–29). Paul resisted firmly to protect the essence of the gospel.

b) The Truth of the Gospel

• The essence of the gospel—described as “the truth of the gospel” (ἀλήθεια τοῦ εὐαγγελίου, alētheia tou euangeliou)—is that salvation is a free gift of God’s grace, not tied to human traditions or rituals.

Illustration: Just as a plant grows freely in sunlight, Christians grow in the freedom of grace, not being stifled by legalism.

Application: Resist any attempts to add requirements to the gospel. Salvation is by grace, not by works.

3. Mutual Recognition and Unity in the Gospel (Verses 6-9)

“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.”

a) Different Callings, Same Message

• The apostles recognized Paul’s calling to the Gentiles — “uncircumcision” (ἀκροβυστία, akrobystia), while Peter focused on the Jews — “circumcision” (περιτομή, peritomē)(Act. 9:15; 22:21; Rm 1:13; 15:16).

• This strategic division of labor was not a division of the gospel but a demonstration of unity in diversity.

b) Paul’s Authority

• The “pillars” extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul, validating his apostleship and demonstrating full agreement on the gospel message.

• Paul reaffirmed that his authority came from God, not the apostles in Jerusalem. This validation strengthened his message.

Application: In the body of Christ, each member has a unique role. We should celebrate diverse callings while maintaining unity in the gospel message.

4. The Practice of the Gospel: Remembering the Poor (Verse 10)

“All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.”

a) The Gospel in Action

• Caring for the poor was a priority for both Paul and the apostles in Jerusalem.

• Concern for the needy demonstrates that genuine faith translates into practical love.

b) Solidarity in the Church

• The collection for the poor in Jerusalem symbolized solidarity between churches, regardless of cultural differences.

Application: The gospel calls us to demonstrate Christ’s love by caring for the most vulnerable. Our faith should be tangible and visible in our actions.

Key Theological Themes

1. Freedom in Christ:

• Salvation is by grace, without additional requirements like circumcision or works of the Law.

2. Unity in Diversity:

• While the apostles had different fields of ministry (Gentiles and Jews), they were united in the gospel’s purpose.

3. Paul’s Apostolic Autonomy:

• Paul’s calling came directly from God, validating his authority and message.

4. Concern for the Needy:

• The practical dimension of the gospel includes caring for the poor, showing that faith manifests in love.

John Stott: “The gospel is not just the ABC of the Christian life, but the A to Z. It is the foundation and the framework for everything we believe and do.”

Conclusion

Galatians 2:1-10 teaches us powerful lessons about the sufficiency of the gospel and the freedom we have in Christ. Paul, Barnabas, and Titus show us that the gospel transcends cultures, rejects legalism, and prioritizes caring for the needy.

Call to Action:

Just as Paul defended the freedom of the gospel, we are called to live in the grace of Christ, rejecting any form of legalism. Let us celebrate unity within the body of Christ despite our diverse callings and demonstrate our faith through care for the less fortunate.

“Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” (Revelation 2:10)

Bibliography:

• Stott, John. The Message of Galatians. InterVarsity Press, 1986.

• Spurgeon, Charles. All of Grace. Fleming H. Revell Company, 1886.

• Lloyd-Jones, Martyn. The Gospel in Galatians. Banner of Truth, 1972.

• The Holy Bible, English Standard Version (ESV). Crossway, 2001.

• The Book of Acts, Chapter 15 (Historical Context of the Jerusalem Council).