Where There is the Potential to Disagree…

The disagreement: What role does the traditions, rituals, and observance of the Old Covenant play in the salvation mission of the New Covenant?

A brewing discussion…Acts 10 (AD 35) Acts 15 (AD 50-53)

Paul went to the “Pillars” privately

An ultimate decision…

A missional direction...

Title: “Christ Alone: Defining the Gospel and Our Mission” Text: Galatians 2:1–10 Theme: The gospel is not bound by tradition or ritual but is centered on the grace of Christ alone, empowering a unified mission to all people.

I. The Disagreement:

What role do traditions, rituals, and observance of the Old Covenant play in the salvation mission of the New Covenant? Text: Galatians 2:1-3

Paul recounts a pivotal moment—fourteen years after his conversion—when he went up to Jerusalem to engage the apostles. The core question: Is salvation through Christ alone, or must believers also keep the law of Moses (e.g., circumcision)?

The Issue at Hand: Some were insisting that Gentile believers must adopt Jewish customs to be truly saved (see Acts 15:1). This wasn't a small disagreement—it threatened the purity of the gospel.

Paul’s Stance: Paul brought Titus—a Greek believer—not circumcised, as a living test case. His point: If Titus is a genuine believer without Jewish rituals, then Christ is sufficient.

Baptist Distinctive: Salvation is by grace through faith alone (Eph. 2:8-9). We reject any form of legalism that adds human works or tradition to the gospel.

II. A Brewing Discussion…

Referencing Acts 10 (AD 35) and Acts 15 (AD 50–53) Text: Galatians 2:4-5

Paul describes a brewing theological storm. False brothers were secretly slipping in to spy on Christian freedom and enslave believers to the law.

Acts 10 – Peter’s Vision: God showed Peter that Gentiles were clean and welcome in the kingdom without ritual purification (Cornelius’ conversion).

Acts 15 – The Jerusalem Council: Fifteen years later, this issue explodes into open debate. The Council agrees with Paul—Gentiles do not need to be circumcised.

Application: There are always pressures—even today—to add something to the gospel: certain dress codes, political alignment, worship styles, etc. We must, like Paul, "not yield in submission even for a moment" (Gal. 2:5) so the truth of the gospel is preserved.

III. An Ultimate Decision…

Paul went to the “Pillars” privately Text: Galatians 2:6-9

Paul wisely met privately with the church leaders—James, Peter, and John—those who were considered "pillars."

Unity in Truth: Paul wasn’t seeking permission—he was confirming alignment. And there was no disagreement. The gospel he preached to the Gentiles was the same gospel the apostles preached to the Jews.

Affirmation, Not Addition: “They added nothing to me” (v.6). The gospel does not evolve; it is revealed and received.

Baptist Principle: While we believe in congregational polity and local church autonomy, we also seek fellowship and accountability. Paul modeled cooperation without compromise.

IV. A Missional Direction...

Text: Galatians 2:9-10

Once unity was affirmed, the apostles extended the right hand of fellowship to Paul and Barnabas. Their mission was clear:

Paul and Barnabas to the Gentiles

Peter and the others to the Jews

But one gospel and one mission: “Only, they asked us to remember the poor…”

Missional Takeaway: Our direction is outward. The gospel is not to be hoarded but heralded. Whether across the street or across the ocean, the message is the same: Jesus saves by grace alone.

Remember the Poor: Mission includes mercy. Sharing the gospel includes caring for those in need. It is never either/or.

Conclusion:

Galatians 2:1–10 gives us a model of gospel clarity, spiritual courage, and missional unity.

Let us never add to the gospel—Christ is enough.

Let us never compromise the truth for the sake of tradition.

Let us never forget the mission—preaching and practicing the gospel for all people, in all places.

“By grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone—for the glory of God alone.”