Galatians 2

Galatians 2 continues Paul’s defense of the gospel of grace and his apostolic authority, addressing the Galatian churches’ slide toward legalism under Judaizers’ influence. Written around AD 48–49, likely from Syrian Antioch or during his first missionary journey, Paul recounts his interactions with Jerusalem’s apostles and his confrontation with Peter in Antioch to prove that justification comes by faith in Christ, not law-keeping, for both Jews and Gentiles.
Key Sections
Paul’s Apostolic Recognition (2:1–10): Fourteen years after his conversion, Paul went to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus, prompted by revelation, to confirm his gospel to the Gentiles. Despite pressure from false brothers to circumcise Titus, the apostles (James, Cephas, John) added nothing to his message, recognizing God’s grace in his ministry to Gentiles, as Peter’s was to Jews. They extended fellowship, asking only to remember the poor.
Confrontation with Peter in Antioch (2:11–14): When Peter visited Antioch, he ate with Gentiles until Judaizers from James arrived, causing him to withdraw out of fear, leading others, even Barnabas, into hypocrisy. Paul rebuked Peter publicly, as his actions undermined the gospel’s truth that Jews and Gentiles are justified by faith, not law.
Justification by Faith (2:15–21): Paul argues that even Jews, knowing they’re justified by faith in Christ, not law, cannot rebuild what they abandoned. He died to the law through Christ’s death, living by faith in the Son of God, who loved him and gave Himself. Adding law to grace nullifies Christ’s sacrifice.
Cross-References
Apostolic Recognition: 
Acts 15:1–12: Jerusalem Council.

Romans 15:18–19: Paul’s Gentile mission.

Ephesians 3:7–8: Grace for Gentiles.
Titus Uncircumcised: 
Acts 16:3: Timothy’s circumcision (contextual).

1 Corinthians 9:20–21: Paul’s flexibility.

Philippians 3:2–3: True circumcision.
Peter’s Hypocrisy: 
Acts 10:28: Peter with Gentiles.

James 2:1–4: No partiality.

Matthew 16:23: Peter’s error rebuked.
Justification by Faith: 
Romans 3:28: Faith apart from law.

Ephesians 2:8–9: Saved by grace.

Habakkuk 2:4: Live by faith.
Died to the Law: 
Romans 7:4–6: Dead to law through Christ.

Colossians 2:14: Law’s debt canceled.

Hebrews 7:18–19: Law set aside.
Christ’s Sacrifice: 
Romans 5:8: Christ died for us.

1 Peter 2:24: Bore our sins.

Titus 2:14: Gave Himself for us.
Theological Meaning
Apostolic Unity: Paul’s gospel aligns with Jerusalem’s apostles, affirming one gospel for all (2:7–9; Ephesians 4:5).

Freedom from Legalism: Forcing Gentile circumcision denies the gospel’s sufficiency (2:3–5; Romans 6:14).

Justification by Faith: Faith in Christ, not law-keeping, makes one right with God, universal for Jews and Gentiles (2:16; Romans 3:22).

Hypocrisy’s Danger: Compromising the gospel for approval distorts truth and harms unity (2:13; 1 Timothy 4:1–2).

Union with Christ: Believers die to the law and live through Christ’s indwelling, empowered by His love (2:20; Romans 8:10).

Grace’s Sufficiency: Adding works to faith nullifies Christ’s atoning death (2:21; Ephesians 2:8).
Questions and Answers
Why go to Jerusalem (2:1–2)?
To confirm his gospel with the apostles, ensuring unity, prompted by revelation (2:2; Acts 15:2).

Why not circumcise Titus (2:3–5)?
To uphold gospel freedom against false brothers’ legalism (2:4; Galatians 5:1).

What did the apostles affirm (2:7–9)?
Paul’s mission to Gentiles, as Peter’s to Jews, extending fellowship (2:9; Romans 11:13).

Why rebuke Peter (2:11–14)?
His withdrawal from Gentiles implied law-keeping for salvation, undermining the gospel (2:14; Acts 10:34–35).

What is justification by faith (2:16)?
Being declared righteous through faith in Christ, not law’s works (2:16; Romans 5:1).

What does “I died to the law” mean (2:19)?
Through Christ’s death, Paul is free from the law’s demands, living for God (2:19; Romans 7:4).

How does this apply today?
Trust faith alone, reject legalism, confront hypocrisy, and live in Christ’s love (2:20; Ephesians 4:15).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written to Galatian churches (Acts 13–14) facing Judaizers’ pressure to adopt the law (Galatians 1:6–7), this chapter defends Paul’s authority and gospel. The Jerusalem visit (2:1) likely aligns with Acts 11:30 or 15:1–29. Antioch’s mixed church (2:11) faced Jewish-Gentile tensions (Acts 15:1). Paul’s rebuke of Peter (2:14) shows his zeal for gospel purity (Acts 13:46).

Cultural Questions: “False brothers” (2:4) were Judaizers, common in early churches (Acts 15:5). Circumcision (2:3) was a Jewish identity marker, debated for Gentiles (Genesis 17:10). Peter’s withdrawal (2:12) reflects Jewish purity concerns in Galatia’s culture (Leviticus 11:44). “Justified” (2:16) uses Jewish legal terms, reframed by faith (Psalm 143:2). “Live by faith” (2:20) counters Greco-Roman self-reliance (Acts 17:28). “Abba” (4:6, cf. 2:20) evokes intimate Jewish prayer (Mark 14:36).

Application: Galatians 2 calls believers to rely on faith in Christ, reject works-based salvation, and stand firm against hypocrisy. It challenges conformity to legalism or peer pressure, urging a life rooted in Christ’s sacrifice and love in a divided world (Romans 12:2; 1 John 2:15–17).