The One True Gospel: Lessons from Galatians 2
In ancient Jerusalem around 49 AD, three travelers arrived after a long journey: Paul (once a persecutor of Christians), Barnabas (known for encouragement), and Titus (a Greek Gentile believer who had never been circumcised). They came to meet with the pillars of the early church – James, Peter, and John – in a tense atmosphere that would determine the future of Christianity.
Would Christianity remain a Jewish sect requiring Gentile believers to follow Jewish customs? Or would the gospel of grace prevail?
What Was at Stake in Galatians 2?
Paul was defending the true gospel against those who were teaching that Gentile believers needed to be circumcised and follow Jewish law to be saved. This meeting in Jerusalem was crucial because it addressed a fundamental question: Is salvation through faith alone in Christ, or is it faith plus works?
Paul had been preaching that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not through adherence to the law of Moses. When he brought Titus, an uncircumcised Gentile believer, some insisted Titus needed to be circumcised to truly be saved.
How Did Paul Defend the Gospel?
Paul approached the situation with both humility and courage:
He first met with the church leaders privately, showing respect for their position while firmly standing on truth.
He boldly declared that the gospel he preached came directly from God (as he established in Galatians 1).
He refused to compromise on the essential truth that salvation is by faith alone.
Paul’s message was clear: “A person is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Christ.” Adding requirements to faith undermines the very essence of the gospel.
Why Did Paul Confront Peter?
In the second half of Galatians 2, we see a confrontation between Paul and Peter. What happened? Peter was giving in to peer pressure.
When Peter was with Gentile believers, he would eat with them freely. But when certain Jewish believers arrived, he would separate himself, implying that the Gentiles weren’t quite equal unless they followed Jewish customs.
Paul called him out publicly because Peter’s actions were undermining the gospel message. Peter was essentially communicating that faith in Christ wasn’t enough – you needed to follow Jewish customs too.
Is This Still Relevant Today?
You might think, “We’re not in Jerusalem or Galatia. There are no Judaizers today.” But the principle remains incredibly relevant.
Many still believe they must earn God’s favor through:
- Perfect church attendance
- Dressing a certain way
- Following specific rules
- Political views
- Social status or position
While gathering with believers, studying Scripture, and living godly lives are important, these are products of faith – not what saves us. When we make these things requirements for salvation, we’re making the same error Peter did.
What Does True Salvation Require?
The message of Galatians 2 is crystal clear: salvation comes through faith in Christ alone. Nothing we do can earn it.
Paul emphasizes that:
- We are justified by faith in Christ, not by works of the law
- No one will be justified by works of the law
- If righteousness could come through the law, Christ died for nothing
The focus is entirely on Christ – His work, His righteousness, His grace. Our performance will never save us; only the person and work of Christ can do that.
How Should We Respond to False Gospels?
Paul demonstrated remarkable courage in standing up to the pillars of the early church. He knew the truth was more important than pleasing people or avoiding conflict.
When we encounter teachings that add to the gospel, we need similar courage:
- Stand firm on the truth that salvation is by grace through faith alone
- Be on guard against those who would distort the gospel
- Lovingly correct those who add requirements to salvation
- Remember that the gospel doesn’t change based on culture or audience
Life Application
The message of Galatians 2 challenges us to examine our own understanding of salvation and how we present it to others:
Examine your own faith: Are you fully trusting in Christ alone for salvation, or are you still trying to earn God’s favor through your performance?
Guard the gospel: When you share your faith with others, are you presenting the true gospel of grace, or are you adding requirements?
Live with courage: Like Paul, be willing to stand for truth even when it’s uncomfortable or unpopular.
Share with those around you: Who in your life needs to hear the liberating message that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works?
Ask yourself: Am I living as though my performance matters more than Christ’s finished work? Am I changing my message based on who I’m talking to? Do I have the courage to stand for the true gospel even when it’s difficult?
Remember, there is only one gospel – the gospel of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Everything else is a product of that faith, not a requirement for salvation.