Galatians Part II
My next set of notes covers Galatians chapter 1:18 through chapter 2:14
Chapter 1:18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
19 But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
20 Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.
21 Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia;
22 And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ:
23 But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
24 And they glorified God in me."
Paul waits 3 years before he goes to Jerusalem. I wonder why God did not direct him there sooner?
And WHY does Paul feel a need to emphasize the things he is writing he will not lie about?
It’s one thing to tell something that is untrue and it’s another thing to tell a lie.
Obviously there were some who were telling untruths when they knew better.
Some were perverting the Gospel of Jesus Christ and they knew it was wrong.
HOW MANY OF OUR PULPIT PREACHERS TODAY KNOW THEY ARE LYING AND YET THEY CONTINUE TO PREACH SOMETHING THEY KNOW CAN NOT BE TRUE?
Chapter 2:1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
Now we see again a span of many years before Paul visits Jerusalem again. 14 years. It is estimated that between 25 and 30 years had gone by since the CROSS. You would think that Peter, James, and John would have a real handle on preaching and teaching the Gospel, wouldn’t you?
As we go forward into this chapter we will see that there were real problems early on with the apostles teaching and example.
Chapter 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
Who is the them? The context demands he was talking about the church at Jerusalem and those of reputation were the apostles…James, John, & Peter. The book of Acts 14 & 15 goes into much detail concerning what they discussed and who it was that were discussing it.
THE JERUSALEM CHURCH WHERE JAMES, JOHN, & PETER WERE THE PILLARS HAD DEVELOPED INTO A MIXED GOSPEL OF GRACE + LAW, AND THIS WAS ALMOST 30 YEARS AFTER THE CROSS.
Chapter 2:3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you."
What is the LIBERTY we have in Christ Jesus? Is it not freedom from the LAW? Did they not want to bring Paul and his little group back into their bondage?
The temptation to give up our freedom in Christ is still constantly present even as we speak, BUT FOR ME, LIKE PAUL I WILL NOT GIVE PLACE TO SUBJECTION, NO, NOT FOR AND HOUR, THAT THE TRUTH OF THE GOSPEL MIGHT CONTINUE WITH YOU.
Chapter 2:6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
Paul was not intimidated by those who seem to be the closest to God—-James, John, & Peter. AND WE TOO, SHOULD NEVER ALLOW OURSELVES TO BE SWAYED BY THOSE WHO WE THINK ARE CLOSEST TO GOD.
IN REALITY THERE IS NO ONE WHO IS CLOSER TO GOD THEN ANOTHER.
One of the great deceptions is the belief that some are closer to God.
How many people have lost all confidence in the church because their faith was tied more to a person then to God. WE NEED TO QUIT THE THINKING THAT WE CAN BE CLOSER TO GOD AND BEGIN THINKING GOD IS CLOSE TO EACH OF US.
"Ps 139:1-10 O Lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
2 Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
3 Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
4 For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
5 Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
8 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
9 If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
10 Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me."
GOD ALREADY HAS AN INTIMATE RELATIONSHIP WITH US ALL. HOW DARE ANYONE CLAIM TO BE CLOSER TO HIM THEN HE ALREADY IS TO EACH OF US. OUR CLOSENESS IS NOT DEPENDENT ON US BUT RATHER UPON GOD.
Chapter 2:7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
8(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)"
Is Paul saying there is one gospel for the circumcision and one for the uncircumcision?
ABSOLUTELY NOT—-THERE IS ONE GOSPEL—-THAT CHRIST DIED FOR THE SINS OF THE WORLD.
SO, WHAT IS PAUL SAYING?—–PAUL IS BEING SENSITIVE TO THE FACT THAT THERE WAS ALREADY DIVISION IN THE EARLY CHURCH.
IN THE SAME WAY I TRY TO BE SENSITIVE WHEN I AM WITH CHRISTIANS FROM A DIFFERENT PERSUASION—-BUT I WILL NOT COMPROMISE THE GOSPEL MESSAGE.
AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO HAVE THE GOSPEL COMMITTED UNTO YOU?
"2 Tim 1:7-10
7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.
8 So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God,
9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. "
JUST WHAT DOES GOD GIVE US WHEN HE COMMITTS UNTO US THIS GOOD NEWS?
A SPIRIT OF POWER!
A SPIRIT OF LOVE!
A SPIRIT OF SELF DISCIPLINE!
AND WHAT HAVE WE DONE TO DESERVE THIS? NOTHING, READ VERSE 9 AGAIN: 9 who has saved us and called us to a holy life — not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.
AND WHEN DID HE DO THIS FOR US? BEFORE THE BEGINNING OF TIME: VERSE 9 This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
AND WHEN WAS IT REVEALED—-WHEN JESUS APPEARED AND DESTROYED DEATH —VERSE 10 but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. "
Chapter 2:9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do."
WHY DID PAUL PUT INTO QUESTION JAMES, PETER, & JOHN BY SAYING "SEEMED TO BE"?
DOES IT SEEM THAT THERE MIGHT BE A LITTLE RIFT BETWEEN PAUL AND THE PILLARS?
Chapter 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation."
WELL IF THERE EVER WAS ANY DOUBT WE CLEARLY SEE IN THESE VERSES THAT THE EARLY APOSTLES HAD PERVERTED THE GOSPEL AND PAUL WAS NOT GOING TO ACCEPT IT.
DO YOU NOTICE THOSE WHO HAD COME FROM JAMES?
AND EVEN BARNABAS WAS CARRIED AWAY—-THIS WAS PAUL’S COMPANION.
IT IS EASY TO BE LED ASTRAY ONCE YOU CROSS OVER INTO THE LAND OF SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS.
THE SADDEST THING FOR ME WHEN I READ AND STUDY THIS BOOK IS THE FACT THAT MOST ORGANIZED CHURCHES TODAY ARE STILL PREACHING A PERVERTED GOSPEL OF SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT COMES FROM MIXING GRACE + LAW.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE…………………….
Cliff
This is a wonderful series! If this kind of thing was preached at a local meeting house I would be there every time!
Peace
Geo
Thanks Geo. When I was preaching this series I felt like the angels were with me and I never felt more at one with God. It was probably part of my undoing with organized religion because it is very hard for Christians to accept that the early apostles had some very serious disagreements with Paul. I am just thankful that God brought Paul into the mix to undo some of the early perversion of the Gospel. The pure gospel of Jesus Christ can still be found within the book we call the NT but one must sift through some of the garbage.
If you ever get the chance to read Luther’s commentary on Galatians, you’ll be glad you did.
He mentions many of the same things you have, and in his inimitable manner, he pulls no punches.
Of all his volumes of writing (Luther), I believe it is his best work.
Thanks!
- Steve Martin
Sorry for not being around more. I stop by and read the new comments every day, but don’t seem to have anything to add. I think I’m a little tired. I haven’t really made it public yet, but I started a new job 3 weeks ago. I wanted to make sure it seemed like it was going to work out before I said anything about it. It looks like it might work out, but who knows? I’m working from home for a company doing executive recruiting. They seem to think I’m doing OK, but it’s a little scary because I’m a bit outside of my element. I’ve delivered some decent results so far, so maybe they’ll keep me. Time will tell.
So anyway, that work, plus some web development projects, and I’m up to my ears in alligators! I miss the conversations that usually happen here, but it is summertime, and everybody is busy. Maybe the discussions will start up again as cooler weather sets in.
Love to all!
Thanks Steve Martin for the tip on Martin Luther. I will check it out.
Hey Bruce……glad things are looking up and I will be wishing for only good things to come from your new job. I also started a new job this past Monday at the local hospital. I will be working there part time and also driving the school bus.
ahh good ole Luther -
“Luther’s theology challenged the authority of the papacy by holding that the Bible is the only infallible source of religious authority and that all baptized Christians under Jesus are a universal priesthood. According to Luther, salvation is a free gift of God, received only by true repentance and faith in Jesus as the Messiah, a faith given by God and unmediated by the church.”
it gets better-
“Much scholarly debate has concentrated on Luther’s writings about the Jews. His statements that Jews’ homes should be destroyed, their synagogues burned, money confiscated and liberty curtailed were revived and used in propaganda by the Nazis in 1933–45. As a result of this and his revolutionary theological views, his legacy remains controversial.”
the puller of no punches indeed
Great information Marco. It’s amazing how often we see the intertwineing of love and hate in many of our religious leaders of the past.
I always have to scratch my head when I hear people claiming things like “(salvation is) received only by true repentance”. My question is, does anyone really know what “true repentance” is? And how realistic is it to think that something as seemingly important as salvation, can be based on something as ambiguous as “true repentance”?
My conclusion is that the human race wants so desperately to be right with “God”, that they base their salvation on something that cannot be defined in real terms, and then claim that they have it because of something they have done.
Bruce- the answer to your question can be found in 2COR 7:9-11 “…godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation…”
You can go with that if you want, my friend. But, tell me… have you repented?
“…have you repented?”
Once today (the day is still young) and more times than I care to admit yesterday. Last week, well, with the help of Gods grace I hope I’ll do better this week.
True repentance is godly sorrow that leads to a change of heart. “Repent, therefore, and be converted that your sins may be blotted out.” Acts 3:19
Has “repenting” blotted out your sins?
Gosh, I’m surprised that you think God’s grace is there to “help you”. Is it possible that God’s grace cured you completely, and you just can’t see it?
Jesus cured sin on the Cross some 2000 years ago. Sin is no more! Sadly, few really believe that. But, if sin has been eliminated by that mighty work, what is it we are told to repent of?
To me, the idea of repenting is not about “turning away from sin”, as the religious leaders teach, but “turning away from thinking you are separated from God.”
Turn away from thinking God is angry with you! Change your mind about believing God rejects you! Repent from negative thoughts about God!
There is only one “sin” that needed cured — the sin of disbelief. We all seem to start out disbelieving that God can love us because we’re so tainted. We don’t trust God, because we dislike ourselves so much, and assume God must dislike us too.
But, Jesus came to reveal God’s true feelings about us. He showed us that God loves us so much, that He was willing to become our sacrifice, even while we disbelieved. There is no greater sacrifice than to give your life for your friends (especially when they don’t even know you are their friend). Jesus gave up everything to prove His love for us, even in our state of disbelief. It’s like he said “I don’t care that you don’t believe God is not angry with you, I am willing to be your sacrifice anyway!”
That’s some good news, right there!
But sadly, the church still teaches that it is somehow up to us to prove our worthiness to God. We need to repent, or obey, or follow, or any combination of actions to show God that we are now worthy of his love.
It seems that the Cross of Christ really didn’t change anything, as far as the church is concerned. It’s just business as usual. “God, we worship you so that you will find us worthy!” “God, we sacrifice ourselves to you that you would redeem us!”
TOO LATE — He already did! He did it all, and there is nothing you can do about it. All our actions/works/efforts can do is lead us to is a sense of self-righteousness. “God, look what I did for you!” … never even realizing what he did for us.
“Repent (turn away from your corrupt thinking about God), therefore, and be converted (change your mind about God) that your sins may be blotted out (of your mind, and it willl be renewed!).” Acts 3:19
\To me, the idea of repenting is not about “turning away from sin”, as the religious leaders teach, but “turning away from thinking you are separated from God.”
Turn away from thinking God is angry with you! Change your mind about believing God rejects you! Repent from negative thoughts about God!\
I remember the day this understanding of repentance hit me in the face, what a day, I remember thinking “here I have been going to church for over 10 years and never once(NOT ONE TIME!) remember hearing repentance explained this way”, that was the beginning of the end of my church expirence.
Marco
Good thoughts, Marco!
I also like… repent = “turn away from your fears”
Christ made a COVENANT with His Blood. A covenant is a conditional promise- always has always will be.
(Duet 26:17) “Today you are making this agreement with the Lord: He is to be your God and you are to walk in His ways and observe His statutes, commands and decrees and harken to his voice. And today the Lord is making this agreement with you; you are to be a people peculiarly his own, as he promised you…”
Christ conquered death, not by eliminating it but by rising from the dead. He conquered sin, not by eliminating it but by giving us the means to fight it sucessfully (His grace) and to get up again if we should fall (repentance).
Christ died for our sins and expects nothing less from us- to die to our sins.
Christ is always faithful. And faith does save us. But when we sin, WE are unfaithful.
“Repent (turn away from sin) and be converted (let God change your heart) that your sins may be blotted out (by God- no one else can)”
Man has been making excuses to justify sin since the Garden of Eden.
The paradox of the Gospel is that we are set free from the chains of our own making by following Christ. Nothing can seperate us from Christs hands- unless we choose to jump.
Well said, Raphaella. Can’t say I agree with any of it, but that’s OK. And you’re OK. You might not realize it yet, but someday you will see the light of God’s love and settle into His peace. Until then, keep doing what you’re doing, and thinking what you’re thinking, and look forward to the day when the power of the Cross of Christ will overcome your shortcomings, once and for all!
It will be a sweet, sweet day!
raphaella,
What you just described is a very good religion. Best wishes to you as you attempt to abide by it.
Jason
Raphaella, I re-read your comment, and have to say… it is dripping with self-righteousness.
As soon as we believe we have a part in our connectedness to God, we are proclaiming ourselves “righteous” by our own hand! And as long as we think we have done something, or not done something, to win favor with God, we place ourselves ABOVE God! And the big, big problem with placing ourselves above God is that someday we will come crashing down. We will realize that WE are the reason for our righteousness, and that is a very scary place to be. Deep down, we know we can’t trust ourselves to do ANYTHING right, including make peace with God!
But, fortunately… in His infinite wisdom, mercy, and love, HE HAS MADE PEACE WITH US!
THAT should be good news, but sadly, we don’t believe it. We insist on claiming some role in the process. That seems to be the only thing that makes it “real” to us. We trust ourselves more than we trust God! We can identify with that, and cling to that. But we stubbornly REFUSE to simply trust God’s love!
It’s always Jesus PLUS this, or Jesus PLUS that, or Jesus PLUS my efforts!
THAT is the “sin”. THAT is the cross we must bear! The abandonment of our self-righteousness is all He wants. Give up, and let ME, He says… sit back and relax. Trust in Me!
I know it’s hard to let go of self, but the sweetness of life that comes from no longer needing to trust ourselves is the most spectacular thing that can happen to us! Trust!
Why won’t you believe?
Oh, BTW, I don’t think for a minute that Jesus came to “give us a chance” at redemption. I think he is much, much more powerful than that. I think the prophets of old were right. He is the savior of the world… period! We have nothing to do with it. And as long as we think we do, will never have assurance of His love, because we can never have assurance in ourselves.
I don’t really want to get into too much but I would like to make one little point-
Raph says: “Christ made a COVENANT with His Blood. A covenant is a conditional promise- always has always will be.”
OK Raph you said it. In your quote of the OT writings it is plain to see the understanding of the Old Agreement was between God and Jews. Yes this was the perception without a doubt.
Now, back to Raph says:
Christ made a COVENANT with His Blood. A covenant is a conditional promise- always has always will be.
I see you are following the teachings of Paul in regards to the New Agreement (covenant) in which Paul teaches indeed Christ made a (new) COVENANT with his blood, also you point out there is no denying a COVENANT is a conditional promise - always has been always will be, certainly this was also part of his teaching.
The next part on this topic has to be with whom is this COVENANT betweeen? Is it still God and the Jews? Can’t be thats the Old Coventant. What then, according to Pauls teaching, is the New COVENANT if it is no longer a dealio between God and man?
The New Covenant is not between God and man, it is between I AM and I AM - God and Christ, two unmovable forces Pauls writes this New Covenant is between. According to the NT writings did Christ fullfill his part of the New Covenant? Did God? Yes and Yes, so you suppose a COVENANT between these could be broken? Didn’t think so.
Your faith is not the deal maker of the New Covenant, the holy book says that deal was forever accomplished at the cross, your faith is the acknowledgement of this deal that was already made on your behalf.
This is the Gospel according to Paul who accounts for over 2/3 of the NT writings.
Marco
Christ is the fulfillment of the old covenant, the mediator of the new covenant. The mediator between God and man. We are heirs of the promise if we obey Him. God always keeps His promises. We are the covenant breakers.
“what God has promised our ancestors, he has brought to fulfiment for us, their children, by raising up Jesus.” Acts 13:32-33
“For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant; since death has taken place for deliverance from transgressions under the first covenant, those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” Heb 9:15
“He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” Heb 5: 7-9
When we disobey God we refuse Our Fathers love. We can’t escape it- we seal ourselves off from it until we reopen ourselves to it by repentance, which involves a change of thinking and living.
We are called to be holy as our Father in heaven is holy. Without God it is impossible. But with God all things are possible- he can even save a self righteous fool like me!
I do recocnize that sweet, sweet voice whispering in my ear:
“Sin? there is no sin! You cannot obey. Give up and let me…sit back and relax. Trust me.”
No thanks Satan. Not today. My Trust is in Jesus Christ, my Saviour and Champion.
raphaella,
I truly feel compassion for you.
We do not condemn you but you call us Satan.
We base our peace solely on the work of Christ.
You base your peace on your own self righteousness.
We allow disagreement with love.
You will not accept those who differ with your positions.
Good luck with the path you have chosen. What does give me some sense of peace for you is knowing that Christ will love you even in your ignorance and unbelief, just like he loved Paul when he was still into his own righteousness.
1 Tim 1:13-15
13 Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.
14 The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst.
Raph I understand what you are saying, I am only pointing out my perception of what Paul was teaching about the New Covenant, you have a different perception and thats all good. Honestly I don’t have much use for any of it anymore anyway, its all religion and doctrines that have people thinking their viewpoint is the correct one and others are wrong - nothing feeds the ego more than thinking one is right and others that disagree are wrong, I have let that go in my life and have moved on into the spirit of life and truth that is beyond doctrines and religious thinking, I can appreciate what you have to say but that doesn’t mean I have to agree, I appreciate you not for your beliefs, but for your company as a fellow human. Wouldn’t matter if you were Hindu, Muslim, Athiest etc.. we all have something to contribute and learn from in others, simply because we are human, and in our humanity we are all equal. Sinners n’ Saints the whole 9 yards
grace to you all,
Marco
Well, Raph… it appears that you’ve got it all figured out. You are determined to stay your course, and I wish you well. I hope you find yourself ever closer to God through your repentance, obedience, faith, and religion. But, when your repentance, your obedience, your faith, and your religion come crashing down around you, I hope you will visit with us and share the joy that you have found in the abandonment of self-righteousness, and truly place your trust in Jesus alone. In Him, there is an abundance of life that you can tap into, if you will permit yourself to get out of the way.
~Peace
Marco, Thankyou for your words of wisdom. I loved your last statement in particular:
“Wouldn’t matter if you were Hindu, Muslim, Athiest etc.. we all have something to contribute and learn from in others, simply because we are human, and in our humanity we are all equal. Sinners n’ Saints the whole 9 yards”
I long for the moment in eternity that each of our inward spirits are set free from the tangled web of Good & Evil that we will never conquer in this temporary temple of clay that we currently reside in.
“Paul waits 3 years before he goes to Jerusalem. I wonder why God did not direct him there sooner?”
During that three year period Paul was receiving the gospel by revelation of Jesus Christ. In seeing Jesus Christ for who He was Paul saw the gospel. See Galatians 1:12.