Confidence and Confirmation

Sermon Introduction

Paul shared God’s call and purpose for his life, which was to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. But before he became an apostle, Paul reminded the Galatians how zealous he was in violently persecuting the church. Paul received the gospel directly from Christ, yet Paul had the chance to meet Peter, with whom he spent fifteen days. Paul also met James, the brother of Christ.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

Galatians 2:1-10 ESV

1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain. 3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you. 6 And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. 7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), 9 and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. 10 Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

Notes

Paul shared God’s call and purpose for his life, which was to preach the gospel to the Gentiles. But before he became an apostle, Paul reminded the Galatians how zealous he was in violently persecuting the church. Paul received the gospel directly from Christ, yet Paul had the chance to meet Peter, with whom he spent fifteen days. Paul also met James, the brother of Christ.

1. The Team Meets the Leaders
   Paul privately met the Jerusalem church leaders after fourteen years since he had visited Syria and Cilicia. Barnabas and Titus accompanied Paul to Jerusalem. Barnabas was a Jew while Titus was a Gentile (2:1)
   1Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me.
   

2. Not in Vain
   Divine revelation moved Paul to visit Jerusalem. Although Paul showed confidence in his message, he still confirmed with influential Jerusalem apostles. Otherwise, he would have worked in vain (2:2).
   2 I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain
   

3. Not Required
   Not one of the apostles required the circumcision of Titus. They understood as Paul did that circumcision, representing the law, was not needed for salvation. Paul and Titus stood firm despite the pressure from false believers (2:3-5).
   3 But even Titus, who was with me, was not forced to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. 4 Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in—who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery— 5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.

Application

1. Study yet Confirm
   Every believer should know the gospel as revealed in Scripture. Yet believers must confirm with other diligent and godly students of Scripture. Although we may grow in confidence in our knowledge, it is good to sync with true believers.

2. Beware of False Believers
   The apostles, including Paul, defended against false believers who propagated false teaching. We should continue to defend the gospel against all who try to distort it. Let us stand firm and not give way.

3. Enjoy the Freedom
   The apostles required nothing from Titus concerning circumcision, which represents the law of Moses. They deemed the gospel to be sufficient. We received freedom in Christ’s good news. Let us not live under the law.

Reflection & Discussion

1. Why did Paul and his team meet with the influential leaders in Jerusalem?

2. What is the significance that the other apostles did not require the circumcision of Titus?

3. Why was it necessary for Paul and Titus to stand firm against the false brothers?