GALATIANS 2

BY GRACE ALONE, THROUGH FAITH ALONE, IN CHRIST ALONE

As Paul continued to preach the gospel, he was welcomed among the apostles who followed Jesus. Titus, a Greek man accompanied Paul and was not circumcised. Paul included Titus as an example of a previously non-Jewish person, or Gentile, who became a believer of Jesus without first adopting Jewish customs. Paul spoke primarily to Gentile audiences, while Peter, also called Cephas, spoke to primarily Jewish audiences.

Influenced by the Jewish people and reverting to his old ways, Peter avoided the uncircumcised and did not eat with those who did not adhere to the Jewish practices. Paul confronted Peter and accused him of hypocrisy, reminding him there was no purpose in forcing the Gentiles to live like the Jewish people.

Paul reminds Peter that their heritage or nationality is not what defines them as believers, only their faith in Jesus. Paul writes that people are not justified or made righteous by following the law and are only justified through their belief in Jesus as the Savior. Paul, arguing that if righteousness could come from following the law, there was no reason for Jesus to die. Because following the law does not make one righteous, the sacrifice of Christ was necessary. Paul explains that through the Holy Spirit, Christ lives within believers and he claims to have been crucified with Christ, trusting in Jesus for salvation and renewal.

Galatians 2:20 - I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.