Gal. 3:21-25 - Protective Custody

21 Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law.
22 But the Scripture has shut up everyone under sin, so that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 But before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed.
24 Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith.
25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.

The Purpose of the Law

vs. 21 - “Law then contrary to the promises of God?” - God gave the promise; He also gave the Law. We make the mistake of believing (hoping?) that keeping the law (obeying it tenants) will make us righteous. By ‘righteous’ we tend to think ‘acceptable to God’.
Our premise: ‘keeping the Law’ equals ‘acceptable to God.” If that were true, Christ would not have had to pay our penalty for sin. If that were true, the promises of God - righteousness comes by faith in Him - would be null and void.
Paul is horrified at that conclusion, thus the exclamation, “May it never be!” This is a very strong statement...

“For if a law... was able to impart life” - We must be sinless and holy, without blemish or spot to spend eternity with Jesus. (See: Jude 1:24, 25) If any law, not just the Mosaic law, could make us sinless...

vs. 22 - “Scripture has shut up everyone under sin” - (See: Rom. 11:23) Scripture does not cause us to be guilty of sin - that is, without the Bible, we would all be free and clear, without sin. (By the way: This is one of the themes of atheists and people antithetical to Judeo/Christian faith - “If only we were not held down by religion, then...”)
C. S. Lewis noted that every person has a sense of right and wrong, fair and unfair. He posits that this natural law is from God. It is in our conscience, and it is nearly universal. The downside of this natural law, since it is abstract, is it can be ignored. The conscience can be ‘seared’, or ‘dulled’ so that the understanding of what is right or wrong, good or evil, is perverted. In which case, right and wrong is a rumor rather than fact.
Scripture takes away that relativism. The Law makes it clear what sin is: active or passive disobedience to God.
Now you know! It is up to you: what do you do with this information? Do you turn to God and Jesus for forgiveness? Do you go your own way, and expect God to forgive you on your terms, not His. You must decide, not I. The decision is yours alone.

vs. 23 - “Before faith came” - Interesting phrase... So faith is not a ‘mystery’ in the New Testament sense. That is: It was not missing, or hidden, to be revealed at the proper time. God laments in the OT the failure of the Israelites to believe and obey. A common lament is: “If only...” See: Isa. 48:17,18.
The promise to Abraham was a reward for his faith. See Gal. 3:6, above. The Jews seemed to have lost sight of the need for faith. Instead, they relied on adherence to the Law. Some translations word this phrase: “Before this faith came” (CSB - see note 1), or “Before the way of faith in Christ was available to us” (NLT - see note 2) This echoes Eph. 2:8 - “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift  —...” Faith is a gift, not by our works. See also Jude 3. “...appealing to you to contend for the faith that was delivered to the saints once for all.” Salvation by faith is the faith that came to us!

“kept in custody”- Did the Law ‘keep us in jail‘? That is a negative way of thinking about it. This line of thinking is similar those who feel the Church has hindered us - “We could be free if it weren’t for the constrictions of religion.” The Jews, by keeping the Law, were at least kept in “contact” with God. Gentiles only had the Jews as possible witnesses of the power and grace of God.
Yes, I know some of you will think of the beauty and majesty of nature, that God is seen there. But ‘nature’ is too easily kidnapped by science and reason, devoid of any God-relationship. Our faith in Him helps us equate God’s power and grace with the beauty of nature. The Jews knew (if they paid attention to the Scripture) that God wanted the best for them. (See Jer. 29:11-13) We can also think of the Law acting as a guard, protecting us from worldly influences. Think of it as “protective custody”.

“Shut up to the faith”- In effect we were ‘imprisoned’ until faith in Christ was revealed. I am not sure this means we were captive of the Law. Remember, the Law could not save us from our sins, but it did lead us (the Jews, in particular) to God. We are slaves to sin until Christ sets us free - that is, we are prisoners of our sin nature. That salvation is by faith in a person, not by works, was not known until Jesus and the apostles revealed it. That sin nature kept us from seeing God and Jesus as the spiritual solution. C. S. Lewis said in “Screwtape Letters” that God does not coerce, He only woos us to Him. God does not force us to believe in Him. He offers gifts of hope and salvation, freedom and power. He does not make us grasp them. He does not make us work for them. They are offered freely. We only need to respond to Jesus.

vs. 24 - “Has become our tutor” - Although we cannot be saved via the Law, it serves an important purpose. The Law tells us God is reaching out to us. We tend to think of the Law as ‘salvation by works‘. That is our problem when we focus on the multitudinous little tasks. You did not earn salvation by feeding the poor, healing the sick, building houses for the homeless.
You had to trust when the Lord instructed you to offer this sacrifice that He would follow through. The sacrifices - the lambs, the bullocks, the goats or birds, grains and drinks - are all from the Lord. You had to trust the lamb’s blood on the door posts and lintel would save your first born. You had nothing to do with making the lamb. You could only obey, or not. You had to trust the manna would be there every morning. You did not create the manna. Did the blood on the altar cover your sin? Faith that God’s word was true brought that to reality for you. It easier to focus on the thing you do rather than the meaning or reason for the thing you do.

“Tutor”, is also translated “guardian”. A male child was assigned a guardian - usually a slave or house servant - to watch over, guide and protect the son. (I’m guessing: I suspect this was for fairly well-off families, not your average farmer, shepherd, or merchant.) The guardian was a glorified babysitter, whose job was to teach, train, and prepare the boy for manhood. Similarly, the Law prepares us for salvation through Jesus.

“To lead us to Christ” - The tutorage is God loves you enough to provide a way to cleanse you of sin. When you follow that account, it is not a surprise that God would provide His Son Jesus as a sacrifice for us. It follows, logically, only a perfect sacrifice can provide a perfect solution. That perfect solution is Jesus Christ our Lord.

“Justified by faith” - No longer is our spiritual foundation built on a system, the Law. No longer are our sins covered by the blood of an animal sacrifice. Our sins are swept away by a person - Jesus! He came to take away the sins of the world. (See: 1 John 2:2) Jesus said he came to fulfill the Law, not to abolish it. (See: Matt. 5:17) Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. (See: Acts 16:33, Rom. 10:9) The veil at the entrance to the Holy of Holies in the Temple, separating us from God, was torn in two at the death of Christ - signaling there is no longer any barrier. In Eccl. 5:1,2 we are warned to be careful before we come to God the Father. Compare that to Heb. 4:16 in which we can come with confidence - some versions say boldly.

vs. 25 - “We are no longer under a tutor” - We no longer need a map to find our way to God. He has come to us. We no longer need examples - an innocent life shed to cover our sin. The perfect sinless life of Jesus, the Son of God, died on the cross. God’s justice was perfectly satisfied. God’s love was perfectly demonstrated. (See: Rom. 5:6-10)

*** Note 1 - “CSB” - Christian Standard Bible
Note 2 - “NLT” - New Living Testament

Gal. 3:19-20 - God needs no Mediator

19 Why the Law then? It was added because of transgressions, having been ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator, until the seed would come to whom the promise had been made.
20 Now a mediator is not for one party only; whereas God is only one.

Why the Law?

Vs. 19 - “Why the Law then?” - The promise to Abraham was made by God. If the promise to Abraham could not be nullified by the Law, then why was the Law given?

“Added because of transgressions” - As you read through the Old Testament, especially the Pentateuch, you see each generation of descendants of Abraham move incrementally away from the belief Abraham demonstrated.

Do I think that is the reason the Law was given? No, I do not.

Transgressions, sins, happened before and after Abraham. People did not become more overtly sinful. Circumcision was one of the few laws handed down from the Lord before the Mosaic Law. It was a sign of the covenant of God with the Jews. As far as I can tell the tablets on Mt. Sinai were the first enumeration of laws handed down from God to mankind.

“ordained through angels by the agency of a mediator” - Observed and witnessed by angels, not done by angels. This covenant was between God and the nation Israel (the twelve tribes, not just the Southern Kingdom, which came along hundreds of years after the Law was given).
The Mosaic Covenant was a two-way contract. God would bless Israel IF Israel obeyed His Laws. The covenant with Abraham was One-Way - God Promised Abraham. There were no conditions, or ‘strings attached’. No mediators were necessary.

“until the seed would come” - The Law, given to Israel in the Exodus, was never intended to be permanent. This was never revealed until Christ came. Jesus came to fulfill the Law. (Matt. 5:17-18) What does that mean? Verse 18 adds to the ‘confusion’ in this statement. Not one commandment goes away until “all is accomplished”. Does that mean Christ’s return and ultimate victory, or does that mean Christ’s death and victorious resurrection?

The answer is: the latter. Jesus said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30, Matt. 27:50, 51). Jesus reminded (taught) them, after the resurrection, His death, burial, and resurrection were foretold, and were now completed. (Luke 24:44-48). He verified His resurrection by showing up after He had been killed, He was taken up into heaven. (Luke 24:51, Mk. 16:19).

The Mosaic Law, being fulfilled (or, completed) is no longer in effect.

From Pentecost until now, and forever after, the Law cannot save you from sin. Actually, it never could, but people did not fully understand this. Only Christ can save us from the penalty of sin. Therefore, Jesus Christ is the promised seed.

vs. 20 - Now a mediator is not for one party only” - Mediators are used when negotiations breakdown between two people, or to solve a contract issue. A mediator is a go-between. The promise was made to Abraham by God. It did not require Abraham to perform certain actions. In fact, the delivery on that promise did not come until long after Abraham’s death. No mediator was needed.

***

Gal. 3:15-18 - A Valid Covenant

15 Brethren, I speak in terms of human relations: even though it is only a man's covenant, yet when it has been ratified, no one sets it aside or adds conditions to it.
16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, "And to your seed," that is, Christ.
17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise.
18 For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise.

But Wait! There’s More!

Vs. 15 - “Human relations... man’s covenant” - Paul is using the example of a last will and testament to make a point. A legal will can be changed any time during a person’s life. The will is a permanent document when the person dies. Think how many times we have heard of wills being challenged in court. The statements in a will are the desires and promises of the estate owner to the recipients. Courts are loathe to modify a last will and testament. Paul uses this for the following example.

vs. 16 - “the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed.” - Here are some of the promises made to Abraham -

• A great nation
• Your name will be great
• All peoples will be blessed
• The Land that would become Israel
• Many descendants
• Everlasting
• a Son
• Kings of peoples
• a great and mighty nation
• All the nations will be blessed.

(See Gen. 12:2-3; 13:14-17; 15:1-5; 17:3-7, 15-16; 18:10-15; 22:16-18.) Some of the promises made to Abraham are plural - i.e., references to the twelve tribes. The promises included land they would live in, the domination the descendants would have over their neighbors. The quote, “All the nations of the earth shall be blessed” is the ultimate promise. It is Messianic - the Messiah would be the blessing.

It might be hard to say the world is blessed because of Judaism or the Jewish people (with the exception of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who saves us from our sin!). Don’t try to use doctors, lawyers, and film magnates as examples of blessings. These are all temporal and meaningless in the face of eternity. Where in the world would you ever hear, “We are so blessed by the Jews! We are so glad they live here!”? Probably no where, other than the nation of Israel. The Jews are hated by the world, urged on by Satan. In the same way, Christians are hated by Satan and the world also. Even in the United States of America - founded on Judie-Christian beliefs, where the basis of our Laws are those handed down by God, and our rights are given by God, not by the government - Jews face disdain and bigotry from some people.

vs. 17 - “Four hundred and thirty years later” - The Law was handed to Moses (see Exo. 20:1-17) during the Exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land (promised in Gen. 13:14-17). The descendants of Jacob - all twelve tribes, descendants of Abraham - were given the 10 commandments and the rest, including sacrifices, and holy days, and offerings (see Leviticus 1-27, etc.).

“Does not invalidate a covenant” - The Mosaic covenant - i.e., the Mosaic Law - does not override or cancel the promise (covenant) made to Abraham. God did not modify (write a codicil to) the Abrahamic covenant.

“Nullify the promise” - The covenant is in effect until the promise is fulfilled. God gave the MOsaic covenant the people to help them see there was more, much more to come. He wanted them to know that only some of the promises made to Abraham had been kept. God made this covenant with descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to help them see the Messiah would meet all of the blessings promised to Abraham.

vs. 18 - “If the inheritance is based on law” - A will is a legal document, a contract that is enforced only after the writer dies. Only then does the government enforce the contents and requirements. We trust our legal system to follow the terms of the covenant, that is the will. If our legal system routinely overrode the terms of the will, determining who gets what, then a “last will and testament” has been nullified and is unnecessary. The advent of Christ the Savior, his death and resurrection completed all th the promises made to Abraham. This began a New Covenant - The promise of eternal life with Him because HE paid the price for our sin. The promises to Abraham are fulfilled. The promises of the Mosiac Covenant are realized. The ‘Last Will and Testament’ is being followed by the ultimate executor, God HImself.

“No longer based on a promise” - If the government is in control, no promises can be made. Just as the promise to Abraham was given by God - Abraham did not earn it - so too the New Covenant (not the Mosaic Law) was provided to us by God through His Son, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. We have done nothing to earn or deserve this gift of Life, similar to Abraham. And surely as the promises to Abraham were fulfilled, the promise of eternal life is for those who believe in Him. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. (See: Acts 16:31; Rom. 10:9-10)

***

Gal. 3:10-14 - Living Under the Law

10 For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO DOES NOT ABIDE BY ALL THINGS WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF THE LAW, TO PERFORM THEM."
11 Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, "THE RIGHTEOUS MAN SHALL LIVE BY FAITH."
12 However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, "HE WHO PRACTICES THEM SHALL LIVE BY THEM."
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us--for it is written, "CURSED IS EVERYONE WHO HANGS ON A TREE"--
14 in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Under a Curse, or Under Faith

Here Paul begins to approach this problem from another direction. He has just shown righteousness comes by faith. Now he will show that obedience to the Law is not efficacious for salvation.

Vs. 10 - “As are of the works of the Law” - This is to contrast against verse 3:9. The wording is similar: compare “those who are of faith” with “as many as are of the works of the Law”. There are those who think they can keep every aspect of the Law. If that were true, sacrifices would not be necessary. God knows that it is impossible to never break the Law.

“For it is written, ‘Cursed...’ ” - This quote is from Deut. 27:26, and repeated in Psa. 119:21 and Jer. 11:3. This is not just Jews that are condemned, for Gentiles are definitely no keepers of the Law. All creation, all mankind is under the curse of death, both physical and spiritual. See: John 3:36. It is important to note - God is not out to “get you”. He is not lying in wait, similar to the traffic police hiding behind a billboard, to trap you when you exceed the speed limit. He is not there to catch you when you commit a sin. We are sinners by birth, not by commission.

The Law was not adequate to erase or eliminate the sin. The Jews who understood it was the faith in God - that He would honor their efforts, because they believed His promise - are the people mentioned in the letter to the Hebrews. (See: Heb. 11:39, 40). Their faith had to be in God, not in the obedience to the Law.
They did not know their how faith would be fulfilled hundreds of years later in Jesus. They believed God would save them. They did not deserve salvation because they kept the rules - it was because they believed God was merciful. The Holy Spirit - evidence that you are a child of God, and therefore saved - is not given as a reward because of things you have accomplished.

Vs. 11 - “No one is justified by the Law” - The emphasis is “Faith works. The Law does not.” We do not meet God’s perfect standard of sinless perfection by doing. No act of service, no good behavior, no hint of obedience - none of these provides enough spiritual capital to pay the price for our sin nature.

“The righteous man shall live by faith.” - see in the OT prophet, Hab. 2:4.

God issues a warning to Judah. There’s an interesting conversation between Habakkuk and God (See: Hab. 1:1-11, 12-17). In the middle of the pronouncement of judgment against Judah. Habakkuk cries out to God because he sees nothing being done to judge the evil the Judah is committing. He has a ‘be careful what you wish for’ moment when God answers Judah will be judged, He has picked the nation to do the job.
Habakkuk says, “The Chaldeans! Not the Chaldeans!”
God replies that the nation of Judah has “earned” this judgment. On the other hand, the Chaldeans will not get away with plunder, even though they are God’s chosen instrument of judgment. Their judgment is coming. They are proud and haughty, positive they rule the world and can do whatever they wish, which gets in the way of serving the Lord.
This is the warning - our pride needs to be in Jesus, not in our accomplishments.

Vs. 12 - “Law is not of faith” - The righteousness of the Law is not the righteousness of faith. It is a façade. Those who cling to rules (the Law) are thinking, “Look what I have done!” That is pride.

Vs. 13 - “Redeemed us from the curse” - Relying on the Law condemns us to death, i.e., eternal separation from God. It is always important to recognize the death to be feared and avoided is the ‘second death’. We all die the first - a physical death. That in itself is fearsome, no one relishes dying - we all want to go peacefully in our sleep. God emphasizes that our life on earth, about 70 years - give or take a few - is so short compared to eternity. Our body dies but not our soul and spirit.

The next step is life forever with Him, or life forever without Him.

“Having become a curse for us” - A metaphor concerning Jesus taking the weight of all creation’s sins upon Himself. He took the curse of death. His resurrection is proof that the price was paid - IN FULL - and we can approach God boldly through His grace. See Heb. 4:16. This can be contrasted and compared to the warning to be careful as you approach God, watch your words, watch your actions, don’t be a fool - see Eccl. 5:1,2.

“For it is written...” - This quote comes from Deut. 21:22, 23. (This is a passage on capital punishment - i.e., if a criminal has been executed by hanging the body is to be buried before sunset. The dead body hanging there overnight will “defile the land”.) It is not obvious why someone who is hanged is accursed, other than the crime committed is an affront to God - that should be enough reason.

Vs. 14 - “In order that... might come to the Gentiles” - Jesus took away the curse of the Law. He took away all of the requirements of obedience to the Law. He fulfilled the Law. The Law is no longer needed, nor it is a factor in our salvation. Salvation comes by faith, and faith alone. If by faith (and it is), then Gentiles and Jews alike can freely come to God and be considered righteous!

“Receive the promise of the Spirit” - If Jesus was not raised from the dead, the Holy Spirit could not, would not be given to us. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit. See: John 16:7-14. Throughout the book of Acts we see the new believers filled with the Holy Spirit, and this filling is evidence they are saved. See: Acts 8:14-17, 11:14-17, 13:52, 15:8, 19:2, 6.

“Through faith” - Paul started this paragraph with faith (vs. 5), and ends it with faith.

***

Gal. 3:4-9 - Justified By Faith

4 Did you suffer so many things in vain--if indeed it was in vain?
5 So then, does He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, do it by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
6 Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
7 Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.
8 The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, "ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU."
9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.

3:4-9 - The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

Vs. 4 - “Suffer so many things” - A reference to persecution. The early church suffered persecution from the Jews (Paul had first hand experience at this - from both sides), from the Greeks and the Romans.
The Jews were incensed - the ‘Jesus problem’ had been eliminated! And yet, here were these people! Claiming Jesus as the resurrected Messiah! These upstarts coming into the synagogues, spouting off about salvation.
The Greeks and Romans were not quite as up in arms, but had trouble with the concept of a single God, or that salvation by faith was even a ‘thing’. These ‘Christians’ were upsetting the world! (See Acts 17:6)

Suffering disdain or persecution is becoming more common while living out our faith. Look at the news stories about the cake bakers/decorators in Oregon, or the florist in Seattle. A legal battle about another baker has made its way up to the U.S. Supreme Court! U.S. Senators are berating judicial appointees about their belief in Christ. Jesus warned us faithfulness to Him invited hatred from the world. (See: John 15:18)

Vs. 5 - “He who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles” - The gifts of the HS were the immediate evidence that the new believers were saved in Christ. The power of the Spirit was the evidence needed (Acts 5:32; 8:17; 10:47; 15:8). It started with the Apostles in Jerusalem at Pentecost (Acts 2:2-15); continued with miracles (Acts 8:13 and 19:11, in these instances: Peter and Paul).
In no instance did the new converts, whether Jews or Gentiles, have to do a work of the Law, or any other tasks. The message: believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. (Acts 15:11; 16:31).

Note: The believers received the Holy Spirit and were saved when they in faith believed. The Holy Spirit did not fall upon them after they were baptized. After people noted they were filled with the Holy Spirit, (it was noticeable!) they would be baptized. It seems that the Apostles and evangelists preached Christ and the promise of the Holy Spirit - some new believers in Ephesus had accepted Christ but had never heard about the Holy Spirit. They were told, and were filled! (Acts 19:1-7).

“Hearing with faith?” - That question was completely answered! They KNOW it was faith, and not “deeds done in righteousness” (Tit. 3:5, 6)

Vs. 6 - “Even so” - Many versions start this sentence “Just as”. Verses 6 through 14 use Abraham as an example of being acceptable because of faith, and not works. The story of Abraham would be familiar to any Jew, but maybe not so much for Gentiles. The early churches were mostly converted Jews, with Gentiles being added to the mix. Paul is holding up Abraham as proof that salvation is by faith and not by following rules - whether Jewish Law or other religious practices.

“Abraham believed God... righteousness” - This quote is from Gen. 15:6. The story of Abraham starts in Genesis chapter 12. By the time we get to chapter 15, Abraham has traveled from Ur to Canaan as the Lord commanded. He has been to Egypt and back. Abraham asked God to give him an heir. God takes Abraham outside, telling to look at the sky. Abraham is promised descendants as numerous as the stars he can see in the night sky. After all Abraham has been through, he decides to believe the promise. What a fantastic promise! It would be easy to blow this off. But don’t!

Vs. 7 - “Therefore, be sure” - Paul says, “You can be confident that what I am about to say is true”. Paul has been forcefully admonishing the Galatians for “abandoning” the Holy Spirit, and exhorting them to return to faith in Christ - faith only. Those of us who place our life in Jesus’ hands by faith are the true descendants of the man who was righteous because of his faith in God. It is not by rote, ritual, obeying rules, or clinging to false religions. Faith in Christ, Christ alone saves.

“Sons of Abraham” - This is a term with which the Jews would be very familiar. (Matt. 3:9; Luk. 3:8; Jn. 8:39, 56; Rom. 4:16; Jam. 2:21). The Jews had an overweening pride in their heritage. They had much for which to be proud. God Almighty is their God. God Almighty saved them from Egypt, sustained them through the desert wanderings, and gave them a land of their own. He gave them king David and king Solomon.
Unfortunately, selective memory kicks in - big time. They conveniently ignore losing ten tribes to the Assyrians because of disobedience and rejecting God. They ‘forget’ the Babylonian captivity - for disobedience and rejection of warnings. The Jews were similar to golfers - we remember the good shots we hit, and the really good shots are the ones that bring us back to the game. The balls hit into the water, or the missed three-foot putts are conveniently ignored.

The Jews had become focused on their lineage from Abraham. We join them when we forget the reason Abraham became the ‘father’ - his faith. He believed God and was declared righteous! This does not mean Abraham never did anything wrong, or never sinned. His righteousness is based on his faith in God.

Vs. 8 - “Scripture, foreseeing that God” - This may be nitpicking, but the ‘scriptures’ did not ‘foresee’. God predicted (promised Abraham) all the world would be blessed. This is not like the prophet Isaiah, or Ezekiel telling the Israelites what God told them to say. Isaiah prophesied the Messiah would be a suffering servant. OK, got that off my chest.

On the other hand, the scripture was given to Israel. Reading the Scripture could lead a person to believe ‘All the nations would be blessed’. The term ‘nations’ is almost always in reference to Gentile peoples throughout the world. Gentiles would be ‘considered righteous’ in the same way as Abraham - by faith.

“Nations... blessed” - (See: Gen. 12:2-3; 22:18; 26:4) - So: The Scripture tells us that God told Abraham that the whole world would be saved. That is the gospel. For it is blessed to be saved.

Vs. 9 - “So then” - This could also say, “Therefore”. This is the statement: If Abraham was blessed by his faith, then we too are blessed by our faith.

“Those who are of faith” - Abraham was ‘reckoned’ as righteous because he believed God - because of his faith. (See: Gen. 15:6) Those of us who believe in (have faith in) Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior are blessed - just as Abraham was blessed.

***

Gal. 3:1-3 - Don’t Be Fools!

1 You foolish Galatians, who has bewitched you, before whose eyes Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified?
2 This is the only thing I want to find out from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the Law, or by hearing with faith?
3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

3:1-3 - You Foolish Galatians

Vs. 1 - “Foolish Galatians” - This verse is a more emphatic exclamation of chapter 1:6 where Paul writes, “I am shocked.” (I paraphrased...) The word ‘foolish’ also means ‘unwise’ - which sounds a little wimpy. In the Old Testament the ‘fool’ is considered to be an arrogant person, someone who ‘despises’ knowledge’, or someone who knows the right thing to do but refuses.
The Christians in Galatia have been given the truth of the gospel, and they have begun rejecting the truth. This makes them ‘foolish’.
On the other hand... Paul may be expressing sorrow. “Oh, guys. What happened? I know you were given the crucified Christ. How did you let yourselves get tricked into following a false teaching?”

“Bewitched” - This has nothing to do with black magic, witches, warlocks, Harry Potter, and ‘he who will not be named”. When someone is drawn away by deception; when led down a wrong path by fascinating stories, or secret information, being tricked into believing the lie is ‘bewitched’. Paul realized they had been deceived, or led away by false teachers. Yet, he was shocked that they would so readily abandon the truth for supposedly secret knowledge.

“Portrayed as crucified” - They had the truth - Christ crucified for their sins. (1 Cor. 1:23, 2:2, 1 Pet. 3:18) They were clearly taught that they were saved by faith (Rom. 10:10, Eph. 2:8,9). There was no ‘secret knowledge’. Paul preached where ever he went. In fact the apostles all preached, even when they were instructed by the government to stop. “We must obey God, rather than men.” (Acts 5:29).
Sometimes we think of ‘portrayed’ as an actor playing a part. The actor is not the person he portrays. Or we can think of a portrait, which attempts to show what the person in the painting really is. We can say, “They look so lifelike!” Everything Paul tells them about Jesus is to show them who God is, and how much He loves you - He loves you so much He would die for you. (See Rom. 5:6-8)

Vs. 2 - “the only thing I want to find out” - Really? Paul had only one question? I suspect that who led them astray isn’t as important as the fact they allowed themselves to stray from the truth. The Galatians had strayed from the gospel preached by Paul. That gospel did not include “salvation by works”.

“Receive the Holy Spirit” - This is the bellwether. (See: Acts 2:38, 10:44, 45, 47; 15:8; 19:2) The Holy Spirit is the earnest down payment for the believer who accepts and confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to those who believed. (John 14:16, 26) A Jesus in John 15:26 "When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, that is the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me,”. Also, "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you.” (John 16:7)
This was how the early church knew a person was saved. The new believer received the Holy Spirit, and demonstrated by behavior and testimony. Their lives were changed! The Spirit gives life. The Spirit changed their lives. (See: John 6:63, Rom 8:6, 8:11; 2 Cor 3:6)

I think the modern church has downplayed the place the Holy Spirit has in our Christian lives. I don’t know if this is because of our emphasis on ‘science’, of our separating ‘real’, physical world, from the ‘spiritual’ realm (insert ‘imaginary’ in place of ‘spiritual’). (An excellent treatment of this is “Total Truth” by Nancy Pearcey.) This cultural attitude is why some can’t understand why you would live your life in public based on your faith. In other words, the secular world wants your faith manifested only on Sunday morning inside a church.

In some ways the modern believer is slightly confused about the Holy Spirit. Have I received the Holy Spirit? How do I know I have received the Holy Spirit?

Vs. 3 - “So Foolish?” - Paul asks, “How unwise do you have to be?” Paul preached salvation by faith alone (Eph. 2:8,9). He also completely understood that the Holy Spirit was given to believers as proof they had been saved. He knew the only successful Christian life was in the power of the Holy Spirit. Works done in the flesh, no matter how seemingly righteous, can not bring salvation (Matt. 7:21-23, Tit. 3:5,6 ). Nor can these ‘works’ result in a Spirit Controlled life. Churches need to do a better job of teaching and disciplining believers so they can live controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit. A good starting place is the “Four Spiritual Laws of being in the Power of the Holy Spirit” by Campus Crusade for Christ (a.k.a., “Cru”).

“Perfected by the flesh” - If Christians could be ‘perfected’ without the Holy Spirit, or Jesus, (you can’t have one without the other) then Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was wasted. The term ‘flesh’ has several connotations - none of them good. Flesh can be sinful living, ‘sex, drugs, rock-n-roll’, but it also can simply mean living and making decisions without any input from God.
Christians have works we are to do. But these do not save us. Our works are to be symptoms, or manifestations, of our salvation. (James - The whole letter, but especially verse 2:26 and 4:17)

***

Gal. 2:20-21 - Christ Living in Me

20 - I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
21 - I do not set aside God's grace, because if righteousness could come through the law, then Christ died for nothing!

Crucified with Christ - Christ living in Me

Vs. 20 - “I have been crucified with Christ” - Paul is not saying he was physically crucified (that much is obvious). Who, or what part of him was crucified? This not a silly question.

Jesus said, “You must be born again.” (John 3:7) Humans are body, soul and spirit. They are fully human when conceived, they were not alive, and now are. The body is temporal, and develops from conception, through birth, to adult-hood. We will receive new bodies when we are with God in heaven. Christ’s human body died on the cross. At resurrection He received a new body - He was born again. We will be like Him, when we see Him. (See: 1 John 3:1-3) We will be born again, just as was Jesus Christ the Lord.
The soul is eternal. (Sometimes the soul and the spirit seem to be synonymous in scriptures.) Our old nature (spirit) is replaced (born again) - it ‘was not’ and now ‘is’ with a new spirit which is in tune with God and Jesus. We will no longer be subject to the desires and passions of the old spirit (the “sin nature”) which leads us into sin. Just as our present physical bodies will be permanently replaced when we are in heaven, so will our old nature ‘die’ when we go to meet Jesus. Peter says this wonderfully, “For Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, so that He might bring us to God, having been put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit” (1 Peter 3:18)

“It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” - This is wonderfully explained in the book “The Normal Christian Life”, by Watchman Nee. Christians too often operate on the premise that their Christian life can be done by perseverance plus a little boost from Jesus. Watchman emphasizes that it must ALL be Jesus. “Apart from Me, you can do nothing,” Jesus said. (See: John 15:5) Oh, you can do all kinds of things. These will be done in the power of the flesh. None of those will be done controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit and Jesus.

My most difficult task as a Christian is complete surrender to Jesus - letting Him live through and in me. My old nature always wants to take control. We sometimes take the information “I will give you a Helper,” (John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7) to mean He has given us a ‘Boy Scout’ to help us across the street, or help us through a situation (Thinking, “I can do most of it, but need just a little ‘help’.) That is too arrogant. We over-estimate our abilities.

“the life I now live in the body” - our citizenship immediately changes from this world to Jesus’ kingdom. (See: Col. 1:13) However, we are not transported immediately to heaven. ( Which is a bummer!) So, we live on in this body in this world.

“because of the faithfulness of the Son of God” - We have this new spiritual life because of Christ. It is not because we are SO faithful to God. It is because Christ was obedient and faithful and found pleasing to God the Father. When Christ saying, “It is finished!”, on the cross that day was not accepting death, but indicating God’s justice was fulfilled, the debt was paid, finished, nothing else was owed to pay for sin. (That is my understanding of that statement.)

“who loved me and gave himself for me” - See: John 3:16; Phil. 2:5-11; Rom. 5:8; John 14:21, 23

Vs. 21 - “I do not set aside God's grace“ - Paul is emphasizing that any other path is NOT accepting the offering - God’s grace: salvation through faith in Christ. Do not turn your back on the grace offered. Do not convince yourself, “I can do this!” You cannot. God has offered the free gift of salvation, by His grace.

The NASB (see note 1) uses the word “nullify” in place of “set aside”. We see the word nullify used in political discussions. A state is said to have ‘nullified’ a law when it decides not to follow that law passed by the U.S. Congress and signed by the President. There is great debate as to whether this is legal. With respect to God’s laws, it is unwise to nullify His commands. We do so at our own peril.

If righteousness ... through the Law” - This is the first part of an “If - Then” statement. IF you and I could pull this off successfully, we could pile up enough brownie points to get into heaven. We would have a righteousness that would be acceptable to God, and would meet His standard of Holiness, and would render us perfect and without sin. If we could do that on our own, then ...

“Then Christ died for nothing.” - Second part of the “If - Then” - If we are successful through works, Christ’s sacrifice was unnecessary. As bad as that sounds, the logical end is worse - we don’t need Jesus, we don’t need God. This is a lie from Satan. This lie is found in almost every philosophy - we can become perfect by personal exertion. This means the whole Bible is a lie. This means God is as useful as Wonder Woman, Superman, or the Tick. He would be no more than a cartoon god in a cartoon land. May it never be!

*** End of Chapter ***
Note 1: NASB - New American Standard Bible

Gal. 2:16-19 - Not Justified by Works

16 - yet we know that no one is justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by the faithfulness of Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.
17 - But if while seeking to be justified in Christ we ourselves have also been found to be sinners, is Christ then one who encourages sin? Absolutely not!
18 - But if I build up again those things I once destroyed, I demonstrate that I am one who breaks God's law.
19 - For through the law I died to the law so that I may live to God.

LIve For God, Not For the Law

Vs. 16 - “Yet we know” - For all the advantages he had as a Jew, Paul understood these ultimately did him go good. (See: Phil. 3:4-7) It may have been easier for him to understand that God was the ultimate judge and savior. It may have been easier for him to see Christ as the Son of God, and the Messiah. Yet - knowing this background information got Paul no closer to a personal relationship with God than the sorriest Gentile. Paul received salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

“Justified” - Repeated three times in this verse alone. This word has a legal sense in that God declares the believer to be righteous and acceptable because Christ took our sins upon Himself on the cross. We are now declared righteous. (See: 1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 3:24, 25; 2 Cor. 5:21; Rom. 4:6-8.) From many years ago, there was a mnemonic for “justified” - “Just as if I had never sinned.”
This is not a purely New Testament (or New Covenant) concept, In the O.T., God is shown as pleading the case of the sinner and executing the justice for the sinner. The accusers are put to shame, for the sinner has seen the light and lives! (See: Mic. 7:9-10) The judgement against the sinner has been executed. The sentence does not fall on the sinner, but on God Himself.

“Works of the law” - Useless! Paul develops this theme in greater detail in Romans. He also proclaims this in Philippians 3:4-7.

“By the faithfulness of Jesus Christ” - Stop and look at that phrase. It is not by our faithfulness. It is Christ who was faithful to the will of the Father. (See: Phil. 2:5-11) Paul knew well of the works required by the Law. He also knew the end result of following the Law added up to nothing, eternally speaking. (See: Titus 3:5,6). The pairing of these two phrases: “works of the law” and “faithfulness of Jesus Christ” emphasizes the uselessness of rigidly following the law, because it is only by Christ’s obedience that we are declared righteous.

“no one will be justified” - If you are not JUSTIFIED you are NOT SAVED. If you rely on your ability to be perfect, to pay an infinite price to a Holy God, be warned: you have neither the tools nor the skill to pull this off. You are doomed to failure. Failure in this instance is eternal separation from God. This sounds harsh. It is, but it is reality.
If you are doing a job, and an expert, or your boss, tells you that what you are doing will fail - do you ignore that statement and continue on with what you are doing? Why would you do that?

Vs. 17 - “while seeking to be justified…” “found to be sinners” - Do you suppose that after you have accepted Christ as Savior you will ever sin again? There are a some denominations that hold the doctrine of ‘sinless perfection’. I am not sure how that particular belief system deals with Rom. 7:15-24, or 1 John 1:8-9. On this side of heaven, we will commit sins. Our old nature is ‘Dead Man Walking’, but not absent until we are resurrected. Jesus understands you and I as we live our lives, must deal with sin, and surrender to the power and control of the Holy Spirit. Paul is writing to believers who are being told they must follow the Law, even after they have accepted Christ.
Think on this: You acknowledge that Jesus Christ paid for ALL your sin. There is nothing you can do to make yourself holy and acceptable. And yet, you are attempting to keep all of the strictures of the Law in order to make yourself acceptable. Do you imagine that Jesus would say, “Believe in me and you shall be saved. Oh, by the way, if you don't keep the Mosaic Law you have just lost it all, because you are now a sinner having failed to keep the Law.”

“Christ encourages sin” - That’s what is meant by this sentence (or, verse). If Jesus required faith and works for salvation, then He would knowingly lead us from righteousness to sin. We would be going from holiness because of His sacrifice on the cross, to breaking the Law and sin. We know it is not possible to keep the Law. (See the Letter to the Romans.) No wonder answer to the question is “Absolutely not!” Christ died to save us from sin. Christ died to free us from sin, and give us righteousness.

Vs. 18 - “If I build up again... things I once destroyed” - Paul did not destroy the Law. (Christ did not destroy the Law, He fulfilled it - Matt. 5:17). Paul clearly defined that obeying the Law could not justify you with God. Paul’s logical treatment of this possible path to a relationship with God has thus been “destroyed”. That belief has no efficacy. So, why rebuild a path that only leads to failure?

“I demonstrate” - means “I am showing...” I may have said this before, but it is worth repeating: Your behavior, or actions, display what you believe. (See James 2:17-18, 26) You may SAY, “I believe Christ died for my sin.” If you continually have check list of things that must be done in order for God to accept you as His child, your actions show you are not confident that Jesus Paid It All.

“I am the one who breaks God’s law” - God’s law? Not the Law, the one handed to Israel through Moses. He would be breaking the new law: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” (Matt. 16:31; Rom. 10:9) If you are using some set of rules plus Christ’s death and resurrection, you are showing that you do not believe that Christ is enough.

Vs. 19 - “through the law I died to the law” - The law did not kill Paul. This statement is an allegory. Jesus fulfilled the Law when he died on the cross. Jesus died to pay the cost for all the sins of the world. Believing that Jesus died for this purpose means that Paul is now dead to sin. Jesus took away the penalty of sin, therefore took away death. Not the physical death each of us will face, but the “second death” - eternal separation from God. Faith in Christ equals salvation. Salvation by faith means the Law no longer makes any demands - it has no power. We are “Dead” to the power of the Law.

“So that” - In logical terms: Because this (I died to the Law) happened, the result is that (I live to God) happens.
The message is: there is no way for the second to take place unless the first does. As long as the Law holds sway, the believer is not living by faith, but by works.

“I may live to God” - We are controlled by the law(s) when we order our lives by law(s) - that is the meaning of live to law. Likewise, when we are controlled by the Spirit of God we live to God. Jesus said that to truly worship God we must do it in the spirit. (See: John 4:23, 24)
We are living in the flesh if we try to live by the law. We are trying to live under our own power, which cannot and will not work.

***

Gal. 2:5-10 - Did not surrender the Gospel

5 But we did not surrender to them even for a moment, in order that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.
6 But from those who were influential (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism between people) - those influential leaders added nothing to my message.
7 On the contrary, when they saw that I was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised just as Peter was to the circumcised
8 (for he who empowered Peter for his apostleship to the circumcised also empowered me for my apostleship to the Gentiles)
9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who had a reputation as pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we would go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.
10 They requested only that we remember the poor, the very thing I also was eager to do.

We Did Not Surrender

Vs. 5 - “we did not surrender” - I would expect nothing less from Paul. A man fervent for God. He met Jesus in a miraculous way. He was taught personally by Jesus. It is impossible for me to conceive the possible argument that would convince Paul he was wrong. Remember, it took a dramatic revelation to change Paul’s direction in life!

“The truth of the gospel might remain” - Later in this letter Paul writes, “For freedom Christ has set us free.” Jesus told his disciples, “I have come that you might have life abundantly” (John 10:10) See also: Luke 4:17-21, John 8:36.

“Remain with you” - Paul wanted the church to celebrate its freedom. This is not a one-time request, but a desire for them to be continually immerse in their relationship with their savior.

Vs. 6 - “whatever they were makes no difference to me” - This is an odd, kind of ‘snarky’ comment from Paul. He has just told us about going from Antioch to Jerusalem to clear up the ‘Gentile’ issue. (See: Acts 15) There he met with “influential people” (Gal. 2:2). Perhaps Paul was peeved that he had to defend his ministry to the Gentiles for Christ. He understands the church must define this issue, there must be unity of doctrine. Yet, Paul and Barnabas needed to ‘prove’ to the church leaders that ministry was valid, even though Jesus called Paul!

Technically, Paul is correct, “God shows no favoritism between people.” (Acts 10:34, Col. 3:11). God has one criterium with respect to your eternal existence: Is Jesus Christ your Lord and Savior? Nothing else matters. Your name is in the Lamb’s Book of Life, or it isn’t. (See: Rev. 13:5; 20;12, 15: 21:27). Money, reputation, accomplishments, lifestyle will mean nothing if you are not His child.

“Influential leaders added nothing” - (See: Acts 11:7-20). This is a major watershed in the growth of the church.
First, the Gospel message is simplified: Christ and Him crucified. (1 Cor. 2:2)
Second, there a lot more Gentiles than Jews. As the military might put it, “It’s a target rich environment.” As the Gentile portion of the church expands, the Great Commission is being fulfilled (Matt. 28:18-20).
Third, as wonderful as Judaism is (through which we have our Savior), requiring a non-Jew to become a Jew places an onerous restriction on new believers. Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” (John 14:6) Peter filled with the Holy Spirit stated this early, right after Pentecost, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12).

Paul acknowledges the results of this meeting was to leave his ministry as is: Preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, and welcoming the new converts as brothers and sisters in Christ.

The problem with requiring Judaism for salvation: it is directly from Satan. It is also possible the Jewish Christians were falling back into old habits. All their lives the Jews were told to avoid Gentiles. So they were required to start a new way of thinking. We do not break old habits and discard them. We must overwrite old habits with new better habits. Occasionally, the old habits will raise their ugly heads. We must confess our failing to Jesus, and pray for guidance to re-establish the new habits. We deal with the same issue (maybe not ‘Judaism’) in that we have behavior that is non-Christian - anger, lust, jealousy, etc. I know I should not to get angry at the idiots on the freeway. Yet, if I am not controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit… the old bad habit leaps out and takes over. I am not saying, “The devil made me do it.” It is my own desire! (See: James 1:13-16.)

Vs. 7 - “I was entrusted with the gospel” - The conference of church leaders listened to Paul’s and Barnabas’ testimony. Again, this was a monumental decision: Paul was called as an apostle, just as Peter was called.

Vs. 8 - “for He who empowered” - Jesus called Peter to follow Him. Jesus taught Peter, mentored him, and modeled what He wanted done. No one doubted Peter was an apostle. Jesus called Paul to be His missionary. Jesus taught Paul, and sent him forth. Based on this, the imprimatur of the church, the body and bride of Christ was conferred to Paul also.

Vs. 9 - “James, Cephas, and John” - They listened to Peter’s recount of the vision in Joppa. The discussion and prayer led them to conclude the ministry to the Gentiles was a genuine as the ministry to the Jews. James - the brother of Jesus Christ, John - the one whom Jesus loved, and Peter (Cephas) - who uttered the Great Confession (Mark 8:29) were the leaders of the Jerusalem church. It could be said they were the most important world leaders of the church. These three took the decision of the council and pronounced Paul and Barnabas as genuine missionaries of the church.

“Right hand of fellowship” - Curious idiom. It is a custom that endures to this day, and probably started long before the early church. My guess is this comes from combat. Most people are right handed. An extended right hand shows there is no weapon so the greeting is ‘safe’. (Just confirmed this in Wikipedia and on Google.)
(Side note #1: it was considered impolite to keep your left hand in your pocket when you shake with your right.) (Side note #2 - the Latin word for left-handedness is ‘sinister’, and sinister has come to mean dark, bad or evil.)

Vs. 10 - “They requested only” - Care for the poor - widows, orphans, strangers, and poor - is an integral part of the Judie-Christian faith. (See: Exo. 22:21-22, Deut. 10:17-19; Psa. 10:14b; Isa. 10:1-2; Jam. 1:27) Jesus acknowledged that the poor and downtrodden will more likely turn to God and faith in Christ. Look at Jesus’ ministry. Who flocked to Him? The sick, the poor, the needy. Jesus provided hope. Who became virulently opposed to Jesus? The spiritual leaders of Judah.
The Jerusalem church leaders also asked Paul and Barnabas to teach the Gentiles to refrain from activities that would offend Jews. Jewish Christians were going to accept Gentile Christians as fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. However there were things the Gentiles might do that would be very offensive to Jews. (See: Acts 15:28, 29)

The listed items were:

• stay away from items associated with idols
• fornication
• meat from animals that have been strangled
• blood

Idols: The Jews had a ‘checkered past’ with respect to idols - starting with a golden calf (Exo. 32:1-6), Baal (Judg. 3:13, 6:25), Asherah (1 Ki. 16:33), and Dagon (1 Sam. 5:2-5), to name a few. As for Gentiles, idols were commonplace in the secular world around them.

Fornication: The sin of fornication, specifically adultery is one of the 10 Commandments (Deut. 5:18), and there are several other places in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy where sex outside of marriage is forbidden. Perhaps fornication, and adultery, was the only activity that might have similar recriminations in both the Jewish and Gentile world (on the other hand, many foreign religions of the day had ‘temple prostitutes’, so maybe fornication was not a big deal for non-Jews in their former lives.)

Meat preparation: The Jews were commanded to not eat the meat of animals that had not been slaughtered correctly, because the ‘life is in the blood’ (Gen. 9:4; Lev. 17:11, 14; Deut. 12:23). As for meat, the Gentiles might think “Who cares how an animal is killed?”

Blood: Going back to slaughtering methods - “the life is in the blood”. Some pagan religions incorporate blood in the ceremonies, whether sprinkling, washing with, or drinking blood. The Jews know the only time is used in worship is with sacrifices at the altar in the tabernacle or temple. There were also strictures about blood applied to women’s menstrual period (See: Lev. 15:19, Matt. 9:20-22), they were ‘unclean’ and there was an offering that was to be made as an atonement for her uncleanness.

Gentiles had none of these restrictions with respect to blood. Paul was faithful to these admonitions, teaching and reminding Gentiles to be aware of others. (See 1 Cor. 10:23-29)

“I also was eager to do“ - Paul and Barnabas took offering gifts from the churches in the ‘world’ to Jerusalem because of the deep need there. (Acts 11:29-30)
***

Gal. 2:1-4 - History cont’d

1 Then after fourteen years I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas, taking Titus along too.
2 I went there because of a revelation and presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so only in a private meeting with the influential people, to make sure that I was not running - or had not run - in vain.
3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, although he was a Greek.
4 Now this matter arose because of the false brothers with false pretenses who slipped in unnoticed to spy on our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, to make us slaves.

Paul’s self-History, (cont’d)

Vs. 1 - This is Paul’s second return to Jerusalem. Acts does not record how long Paul spent preaching the gospel and starting churches. I was amazed that it was about 17 years.
The issue - could Gentiles accept Christ as Lord and Savior - had been resolved. (See Acts 11:1-18.) The issue of whether Gentiles also had to convert to Judaism was not.

Here are the major issues:

Could Gentiles accept Christ as Savior? That had been resolved. Peter had a vision from God before the conversion of Cornelius, the Roman military centurion. He did not immediately understand what God was saying through the vision. (See: Acts 10:9-17) He did catch on. Paul and Barnabas were sent to preach the Gospel to Gentiles.
The question the early church had to resolve: Were the Gentiles really saved if they didn't become Jews also?

Consider this line of reasoning:

Jesus was a Jew, and came as the Messiah for the Jews. How could this have any meaning or consequence for non-Jews? So, was it reasonable to think accepting Christ was the first step to salvation, and could only be completed and efficacious when fully immersed in Judaism?

Also: Could Jewish converts fraternize with Gentile converts?
You might think this is silly. Prejudices die hard and slowly. (If you need a modern day example: Slavery and racism in the United States. The emotional wounds of a practice eliminated in the 1860’s are still around. Slavery is gone, but the after-effects of racism still fester and wound today.)
The Jew’s attitude toward Gentiles was codified in their laws and practices. It is not certain that hatred and fear of Gentiles was in the Law - Genesis-Deuteronomy - but it was practiced and taught daily in Judah. You were ‘unclean’ if you socialized or touched a Gentile (‘unclean’ is the same term as used for lepers). How could you socialize with Gentile Christians? Some people say the Jews referred to the Gentiles as ‘dogs’. They were not talking about your mini-LabraDoodle house pet. They were thinking of the feral dog packs that roamed the areas, the garbage pits, and were hated and despised. It is a good question who the Jews despised more: the Samaritans or the Gentiles.

Vs. 2 - “presented to them the gospel that I preached” - Paul’s decision to go to Jerusalem may not have been due to a revelation or vision. We see in Acts 15, some Judean Christians came to Antioch. They were telling the Christians there, that salvation came only through Judaism (Acts 15:1-2) and following its practices. During this kerfuffle, it was decided that Paul and Barnabas would go make a defense to the elders in Jerusalem. On the way there, Paul and Barnabas told the churches what God had been doing to save souls. Great rejoicing ensued.

“in a private meeting with the influential people” - Paul, Barnabas and Titus met with Peter, James (Jesus’ brother), John and other elders of the Jerusalem church headquarters. Talk about a high-power conference meeting. Three or four of the most influential apostles of the early church are discussing the direction the church should go. A large part of the New Testament canon was written by Peter, James, John and Paul.

The basic message coming out of this high level conference: Jesus and Jesus alone saves. It is not “Jesus plus”.

“I was not running - or had not run - in vain.” - This is monumental! If the decision had fallen the other way, everything Paul had learned from Jesus, everything that he had done for the last seventeen years was wasted. His conversion on the Damascus road was worthless! The gospel he preached was folly! But Jesus’s words, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me” are accepted as true and powerful.
Another view of the idea “running in vain” is the concern that people will be drawn away from the true faith. In other words: Paul shared the gospel, they accepted the Lord, then the new believers are led away by the false teachers. All of his work is in vain, it is lost. A lot of extra work is needed to bring them back to a pure faith.

vs. 3 - “compelled to be circumcised” - This shows the defense of Paul & Barnabas’ ministry to the Gentiles was accepted by the church council in Jerusalem. It also shows that apostles, especially Peter, James and John, finally understood the Gospel was to be freely shared everyone - Jew and Gentile.
A more important understanding also came from this meeting: Christianity stands on Christ alone, not on Judaism plus Christ’s death, burial and resurrection.
Paul and the other leaders understood, if not fully, Jesus’ declaration that he had fulfilled the Law. And if the Law is fulfilled, it no longer applies. All of the rituals - no benefit. All of the sacrifices - no benefit.

“He was a Greek” - proof that the “old” Jewish ways no longer applied. Not only was Paul, a fervent Jew, preaching to Gentiles, he worked with one - Titus (along with other Gentiles).

Vs. 4 - “this matter” - Gentiles did not need to become Jews to be saved. Some Jews were preaching the opposite. See: Acts 15:1-6. Note the last phrase in this reference. This is not a simple disagreement like “Should we have chairs or pews?”, or “Should the American flag be flown on the church stage?” This matter deals with the crux of salvation (no pun intended) - was Christ’s sacrifice sufficient for salvation?

“false brothers with false pretenses” - Paul does not see this as a misunderstanding between believers. Men were coming from Judea, the hub of the blossoming church. They must have heard the story of Peter and Cornelius, and the vision Peter received from God. Peter was challenged because he had spent time with Gentiles. The discussion ended with the understanding that Gentiles having received the Holy Spirit just as the Jewish believers had done, no one could stand in the way of salvation. It is improbable to think this decision and news remained hidden from the rest of the church. So Paul’s conclusion was people preaching “Christ-plus-Judaism” had nefarious purposes.

“slipped in unnoticed” - This may seem like an unlikely comment or phrase. Think of your church. If someone from out of town drops into your church, indicating they are fellow Christians, do you question their statement? These people came professing their faith. Of course they were accepted into the local body.

“Spy on our freedom… make us slaves” - For whatever reason, these false teachers could not accept that salvation was offered to all who believed in Christ. That would mean anyone - ANYONE! - who believed was saved. That would mean no circumcision, no sacrifices, no sabbath rituals. It would mean the Gentile believers were free from the strictures of Judaism. In Christ we are free. Adding Sabbath laws, or festival and sacrifice laws remove pieces of that freedom. If Judaic laws must be followed, how could anyone know if they are saved? What if you missed something, would that miss keep you away from eternal salvation? Rather than belonging to Christ, you now are captives of your failures! Slaves to sin. No wonder Paul is upset!

***

Gal. 1:18-24 - They Really Didn’t Know Me!

18 - Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and get information from him, and I stayed with him fifteen days.
19 - But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother.
20 - I assure you that, before God, I am not lying about what I am writing to you!
21 - Afterward I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia
22-23 - But I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They were only hearing, "The one who once persecuted us is now proclaiming the good news of the faith he once tried to destroy."
24 - So they glorified God because of me.

Return to Jerusalem

vs. 18 - “after three years” - The book of Acts is episodic rather than chronological, and Luke says nothing about Paul being in Arabia. Perhaps the sequence is something like this:

• Soon after his road to Damascus event, Paul was taken to a remote spot to be taught by the Lord. I don't know how long he was in Arabia. Since he was instructed by Jesus, it might have been only overnight!
• He returns to Damascus to preach.
• The presence of the church began to be felt in Damascus as his ministry produced spiritual fruit, taking place over three years.
• The Jewish leaders were agitated and Paul was forced to escape.
• He went with other believers to Jerusalem.
• He got in trouble again.
• He escaped to Tarsus where later Barnabas found and took him to Antioch.

vs. 19 - “none of the other apostles” - The Paul the church in Jerusalem knew was what he had done before he left for Damascus. Barnabas introduced Paul to the brethren in Jerusalem, vouching for Paul’s conversion. Paul was on fire for the Lord and ready to preach!
Only James and Peter would spend time with him. (See: Acts 9:26-29) This is all we know about Paul’s first return to Jerusalem. He left Jerusalem a persecutor of the faith. Returned a preacher of the same. Left again, being persecuted!
It had to be difficult for the believers there to accept him with open arms - how could they be sure he wasn't setting them up for arrest and execution? The Jews were frustrated and infuriated to lose such a weapon to be used against the Christians.

vs. 20 - “I am not lying” - The church in Galatia might find the story of Paul being anti-Christian hard to believe. They knew him as a hard-working evangelist. He is relating his story, “I went to Jerusalem, and was preaching the gospel. You know the gospel message I preach! I was there, and they wouldn't talk with me, or spend time with me! Can you believe it?”

vs. 21 - “went to … Syria and Cilicia” - Paul boldly preached in Jerusalem, sharing the gospel, discussing the meaning of the death and resurrection of Jesus with the Jews. They became as incensed as the Jews in Damascus at his message of Jesus as the Messiah. They plotted to kill him (that is upset!). Some of the Christians in Jerusalem believed his conversion was real, so they helped him escape. Sending him to Tarsus through Caesarea (See note 1 below). They sent him to the port of Caesarea, then by boat to Tarsus - to keep him out of trouble in Judah. (See Acts 9:28-30) An interesting comment follows Paul escaping - the church had peace in Judea, Galilee, and Samaria so the church grew and was strengthened. Acts 9:31

vs. 22-23 - “personally unknown to the churches” - His reputation proceeded him, but the church of the believers didn't know him by sight. They might freak out when they found out who this fantastic evangelist really was.

vs. 24 - “they glorified God” - If they stopped to listen to Paul, and accepted Christ as Lord and Savior, they would praise the Lord. Paul could be very happy that they listened to his message and were not dissuaded by his former life. Giving thanks to God that He provided such a powerful preacher and evangelist - what a blessing for Paul. Paul was not looking for praise from people. He knew, however, people accepting Christ was exactly why God kept him on earth.

***
NOTE 1: Caesarea is about 50 miles NW of Jerusalem, on the coast. Tarsus is about 300-350 miles from Jerusalem in the NE corner of the Mediterranean Sea area, also known as Celicia (now, Southwest Turkey). END OF CHAPTER.

Gal. 1:13-17 - My Reputation Precedes Me.

13 For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism, how I was savagely persecuting the church of God and trying to destroy it.
14 I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my nation, and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my ancestors.
15-16 But when the one who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I could preach him among the Gentiles, I did not go to ask advice from any human being,
17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before me, but right away I departed to Arabia, and then returned to Damascus.

My Former Way of Life

vs.13 “For you have heard of my former way of life” - Paul is admitting, “My reputation precedes me.” An example from our time is Charles Colson. “Chuck” was President Nixon’s Chief of Staff during the embattled president’s ‘Watergate’ scandal. Nixon resigned in disgrace; Colson went to prison. There he accepted Christ as Savior. There was much doubt about his conversion and sincerity because of his reputation as an efficient and dirty dealer. He started a prison ministry, and became a powerful apologist for Christ! His life was turned around by the power of Christ.

This is Paul’s story also.

“savagely persecuting the church” - This is an understatement. He hunted believers down, had them arrested and thrown in prison. He sought permission to leave Jerusalem on hunting expedition. See: Acts 7:57, 8:1-3, 9:1-2.

vs. 14 “advancing in Judaism” - Paul studied Judaism under the noted Pharisee Gamaliel (only mentioned two times in Acts. Historically, Gamaliel led the Sanhedrin in Jerusalem for about 18 years during the rule of three Roman Emperors, most probably well after the church dispersed into the surrounding nations and world. After Pentecost the council attempted to silence Peter and John. The reply from Peter and the apostles, “We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:31) The Sanhedrin wanted to stone them. Gamaliel warned the Jewish leaders they might be fighting against God. He noted, if the Christian movement was not from God, it would fail. But if the church was from God, the Sanhedrin would fail. In the long run, they did not listen to him. See: Acts 5:34-40.

“extremely zealous” - Are we surprised? When the persecution of the believers started, Paul was right there, fully involved. See: Acts 7:58, 8:1-3, 9:1. Paul describes his zealous work - See Acts 22:4-5.

But... Set Apart

vs. 15-16 “But” - In spite of Paul’s actions reputation …

“set me apart… called me by His grace… reveal his Son… preach Him” - Paul recognizes that God called him to this ministry to the Gentiles.

“Set me apart” shows that Paul realizes God had a higher purpose for him. Just as Jesus chose the twelve disciples to follow and learn from him, Paul was chosen. In a similar way, artisans were chosen by God to build the accoutrements of the tabernacle. A few were empowered by the Holy Spirit to make the Arc of the Covenant, the panels, the poles, the decorations, the altar for the tabernacle. These were given the ability to make it exactly as God intended. They were ‘set apart’.

“Called by His grace” - He was not chosen because of his good works. What part of killing Christians can be considered good? Paul says in 1 Tim. 1:15-16 it is was God’s mercy that saved him, even though he considered himself the worst of sinners. Grace is the demonstration of God’s mercy - in that we do not receive what we deserve.

“Reveal His Son” - Just as Moses was called to save the nation from Egypt, and the Judges were called to deliver the nation from oppression, Paul knew he was called to proclaim salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of God, to the world. Paul understood that “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven by which man may be saved.” (Acts 4:12)

“Preach Him among the Gentiles” - See Acts 9:15-16 - Paul did not need to rely on his own testimony that his ministry was to non-Jews. God used a miracle, a vision to Ananias, that Paul was chosen for this specific ministry. Ananias was confused. How could God use a guy who has been persecuting believers, having them arrested and killed? God assures Ananias that Paul is the one, and he will not get off Scott-free. He will suffer for his ministry - not as a punishment for his previous actions (those have been forgiven!) - because Christ suffered and his disciples will also suffer the hate from the world.

Consider the miraculous nature of Paul being chosen as an apostle and a missionary. The other apostles were mostly Jewish fishermen, perhaps with a rudimentary education. Note how amazed the populace was at Pentecost when these ‘Galileans’ were speaking to the many nations assembled there. How could this be? “(See Acts 2:4-13) Maybe they are drunk! Maybe it’s a miracle! Peter and others could readily reach other Jews, they spoke the language, they identified the traditions and belief systems. I am not saying the apostles would not be able to go into all the world. Bible dictionaries and resources indicate that various apostle went beyond the boundaries of the Roman world.

Paul was a Roman citizen. (I don't know how being a Jew born in Jerusalem was different than a Jew born elsewhere in the Roman Empire. Evidently Paul’s father was a Roman citizen, and probably Jewish. Note: very little is known about his parents.) This provided a significant advantage in moving from area to area. It provided significant advantage when dealing with local authorities. When Paul would say, “I’m a Roman citizen”, a certain amount of panic, or deference, would be shown by the authorities holding Paul as hostage or prisoner. Paul was educated, and could speak the common languages - Greek and Latin. He understood logic, and apologetics. If Galilee was considered a backward and uneducated ghetto, then Greece and Rome were the penultimate educated and cosmopolitan society. Paul could relate to both.

“I did not go to ask advice” - Paul was a very type “A” personality. Once he committed, it was full speed ahead, no wavering, no second guessing. He was advanced in Judaism. He studied under the top scholars in Jerusalem. He was active in defending his faith (Judaism) and God. When he converted - seeing Jesus on the road to Damascus - he became extremely zealous for Christ and the church. He didn't ponder, “I am doing the right thing?” “Is this what God wants me to do?”

Now, take into consideration Paul talked with Jesus, was instructed by Jesus. Sometimes we ‘mere mortals’ rely on feelings, on confirmation from God in prayer, in scripture, in advice from fellow believers. Seldom do we get words from God directly into our minds. We rely on the Holy Spirit to inform and guide us. That process requires us to be controlled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, that relationship can be hampered by our sin and stubbornness. We can KNOW, deep within our soul what God wants to do, whether to be a missionary, or a Bible Study leader, or a pastor. We know because the Holy Spirit confirms it. I contend that Paul had this confirmation - in Spades.

vs. 17 “right away I departed to Arabia” - This bit of personal history is not clearly stated in Acts. When Paul has been healed from his blindness through the laying on of hands by Ananias, he begins preaching the Gospel. (See Acts 9:18-21) Paul’s preaching gets the Jewish leaders in an uproar. Some believers rescue Paul by sneaking him out of Damascus, though a window. The gates to the city were being watched and Paul could not exit without being caught. (Acts 9:25) His former allies were furious that Paul deserted them forJesus! Paul goes to Jerusalem (Acts 9:26). [The next couple of chapters - Acts 10 & 11 - are about Peter and his ministry, and how he learns the Gospel is for the Gentiles as well as the Jews.] In Acts 11, Paul is in Jerusalem with other Jews, and is preaching the Gospel for the Gentiles and the Jews. Again, Jews are furious. Paul escapes Jerusalem for Tarsus (Acts 9:30). Barnabas goes to Tarsus to get Paul and takes him to Antioch. (Acts 11:25). Antioch is about 300 miles north of Jerusalem, near the western Mediterranian coast (now part of modern Syria).

*** ***

Gal. 1:6-9 - A Contrary Gospel

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you by the grace of Christ and are following a different gospel -
7 not that there really is another gospel, but there are some who are disturbing you and wanting to distort the gospel of Christ.
8 But even if we (or an angel from heaven) should preach a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be condemned to hell!
9 As we have said before, and now I say again, if any one is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, let him be condemned to hell!

I am Shocked! Shocked, I tell you!

Paul wastes no time jumping into the issue troubling the churches in Galatia.

vs. 6 “I am astonished” - Astonished is ‘amazed’ in some translations. When Jesus calmed the sea, his disciples were ‘amazed’. (Matt. 8:27) When Jesus expelled demons, the people were ‘amazed’. (Matt. 9:33). Paul likewise is amazed and stunned at the Galatians!

“you are so quickly deserting” - It has only been a few years, perhaps less than 10-15 since Paul and Barnabas spread the gospel throughout the region. Satan was working to blunt the effect of the church from the beginning. Read through the “Acts of the Apostles”. Are you not impressed at the hate and opposition Paul and Peter and the other apostles experienced? Satan tried to stamp out Christianity as soon as the Pentecost message was preached - and he is still working today.

“the one who called you” - God, by the Holy Spirit, calls us to believe in Jesus. See: John 6:44, 12:32; Titus 3:3-5.

“following a different gospel” - Someone is preaching a message of ‘hope’ that does not involve Jesus’ sacrifice. I am confused along with Paul by this. What gospel exists other than “Jesus Christ and Him crucified”? (1 Cor. 2:2)

There is always someone out there who has the ‘secret’. Whether it the secret to power, or secret knowledge that one needs for success, there are always charlatans who lead you to believe the way is made easy. In almost every case, the secret involves “Christ plus”! It is seldom stated blatantly, but the basis is “Christ is not enough”. Think about that. The sacrifice on the cross, that horrible crucifixion, is insufficient to please God, the Father! What blasphemy! No wonder Paul was astonished.
Sometimes the ‘different gospel’ is the result of ignorance - i.e., the preacher/evangelist simply does not have all the facts. Look at the account of Apollos - Acts 18:24-19:7 - he was an effective evangelist, but had not heard of the Holy Spirit, perhaps didn't know of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior! This is a case of someone who just doesn’t have all the information needed. See: Mark 12:29. There is no malice or evil intended.

Then there are those who see the opportunity to make a buck. These are charlatans who do not have salvation in mind at all. They see a way to take advantage of others and make money. See: Acts 13:6-10.

Most of the opposition in the early church, during the apostolic time, came from the Jewish religionists. Think on this: was Jesus a blasphemer? Some Jewish leaders were convinced that Christianity was an affront to Judaism. They could not see Jesus as the Messiah and therefore considered Him and His followers as attacking Judaism.

Paul is addressing teaching that is an admixture rather than a pure message of hope and salvation from sin. The source of ‘a different gospel’ was probably not out-and-out opposition. The Jewish Christians just wanted it corrected. They felt a person must become a Jew in order for the Salvation to be viable. Outright opposition came from other sources, as it does today in our society. People who oppose Christianity today do not want to improve the faith or make it easier to follow - they want us stopped.

vs. 7 “not that there really is another gospel” - Paul is adamant. There is only one gospel. Jesus is the way, and the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father but through Christ. John 14:6 There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 Christ came into the world to save sinners. 1 Tim. 1:15, 16
See also Peter’s sermons after Pentecost - Acts 2:22-39, and Acts 3:12-26. Christ crucified as payment for our sins. 1 Cor. 1:23, 2:2.
One of my favorite verses is a ‘compact gospel’: For I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received - that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day according to the scriptures. 1 Cor. 15:3,4

“disturbing you… distort the gospel of Christ.” - Paul knows accepting Christ as Savior is the way to peace with God, and attaining the peace of God. “Let your mind dwell on these things… and the God of peace will be with you.” Phil. 4:9 The opposite is also true, rejecting Christ has consequences - “The one who believes in the Son has eternal life. The one who rejects the Son will not see life, but God's wrath remains on him.” John 3:36 This is on Paul’s mind - he knows that rejecting Christ does not lead to peace, but a troubled mind. Teaching any path to peace with God that is not Christ alone is a distortion of the truth - it is a lie.

vs. 8 “let him be condemned to hell!” - Paul pulls no punches. No whiny complaint, “You really shouldn't say that.” Nor, “That wasn't very nice.” He stands and shouts it out, “To Hell with you!” Paul is serious, because he knows the stakes are so high! A false gospel believed and acted upon means eternal damnation! A teacher/preacher spreading a contrary gospel is leading his followers to death. He knows this is a spiritual battle, and includes Satan and his angelic followers working to destroy the efficacy of the gospel. See also: Eph. 6:12. Whether it is a spiritual being or a human - anyone who distorts the gospel is condemning himself to Hell. (If a human repents of this sin, believes and confesses Jesus as Lord, he will be saved.)

vs. 9 “now I say again” - Just in case you thought Paul might not be serious about this… Anyone. Condemned. To. Hell. This is theologically important. This is not Paul’s personal animus. God is speaking through Paul. This is important to God.

We live in a culture that is very afraid of judging others. One common statement “You can’t judge me”, usually follows a comment against an action or lifestyle that is morally deficient. People want to do whatever they please with impunity. They treat sin and the need for salvation lightly. So condemning someone to Hell, for ‘nothing more than what they teach’ is offensive to them.
They are not looking at this from God’s perspective.

Here is a brief sample:

• From the beginning, God has been a jealous God.
  (Exo. 20:5, 34:14)
• He has warned that rejecting His instructions would lead to death.
  (Gen. 2:15, 16)
• There would be no other gods worshipped other than God Almighty.
  (Exo. 20:3)
• He warned the Jews that following after other Gods was the same as adultery, unfaithfulness to Him. (Jer. 3:6)
• When the Jews wanted a king, God told them it would end badly because He was to be their king. (1 Sam. 8:6-9)
• The last message of Moses to the Israelites before they went into the promised land is about 20 verses of blessings if they follow God. (Deut. 28:1-13, 29:1-17, 30:11-16)
• There are about 100 verses of calamity that will befall them if they reject Him. (Deut. 28:14-68, Deut. 29:18-29, 30:19-20)
• God laments, “If only you would have followed My instructions,”
  ( Isa. 48:17-18 )
• He said, clearly and plainly, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14:6)
• Peter emphasizes this in one of his sermons. (Acts 4:12)

Are we surprised when Paul, a passionate, driven evangelist is tearing his hair out and standing forcibly against those who would dilute the gospel, dragging their followers to Hell?

***

Gal. 2:11-15 - Conflict With Peter

11 - But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he had clearly done wrong.
12 - Until certain people came from James, he had been eating with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he stopped doing this and separated himself because he was afraid of those who were pro-circumcision.
13 - And the rest of the Jews also joined with him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray with them by their hypocrisy.
14 - But when I saw that they were not behaving consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, "If you, although you are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you try to force the Gentiles to live like Jews?"
15 - We are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners,
***

Peter Comes to Antioch

Vs. 11 - “Cephas came to Antioch” - This visit by Peter (a.k.a. Cephas) to Antioch is not recorded in Acts or Peter’s writings. Paul and Barnabas worked in the Antioch church, and were sent out from the Antioch church, where believers were first called “Christians”. In Acts 15, some people from Judea (Jerusalem) came to Antioch teaching there was no salvation without circumcision, i.e., believers had to be Jews or salvation wouldn't work. Of course there was a big argument, which resulted in Paul & Barnabas were sent to Jerusalem to get the issue resolved with the leaders of the church - the original apostles. (Acts 15:1-3) Peter is not mentioned until the debate in Jerusalem (Acts 15:7). It is possible that Peter came to Antioch, and was confronted by Paul there. This is my best guess.

“He had clearly done wrong” - The wrong is described in the following four verses. This is a perfect example of how old habits never go away. Old habits can only be overwritten by new habits. Even after we have established the new way of doing things, the old habit will arise occasionally. In this case, Peter knew that Gentiles were fully and completely accepted into God’s kingdom - as is, on the basis of faith in Christ. Peter had a vision, went to Joppa, shared the Gospel with Cornelius (a Roman Centurion and a Gentile), and baptized him. It is hard to get more Gentile than a Roman Centurion! (See: Acts 10:1-11:48) Peter was challenged when he returned to Jerusalem, and he made a defense which resulted in the assembly declaring “Gentiles also had the repentance that leads to life”. (See: Acts 11:1-18)

Vs. 12 - “when they arrived, he stopped…” - Here’s the nut of the problem. Peter was socializing with the Gentiles until some Jewish believers showed up. Peter then turned his back on the Gentile believers, treating them as if they were unclean. His Jewish upbringing took over the new reality. Peter, who uttered the Great Confession, feared offending some Jewish friends. It is hard to imagine one of the greatest apostles was intimidated by others. On the other hand, this is the same man who denied Christ during the ‘trial’. (See: Matt. 26:69-75)

You can ask yourself, “Do the people I am with change my behavior?” That is, do you change how you behave based on the people you are with? Do you pretend to be someone you are not?

Vs. 13 - “joined with him in this hypocrisy” - The definition of hypocrisy: “The practice of professing beliefs, feelings, or virtues that one does not hold or possess”. When your actions are in conflict with your words, you are living what you actually believe, not what you say you believe. This principle applies to all areas of our lives, not just major doctrinal issues.

Vs. 14 - “the truth of the gospel” - All people, whether Gentile or Jew, can be saved by faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Paul says is so clearly, “a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.” (Col. 3:11).

“although you are a Jew, live like a Gentile” - Here Paul spells out the hypocrisy. Peter was wavering. (See: James 1:6-8 “But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”) Peter was not committing to one direction. Again, in some ways I have sympathy for Peter. His life had gone through a cataclysmic change. Our lives changed in the same way when Jesus came to live in our souls. We too may struggle with our new identity as children of the living God.

“force the Gentiles to live like Jews?” - Good question. This emphasizes the point - Peter was saved, but not because he was a Jew. We, the Gentiles are saved in spite of not being Jews. We all are saved by God’s mercy and grace. This brings to mind a children’s gospel song:

Heaven. Is a wonderful place. Filled with. Glory and grace. I wanta be there.

Vs. 15 - “We are Jews” - Before you get the wrong idea, Paul was extremely proud to be Jewish. That pride is shown in this sentence. He was a Jew. Being Jewish had tremendous advantages. (See: Rom. 3:1-2) One huge advantage is Jews know of God the Father, and the tremendous things He has done for them. Gentiles do not have this history to draw upon. In a similar way citizens of the United States of America have a tremendous advantage over peoples from other nations. We know why our nation was founded - Freedom from tyranny! We know battles and wars have been fought to keep us free - men and women have died to preserve that freedom. People who come to the U.S., who do not have that legacy of freedom have to learn it. They yearn for it, but have not experienced it.
The Jews had thousands of years of history to remind them what God can and would do for ‘His People’. Gentiles do not. However, Paul exhibits some of the same old habits like Peter with respect to Jewish attitudes towards Gentiles. “We are Jews!” “They are sinners.”

Paul may also be being sarcastic here. The Jews were so proud of their position as “God’s favorite (chosen) people”. He knows that it doesn’t matter if you are Jewish or not. You are a sinner and in desperate need of salvation by grace. Paul works through that prejudice and shares the gospel with everyone, for all need to be saved.

***

Gal. 1:3-5 - Rescued from this evil age

3 “Grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ,”
4 “who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from this present evil age according to the will of our God and Father,”
5 “to whom be glory forever and ever! Amen.”

He Gave Himself

vs. 3: - “Grace and peace” - This is a New Testament greeting. Previous ‘Notes’ commented that Grace and peace are not usually combined as a blessing in the Old Testament. The closest we see is: "Say to them: ‘The LORD bless you and protect you; The LORD make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.’"' (Num. 6:23-26). Paul includes this combined blessing in every letter he wrote.

This blessing is so we may know God’s grace working in us, so we may grow in our faith, knowledge, and affection; that we may live for Him, and by His influence. In peace, we have a cessation of hostility between us and God; assurance of our salvation and thereby fear nothing from God.
This is powerful stuff! We are free and unencumbered. We have the information and power to live for Him.

My son rescued a dog, which had been abused by previous owners, from the pound. The dog, “Louise”, mostly cowered in the back bedroom in fear and trembling (literally!). Louise wouldn't even come out of the room to eat. She quivered at loud noises or raised voices. It has taken patient months of love, but now they are seeing progress. She plays outside with their other dog. Louise is learning to trust them, and feel safe.

In some ways we are like Louise: we are not free as long as we continually fear retribution from a fierce and vengeful god.
You don't feel the freedom to innovate and perform to the best of your ability in your job if you are always looking over your shoulder, always aware you may receive a reprimand for minor mistakes.

God is not asking us to bear down, to grind our way through life. He is not telling us to work harder, try harder, or work smarter. Jesus is saying, “I in you, and you in Me,” (John 14:3) and “Apart from Me you can do nothing,” (John 15:5) and “I will give you a Helper who will teach you.” (John 14:16, 26; 15:26) We’re not living this life in our own power, but by faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

vs. 4: - “gave himself” - Jesus was not coerced. He just did the will of God. We often hear people say that Jesus ‘was an itinerant preacher that upset the local authorities who had him killed’. This explanation for Jesus’ crucifixion is just plain wrong. The advent of Jesus was never ‘Plan B’. The triune God had a plan to redeem the world, not just mankind. See: Phil. 2:5-9; Eph. 2:25; 1 Tim. 2:6; Tit. 2:4.

“rescue us “ - ‘Plan A’ is: a perfect life sacrificed to cover sin. “Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness of sin.” (Lev. 5:9; 16:15; Heb. 9:22; 1 Tim. 1:15; Luke 19:10; Matt. 26:28; John 12:27, 28; Eph. 1:7 )
God rescued the Israelites from slavery. They could do nothing to escape Egypt. God worked several miracles against Egypt, and they were asked to leave! In the final miracle, the angel of death struck the first born of every house in Egypt. The Jews were told to mark their homes with the blood of a lamb. The angel of death would harm no one who believed and followed the instuction. There was nothing the Jews could do to free themselves, or atone for their sins, except provide a sacrifice. (Exo. 12:23) See note 1 below.
There is nothing we can do to bridge the chasm of sin between us and God. God provides the payment for our sins - at no cost to us - Jesus Christ the Savior. His blood shed on the cross satisfies God’s justice. His resurrection shows us the sacrifice was all good, and provides us the hope of glory.

“according to the will” - (John 6:40, 57; 12:49; 16:15; Eph. 3:11) - The plan for salvation was set in the mind of God. Jesus executed that plan to perfection (it had to be perfect or it wouldn't work!) through the power of the Holy Spirit. The plan was according to the Father’s will. Jesus did not ‘fly by the seat of His pants’. He followed the plan.

vs. 5: - God is worthy! (See: Rev. 4:11). God is eternal! (See: Deut. 33:27; Isa. 9:6; Mark 16:20; John 3:36; 1 Tim. 1:17, 6:16; Rev. 1:20, 6:23, 16:26).

***

Note 1: See the following Bible verses for a better view of God rescuing Israel:
Exo. 6:1 Watch what I am going to do!

• Exo. 7:20-21 - Blood on the water
• Exo. 8:6-7 - Frogs
• Exo. 8:17 - Gnats
• Exo. 8:23-24 - Insect swarms
• Exo. 9:6-7 - Livestock died
• Exo. 9:10-11 - Boils
• Exo. 9:23-25 - Thunder, hail and fire
• Exo. 10:12-15 - Locusts
• Exo. 10:22-23 - Darkness
• Exo. 12:29-30 - Death