Defending the Gospel

Chapter 2. Defending the Gospel

Galatians 1:10-2:10

Drawing Near

In this section, the apostle Paul defends his credentials in order to prove the authority and authenticity of his message. In what ways do you think credentials are important? At the time this was written, people may not have known Paul. But today, if you are a Christian, you know Paul. So I think credentials is the human way of recognizing someone for their past efforts. Credentials provide a way to reach people that you may not have reached before.

In what settings do you view a person's credentials as irrelevant? Once you know a person, their credentials are irrelevant. You know them by their acts, and your interaction with them. You know them personally. Credentials are not important.

The Context

After establishing churches in the region of Galatia on his first missionary journey, Paul learned that his work there was being undermined by a group commonly identified as the Judaizers. These Jewish loyalists were fiercely devoted to Mosaic ceremonies, standards, and practices and felt that Paul's gospel message was too far removed from its Jewish roots. They also argued that Paul's teaching was too easy and did not properly require enough demands of its adherents.

The Judaizers' response to this troublemaker named Paul was to try and thoroughly discredit him by attacking his credentials as an "apostle" of Christ. The strategy worked. Some Galatian believers began to question Paul's authority and legitimacy. Furthermore they questioned his motives. Most important, they began to doubt his message.

For all those reasons, Paul set out to defend his apostleship (1:10-2:10), explaining that he had been appointed by God and not by human beings. He offered a brief biographical sketch of important events in his life to further defend his calling and prove the authenticity of the gospel of grace he proclaimed. Then by recounting the details of his most significant trip to Jerusalem after his conversion, Paul offered convincing evidence that the message he proclaimed was identical to that of the other twelve apostles. By his coming, his companions, his commission, and his commendation, Paul powerfully demonstrated that he was of one truth and one spirit with the other twelve apostles. His gospel was independent in terms of revelation but identical in terms of content.

Paul's concern was not his own popularity or personal success, but God's truth. At stake was the very integrity of the gospel.

Keys to the Text

Apostle: "One who is sent with a commission:' An apostle was chosen and trained by Jesus Christ to proclaim His truth during the formative years of the church. In its primary usage, the term applied to the original twelve disciples chosen by Jesus at the beginning of His earthly ministry to lay the foundation of the early church. Jesus also gave them the power to perform healings and to cast out demons as verifying signs of their divine authority. Because Paul was not among the original twelve, he needed to defend his apostleship. One of the qualifications was witnessing the risen Christ (Acts 1:22). Paul explained to the Corinthian church that between His resurrection and ascension Jesus "was seen by Cephas [Peter], then by the twelve ... After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also" (1 Cor. 15:5-8). Paul witnessed the resurrected Christ in a unique way as he traveled to Damascus to arrest Christians there (Acts 9). Further personal appearances of the Lord to Paul are recorded in Acts 18:9; 22:17-21; 23:11; and 2 Corinthians 12:1-4.

Unleashing the Text

Read 1:10-2:10, noting the key words and definitions next to the passage.

Galatians 1:1-9 (NKJV)(NLT) ¹⁰For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ. ¹¹ But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. ¹² For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ. ¹³ For you have heard of my former conduct in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God beyond measure and tried to destroy it. ¹⁴ And I advanced in Judaism beyond many of my contemporaries in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. ¹⁵ But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb and called me through His grace, ¹⁶ to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood, ¹⁷ nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me; but I went to Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. ¹⁸ Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and remained with him fifteen days. ¹⁹ But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord's brother. ²⁰ (Now concerning the things which I write to you, indeed, before God, I do not lie.) ²¹ Afterward I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. ²² And I was unknown by face to the churches of Judea which were in Christ. ²³ But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy." ²⁴ And they glorified God in me. ^2:1 Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and also took Titus with me. ² And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. ³ Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. ⁴ And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), ⁵ to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. ⁶ But from those who seemed to be something--whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man--for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me. ⁷ But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter ⁸ (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), ⁹ and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. ¹⁰ They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.

still pleased men (v. 10) ”Paul's previous motivation when he used to persecute Christians on behalf of his fellow Jews

a bondservant of Christ (v. 10) ”Paul had become a willing slave of Christ, which cost him a great deal of suffering from others (6:17). Such personal sacrifice is exactly opposite the goal of pleasing men (6:12).

make known to you (v. 11) ”The strong Greek verb used here would often introduce an important and emphatic statement (see 1 Cor. 12:3).

the gospel ... not according to man (v. 11) The gospel Paul preached was not human in origin or it would have been like all other human religions, permeated with "works righteousness" earning salvation by good works born of human pride and Satan's deception.

neither received it from man, nor was I taught it (v. 12) ”This is in contrast to the Judaizers, who received their religious instruction from rabbinic tradition. Most Jews did not study the actual Scriptures; instead, they used human interpretations of Scripture as their religious authority and guide. Many of their traditions were not only not taught in Scripture, but also contradicted it.

through the revelation (v. 12) ”This refers to the unveiling of something previously kept secret, in this case, Jesus Christ. While he knew about Christ, Paul subsequently met Him personally on the road to Damascus and received the truth of the gospel from Him (Acts 9:1-16).

Judaism (v. 13) ”the Jewish religious system of works righteousness, based not primarily on the Old Testament text but on rabbinic interpretations and traditions; in fact, Paul will argue that a proper understanding of the Old Testament can lead only to Christ and His gospel of grace through faith (Gal. 3:6-29).

persecuted (v. 13) ”The tense of this Greek verb emphasizes Paul's persistent and continual effort to hurt and ultimately exterminate Christians.

advanced ... beyond (v. 14) ”The Greek word for "advanced" means "to chop ahead", much like one would blaze a trail through a forest. Paul blazed his path in Judaism (see Phil. 3:5-6), and because he saw Jewish Christians as obstacles to its advancement, he worked to cut them down.

exceedingly zealous (v. 14) ”Paul demonstrated this by the extent to which he pursued and persecuted Christians.

traditions of my fathers (v. 14) ”the oral teachings about Old Testament law commonly known as the "Halakah." This collection of interpretations of the law eventually carried the same authority as, or even greater than, the law (Torah) itself; its regulations were so hopelessly complex and burdensome that even the most astute rabbinical scholars could not master it by either interpretation or conduct.

separated me from my mother's womb (v. 15) ”Paul is not talking about being born, separated physically from his mother but being separated or set apart to God for service from the time of his birth. The phrase refers to God's election of Paul without regard for his personal merit or effort (see Isa. 49:1).

called me through His grace (v. 15) ”This refers to God's effectual call. On the Damascus Road God actually brought Saul, whom He had already chosen, to salvation.

reveal His Son in me (v. 16) ”Not only was Christ revealed to Paul on the Damascus Road, but in him as God gave him the life, light, and faith to believe in Him.

preach Him among the Gentiles (v. 16) ”Paul's specific call to proclaim the gospel to non-Jews

confer with flesh and blood (v. 16) ”Paul did not look to Ananias or other Christians at Damascus for clarification of or addition to the revelation he received from Christ (Acts 9:19-20).

Jerusalem ... Arabia ... Damascus (v. 17) ”Rather than immediately travel to Jerusalem to be instructed by the apostles, Paul instead went to Nabatean Arabia, a wilderness that stretched east of Damascus down to the Sinai peninsula. After being prepared for ministry by the Lord, he returned to minister in nearby Damascus.

three years (v. 18) the approximate time from Paul's con-version to his first journey to Jerusalem. During those years he made a visit to Damascus and resided in Arabia, under the instruction of the Lord; this visit is discussed in Acts 9:26-30.

up to Jerusalem (v. 18) Travelers in Israel always speak of going up to Jerusalem be-cause of its higher elevation.

see (v. 18) ”better translated "to become acquainted with"

Peter (v. 18) ”the apostle who was the personal companion of the Lord and the most powerful spokesman in the early years of the Jerusalem church (Acts 1-12)

I do not lie (v. 20) ”The directness of this statement indicates that Paul had been accused by the Jewish legalists of being a liar who was shameless or deluded.

Syria and Cilicia (v. 21) This area included Paul's hometown of Tarsus he preached in that region for several years. When word of revival in that area reached Jerusalem, they sent Barnabas (see Acts 11:20-26). Paul stayed in that region as a pastor in the church at Antioch. Then, with Barnabas, he went from there on the first missionary journey (Acts 13:1-3) and, afterward, returned to Antioch (Acts 13:1-3). From there they were sent to the Jerusalem Council (Acts 14:26-15:4).

fourteen years . . . again to Jerusalem (2:1) ”This was the period from the time of his first visit to Jerusalem (Gal. 1:18) to the one to which Paul refers here, which probably was for the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15:1-22), called to resolve the issue of Gentile salvation. Linguistically, the word "again" need not refer to the next visit; it can just as easily mean "once again" without respect to how many visits took place in between. Paul did, in fact, visit Jerusalem during that fourteen-year period to deliver famine relief to the church there (Acts 11:27-30; 12:24-25), but he does not refer to that visit here since it had no bearing on his apostolic authority.

Barnabas (v. 1) ”Paul's first ally who vouched for him before the apostles at Jerusalem (Acts 9:27) and who became Paul's traveling companion on his first missionary journey (Acts 13:2-3)

Titus (v. 1) ”a spiritual child of Paul and a coworker (Titus 1:4-5); as an uncircumcised Gentile, Titus was fitting proof of the effectiveness of Paul's ministry.

by revelation (v. 2) ”This revelation from God was the voice of the Holy Spirit. Paul referred to the divine commissioning of his visit in order to refute any suggestion by the Judaizers that they had sent Paul to Jerusalem to have the apostles correct his doctrine.

those who were of reputation (v. 2) ”the three main leaders of the Jerusalem church: Peter, James (the Lord's brother, 1:19), and John (see v. 9). This phrase was typically used of authorities and implied a position of honor. Paul referred to them in a similar way two other times (vv. 6, 9), suggesting a hint of sarcasm directed toward the Judaizers, who claimed they had apostolic approval for their doctrine and Paul did not; they had likely made a habit of exalting these three leaders at Paul's expense.

might run ... in vain (v. 2) ”Paul hoped the Jerusalem leaders would support his ministry to the Gentiles and not soften their opposition to legalism. He did not want to see his ministry efforts wasted because of conflict with the other apostles.

compelled to be circumcised (v. 3) ”At the core of the Judaizers' works system was the Mosaic prescription of circumcision. They were teaching that there could be no salvation without circumcision (Acts 15:1, 5, 24). Paul and the apostles denied that assertion, and it was settled at the Jerusalem Council. As a true believer, Titus was living proof that circumcision and the Mosaic regulations were not prerequisites or necessary components of salvation. The apostles' refusal to require Titus's circumcision verified the church's rejection of the Judaizers' doctrine.

false brethren (v. 4) ”the Judaizers, who pretended to be true Christians; yet their doctrine, because it claimed allegiance to Christ, was opposed to traditional Judaism, and, because it demanded circumcision and obedience to the Mosaic Law as prerequisites for salvation, was opposed to Christianity.

to spy out (v. 4) ”The Greek word pictures spies or traitors entering by stealth into an enemy's camp. The Judaizers were Satan's undercover agents sent into the midst of the church to sabotage the true gospel.

liberty (v. 4) ”Christians are free from the law as a means of salvation, from its external ceremonial regulations as a way of living, and from its curse for disobedience to the law ”a curse that Christ bore for all believers (3:13). This freedom is not, however, a license to sin (5:13).

bondage (v. 4) ”conveys the idea of absolute slavery to an impossible system of works righteousness

those who seemed to be something (v. 6) ”another reference to Peter, James, and John

personal favoritism (v. 6) ”The unique privileges of the Twelve did not make their apostleship more legitimate or authoritative than Paul's ”Christ commissioned them all (see Rom. 2:11). Paul never saw himself as apostolically inferior.

for the uncircumcised (v. 7) ”better translated "to the uncircumcised"; Paul preached the gospel primarily to the Gentiles (also to Jews in Gentile lands, as his pattern was to go to the synagogue first; see Acts 13:5).

circumcised ... Peter (v. 7) ”Peter's ministry was primarily to the Jews.

He who worked effectively in Peter ... in me (v. 8) ”The Holy Spirit, who has but one gospel, empowered both Peter and Paul in their ministries.

pillars (v. 9) emphasizing the role of James, Peter, and John in establishing and supporting the church

the right hand of fellowship (v. 9) ”In the Near East, this represented a solemn vow of friend-ship and a mark of partnership. This act signified the apostles' recognition of Paul as a teacher of the true gospel and a partner in ministry.

remember the poor (v. 10) ”a practical reminder for Paul and the growing ranks of Gentile Christians; the number of Christians in Jerusalem grew rapidly at first (see Acts 2:41-45; 6:1), and many who were visiting the city for the feast of Pentecost (Acts 2:1, 5) remained and never returned to their homes; while the believers initially shared their resources (Acts 2:45; 4:32-37), many had little money, and for years the Jerusalem church was economically pressed.

1) What does Paul reveal as the driving force behind his actions in the past? How does that compare with his current motivation? In the past he was drive by the beliefs of his father, and the Jewish religion. But the driving force for preaching the gospel is the commission by Jesus. The Lord has commanded him to spread the gospel. He is driven not by man, but by God.

2) How does Paul's conversion demonstrate the truth of election and give authority to his ministry? (Verse to consider: jer. 1:5) Paul was chosen by God for his ministry. Paul did not chose on his own. He was not taught by man, but by Jesus.

3) Where and how did Paul receive his initial preparation for ministry? On the road to Damascus, when he was blinded by Jesus. He converted and was commissioned by Jesus to preach the gospel.

4) When Paul eventually conferred with the other apostles, how did they react to his message and his ministry among the Gentiles? How does this contribute to the argument Paul is making about the authenticity of his message? They accepted that Paul was given his ministry through Jesus Christ. Paul was to preach to the gentiles, just as Peter preached to the Jews.

Going Deeper

Read Philippians 3:1-14 for more insight into the dangers of legalism.

*Philippeans 3:1-14 (NKJV) (NLT)*** ¹ Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. For me to write the same things to you is not tedious, but for you it is safe. ² Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation! ³ For we are the circumcision, who worship God in the Spirit, rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, ⁴ though I also might have confidence in the flesh. If anyone else thinks he may have confidence in the flesh, I more so: ⁵ circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; ⁶ concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness which is in the law, blameless. ⁷ But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. ⁸ Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ ⁹ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; ¹⁰ that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, ¹¹ if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. ¹² Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. ¹³ Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, ¹⁴ I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Exploring the Meaning

5) What is Paul's attitude toward his religious "credentials"? They were given to him through Jesus, not through man. Religious leaders have nothing to add to him.

6) How does Paul's testimony in Philippians 3 corroborate his statements in Galatians 1:10-2:10? We must rely on what Jesus did for us. The law means nothing any more. We are to live with Christ within us.

7) Read Genesis 17:9-14. What was the point of circumcision for the Jews? (Verses to consider: Rom. 4:9-12) It was a way to show obedience to God. A way to separate his chosen people from the rest of the world.

8) Read Acts 15:1-22. How did the events and decisions of the Jerusalem Council give credence to Paul's apostolic claims? They agreed that the gentiles that accepted the gospel, and Christ, did not need to be circumcised. That God has called all people to Him, not just the Jewish. Also that the Jewish traditions should not interfere with the calling by God.

Truth for Today

No human explanation or influence could account for the 180-degree turn-around in Saul's life. He had been like a runaway freight train that crushes everything in its path. He had lost control of his life and was without restraint. His legalistic zeal had put him on a headlong course of destruction from which no natural force short of death could have deterred him. His apostolic calling could only have been supernatural and sovereign, completely apart from human testimony or persuasion (though he may have heard much truth from the Christians he captured).

Reflecting on the Text

9) If a group of religious people attacked your character and motives and accused you of propagating a suspect faith, how would you answer them? What evidence would you marshal to establish your authenticity as a servant of the Lord Jesus Christ? I would use scripture and the story of the gospel. I think it is easier now to defend the gospel because it is written. In Paul's time, he traveled and preached the gospel only through his words. He had to convince people to believe. Today, we have 2000 years of the church that represents the belief in the gospel.

10) Like Paul, most ministers face a pretty steady barrage of accusations and unwarranted attacks. How can you (concretely and practically) offer encouragement to your pastor today? In fellowship, in support, in truth, and in spirit. We can pray. We can ask God for guidance in how to support our church and our pastors.

11) Identify at least three areas where your actions are motivated primarily by the desire to please other people. What would change if pleasing God became your sole motivation? Earning money to live is motivated by earthly pleasures. Having a bed to sleep in, and food to eat for myself, and others that rely on me is of daily importance. It is hard to imagine a life fully dedicated to Jesus, and without worry on how I would live.

12) Which of your credentials ultimately matters the most? How can you better use your gifts, experiences, and training to serve the Lord more effectively this week? I don't know. I think ultimately my belief in Jesus is the credential that shapes the rest of my actions the most. My love for God, my family, and living an earthly life with eyes toward heaven.

Personal Response

Write out additional reflections, questions you may have, or a prayer. Dear heavenly Father, thank you for this study. Help me open my eyes to how I can better live an earthly life according to your will. It is clear that none of our actions on earth can interfere with your plan for grace and mercy. It is your love that rules the universe. Our actions are not going to change that. But I believe we can please you with our actions. Maybe you can smile upon us. I know I pray for help, and I am counting on your mercy and grace for salvation, but also in my earthly life. Help me understand more, and be a person that you gladly smile upon, and help. Amen

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