The Jerusalem meeting
Galatians 2:1–10FocusThe gospel acknowledged
Connection to the wholePaul describes recognition of his ministry and resistance to a demand that would bring Gentile believers into bondage.
interpretation Galatians 2:16
KJVKnowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
Read it in context
The confrontation at Antioch
Start reading at Galatians 2:11 (Galatians 2:11 to Galatians 2:21).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Peter's withdrawal from Gentile fellowship leads Paul to explain why justification and life in Christ cannot be rebuilt on the law as their basis.
- 2:11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
- 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
- 2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
- 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
- 2:15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
- 2:16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
- 2:17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
- 2:18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
- 2:19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
- 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
- 2:21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul the apostle is the author, with the brethren who are with him included in the greeting. Biblical references: Galatians 1:1; Galatians 1:2. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (Galatians 1:1–2:21): Paul addresses the Galatian churches concerning a different gospel and recounts his calling and dealings with the other apostles. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The churches of Galatia, including Gentile converts being pressed about circumcision and observance of the law. Whether the destination is northern or southern Galatia remains debated. Biblical references: Galatians 1:2; Galatians 4:8; Galatians 5:2. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The confrontation at Antioch. Read Galatians 2:11 through Galatians 2:21 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Peter's withdrawal from Gentile fellowship leads Paul to explain why justification and life in Christ cannot be rebuilt on the law as their basis. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter responds to an active dispute affecting the Galatian churches. Its modern dating depends in part on identifying the visit and communities under discussion. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The churches of Galatia are addressed. Jerusalem, Antioch, Arabia, and other places occur in Paul's account; the precise location of writing is not explicitly stated. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The confrontation at Antioch (Galatians 2:11 to Galatians 2:21). Start reading at Galatians 2:11. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? Paul argues from Christ's giving of Himself, redemption, and the promise to Abraham. He rejects reliance on the law as the basis of justification while calling the readers to walk in the Spirit. See Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Defend the gospel without using liberty as an occasion for the flesh. Keep the letter's calls to faith working through love and perseverance in doing good alongside its rejection of boasting in the law. interpretation
Cited: Galatians 2:11, Galatians 2:21, Galatians 1:4, Galatians 3:13, Galatians 3:16, Galatians 5:16
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself, and notes writing in his own hand.
Galatians 1:1Galatians 6:11
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
What is debatedThe destination, north or south Galatia, is debated, which affects the date.
Related passages
- that Gal 2:19 Gal 3:10-12 Gal 5:4 Job 9:2-3,29 Job 25:4 Ps 130:3-4 Luke 10:25-29 Acts 13:38-39
- but Gal 3:13-14,22-24 Gal 4:5 Rom 1:17 Rom 3:21-26,28,30 Rom 4:5-6,24-25 Rom 5:1-2,8-9 Rom 8:3,30-34 1 Cor 6:11
- we have Gal 2:20 John 6:68-69 John 20:31 Acts 4:12 1 Pet 1:2,8-9,18-21 1 Pet 2:24 1 Pet 3:18 2 Pet 1:1
- for Gal 3:11 Ps 143:2
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
Galatians 2
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Galatians 1:1 Galatians 1:2 Galatians 1:6 Galatians 3:27 Galatians 5:16
FocusConduct consistent with the gospel
Connection to the wholePeter's withdrawal from Gentile fellowship leads Paul to explain why justification and life in Christ cannot be rebuilt on the law as their basis.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
Galatians
Paul addresses the churches of Galatia concerning a departure from the gospel and pressure to take on circumcision and the law as the basis of justification. His defense of grace and faith is joined to baptism into Christ, life in the Spirit, and warnings against the works of the flesh.
Galatians 1:1 Galatians 1:2 Galatians 1:6 Galatians 3:27 Galatians 5:16
FocusAuthority, fellowship, and justification
Connection to the wholePaul recounts his calling and encounters with other leaders to defend the gospel against a requirement that would undermine justification through Christ.
interpretation Promise and the law
Galatians 3:1–4:31FocusAbraham, sonship, and freedom
Connection to the wholePaul reasons from Scripture and the readers' experience, explaining the relation of promise, law, and their identity in Christ.
interpretation Freedom lived through the Spirit
Galatians 5:1–6:18FocusLove, holiness, and mutual responsibility
Connection to the wholeThe practical conclusion rejects both a return to bondage and the misuse of liberty, calling for Spirit-led conduct and perseverance in doing good.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.