Paul begins telling us about his second trip to Jerusalem (v 1); remember his first trip was three years after his Damascus Road experience (Galatians 1:18-19). This trip is 14 years later, so 17 years after Paul's Damascus Road experience (and so then 17 years after Jesus' resurrection). Going back to the first chapter, Paul emphasized that he learned the gospel from Jesus and God through the Holy Spirit...not by sitting at the feet of the apostles. Barnabas and Titus are with Paul; Titus is one of Paul's most respected and loved disciples of Paul as he talks about him often (and he was a Gentile convert). Do you have a most trusted and respected follower? Who has been your mentor?
Titus was accepted even though he wasn't circumcised (v 3); this shows that the Jewish authority accepted Titus and Paul's interpretation of grace (remember- circumcision was required of all Jewish males, usually at birth, however if an adult male converted later in life, he would need to be circumcised; symbolic of the Mosaic covenant). We begin to see a movement way from "the laws" and a movement to openness and acceptance. Do/have "laws" in the church cause division? However, some of the "false brethren" demanded Titus' circumcision (v 4) and probably had the goal of causing dissension and troubles for Paul. Do you know of "false brethren" that like to cause problems by following exact protocol and "laws" without grace?
The "authority" of the church (probably the apostles) approved Paul's message (vv 6-7) and didn't add anything. Paul emphasizes again that his message was from God, not from man. Why do you think Paul continues to stress this point? He respects their apostolic authority, he just doesn't add to his message with their words.
The apostolic authority (vv 7) approved Paul's message of grace (non-Jews don't need circumcision to receive the grace of God). Paul's ministry was primarily to the Gentiles (v 8-9); Peter's ministry was primarily to the Jews. Paul is basically allowed to continue his ministry to the Gentiles, but to also remember the poor (v 10). Paul was very active in mission for the poor.
Peter approved Paul's ministry (v 9); however later, when Peter comes to Antioch (Paul's home church), he changed and wouldn't associate with the Gentiles (v 11+), especially when confronted by James and a few other of the Jewish authority! How soon they forget that Jesus ate with the sinners, lepers, etc! How often do people you know change their behavior based on who they are with and who will possibly see them?
Paul confronts Peter (v 14) face to face, publicly! This was obviously a serious problem for Paul! Do we know people that say one thing and do something different? Have you ever confronted them? The point Paul is trying to make is for Peter to not be so hypocritical! Hmmm...sounds like the church- hypocritical! Imagine the scene: they are all at the church potluck lunch in Antioch. Everybody is getting along: Jewish Christians, Gentile Christians. Then some "real Jews" come in and Peter and Barnabas shun the Gentile Christians away from the table and have them go to their separate table to finish eating! Public humiliation of the Gentile Christians!
Paul continues with his interpretation of the Gospel (v 16): it is not the works that we do, the laws that we follow that justify us, it is faith and belief in God that justifies us! Paul firmly believes that the Gospel call is not for following the laws, but for having faith in God, and no matter what we do (as far as following the laws) doesn't improve our justification and salvation. These words are similar to those used by Martin Luther in the Reformation: justification by faith, not by works. That's the whole point of Christ! When Peter left the table, he was following the law, but Paul believes that isn't necessary-- what is necessary is faith in God. Thoughts?
Paul ends this chapter with some powerful words about his life (vv 19- 21). Paul doesn't say the laws is dead, Paul says that he is dead to the laws. The laws showed Paul he could never live up to the laws and fulfill their holy standards. That's also what Jesus was talking about for his ministry- the New Covenant. The laws make us guilty before God, not justified. As Paul understood these things, he began to realize that Christ was living inside him! Imagine the relief and feelings Paul musty have had. Do we experience that feeling- of Christ living in us? Paul ends (v 21) by saying, if all we had to do was follow laws, then Christ's death was a waste! Way to go Paul! The crux of the gospel in a simple statement!
Enjoy the rest of the day and think about these statements by Paul!
Shalom+
Pastor Paul
Oh my goodness, this is one of those chapters that I read in my KJV and almost got near the meaning but then lost it LOL - so I read it in another version and then back to KJV. HA - followers? Um, no Mentors? Lots! Every person that is knowledgeable about their faith and/or their religion teaches me something new through conversations. (Although I understand that is a very loose interpretation of mentor) The reasoning of Paul in this chapter does remind me of Jesus talking to the Pharisees about the laws; such as, working on the Sabbath and the ritual involved in washing of hands. Is following the laws of the OT and the Jewish faith justify us with God or following the intent of what Jesus meant for us to do - how we are to live justify us ? However, there are some laws that Jesus intends us to follow - the Ten Commandments from the OT and the two commandments that Jesus gave us! I love how Paul calls out Peter - and publicly as well! Paul definitely practiced what he preached!! HOWEVER, there are MANY places in Paul's letters where he does expect the Christians he is talking to to behave in a certain way - isn't that a law? Paul was very confident in what he preached, but it did seem like he was looking for a little bit of a justification from the "leaders" to make sure he was on the right path. And I find it interesting that he and Peter make the agreement of who they will take the gospel to. I think faith and belief is exactly what is necessary! That is why, personally, I take exception when I hear that we only need to demonstrate our works to show we are Christians - we MUST also talk our faith. Faith without works is dead - but works without the verbal part? - I think is also not enough! With Paul he did a complete transformation in his life. I am very sure that he felt like he had died and was reborn with Christ. In my Bible Paul ends his letter by saying "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. I do not frustrate the grace of God; for it righteousness come by the law, the Christ is dead in vain." I love that - I live by the faith of the Son of God! Paul certainly had a way with words! I hope I live that way
ReplyDeletePaul's writing is sometime confusing...this seems to be of the easier letters to read, but I get it-- you figure you have it, then he throws something in to lose you again!
DeleteThe point both Jesus and Paul were making is that obedience to the Laws don't justify you with God- its faith, and like you said the big commandments. There were so many Mosaic Laws, nobody could be found right!
Paul does expect us to be nice, be Godly, etc...and we are to do that out of love of God, not because of the Laws.
I have gotten in to many discussions with people about "faith without works" as I always come back with "works without faith"
Great thoughts Donna, Thanks!
Paul's mission was traveling around the Roman Empire, preaching, writing many letter to the churches, building up not tearing down, spreading the words of God to all. It's not mans laws but Gods. The simple truth is our nation today is a lot like back then.Hopefully we well all get this message, have faith, Christ in us.
ReplyDeleteBuilding up- very true...but he does chastise and correct when needed! We are all hoping for faith and peace to return! Nice words Rose Marie!
DeleteIt seems at the beginning of the chapter that paul may be doubting himself a little as he goes back to Jerusalem and meets with the leadersof the church to make sure he is preaching right? He was supported however there were still the false believers or spies that were there that still questioned the belief of the laws of the church and traditions They still wanted the Gentiles to be converted to Jews.
ReplyDeleteThw leaders accepted that Paul was teaching the Gentiles and Peter the Jews and wanted that to continue but to br more helpful to the poor. It was amazing that Paul scolded Peter for trying to makee the Gentiles follow the law of being circumcised
It was stressed that the law was not how you are saved but by your faith in Jesus and the grace of God. Once we believe in Jesus we then follow the ten Commandments etc. and do good but by following these only will not save us from our sins If we only follow laws and the commandments to be saved why was Jesus even here?
I think Paul was checking his thoughts- making sure he was on the right track! And the spies didn't even want the Gentiles to be converted! Paul corrects- sometimes harshly- when he needs to!
DeleteRight- the Laws are not what saves us- it is faith and belief in the Trinity. There were too many Laws to follow that nobody could even come close to being right!
Nice comments CLara!
"We begin to see a movement way from "the laws" and a movement to openness and acceptance." I took this sentence from Pastor's commentary. I think that we always need rules and guidance but maybe not so much "law". I have to wonder why it's so threatening to some people to move away from strict law and towards grace. Probably they fear a lack of control. I've known so many people who are so conflicted in their minds because they just don't agree with the laws of their church- and I am one of them.
ReplyDeleteOnce when my son was about 4 he asked me why we had to pray since God was in us and knew everything we thought. That's hard to explain to a 4 yr. old. I think understanding Justification by faith is difficult too. Intention is a powerful part of prayer and faith. We know what to say and do, it's doing truly because of our faith that makes it different.
I guess this is as clear as mud.
Cathy
Good point- guidelines are needed- not always laws! And I do think it is fear of loss of control when we move away from the Laws...grace is too mushy of an emotion- hard to measure!
DeleteTough question from your son- I look at prayer like conversation- it is good just to talk sometimes! And doing things because of faith solidifies our faith and brings us closer to God! Good points Cathy! Thanks!
I have finally read Chapter 1 and I left some comments on the previous page.
ReplyDeleteIn my translation, the word Law is always capitalized. Is Paul referring to Jewish law here? I he is, he is subrogating Jewish law to the word of Christ, which is exactly what he wants to do. If he is not referring to Jewish law, is he referring to Roman law. I think that he is talking about Jewish law as he refers to the circumcised and the uncircumcised. As far as church laws creating division, Paul doesn't mention, nor would he know about, the current division in the church caused be the Gay Rights movement. I like to think that I am open minded, but I am not. The truth is that I do not understand homosexuality.
There are lots of people, including myself, who say or do something and mean or do something different. This "class" of folks includes practically every politician who ever professed to be a politician. Look at how Biden pressed for unity in his inaugural address, but whose actions are for everything but unity. Shameful, but we are all guilty of this at sometime or another. The word "hypocritical" is very apt here.
Paul was not one of the original 12 disciples, but I believe that he became a better Christian than some of the original 12. I say this since he has Jesus "inside" him (i.e., this is how he professes his faith to the world.) See verse 20. He also states that the Jews and Gentiles are on an equal footing with God. Circumcised or uncircumcised makes no difference to God or to Paul. It's interesting that the topic of circumcision, which is so widely used in the Bible is such a private matter to us. I guess that is a difference in the times.
Correct- the Laws that Paul speaks of are the Mosaic and Levitical laws that all Jews had to follow to be right with God. The point Paul (and Jesus) were making is that there are so many Laws- you could never be right with God. If you have faith, then you will act and respond better and the Laws are then not needed.
ReplyDeletePaul does not speak of sexuality in this book- but he will later. There are some hurt feelings on both side of the sexuality issue and it is a tough issue to find a solution to.
Good point in the end- Paul is a "better" Christian because of Christ living in him! And in Paul's eyes (and Jesus/God) all people are equal- Jew or Gentile- circumcised or not. And yes- circumcision is a private matter now. Traditionally there was a large gathering when a boy was circumcised!
Great comments Jack- Thanks!