Getting Caught (Galatians 2:3-6)

“Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.  This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.  We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.  As for those who were held in high esteem – whatever they were makes no difference to me: God does not show favoritism – they added nothing to my message.”

Galatians 2:3-6

Observations

A little context is helpful for this passage.  Titus had been with Paul in Rome, the central area for Jewish believers.  Paul is communicating that Titus had been accepted there without having to be circumcised.  The gospel is a message of freedom from earning salvation.  Rejecting those who wanted Titus to conform was rejecting adding to the gospel.  Also, it is God who dictated what is and is not a follower.  Paul is saying even those in high leadership did not get to determine what the gospel is.  

The problem Paul sees is that there are those among the believers pushing to distort the gospel and place people  into bondage.  Throughout church history there have had to be movements that shed added teachings and behaviors from the gospel.  The Reformation was not the first, nor will it be the last move to shed hindrances to the gospel. 

Questions for Curiosity

• How do we treat those who try and place us into bondage? 
• What if they hold positions of authority?  If they are held in high esteem?
• Are we giving up our freedom in Christ Jesus? 
• Do we find it easier to wrap ourselves and others with rules and expectations?  

Further Reflections

“Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.  You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all.  You know what happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached — how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.

We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem.  They killed him by hanging him on a cross, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen.  He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen — by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.  He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 

All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.  

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message.  The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles.  For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”

Acts 10:34-46a

Explore with Curiosity

Below is a conversation worth approaching with curiosity.