Galatians 2 — Verse by Verse Bible Study | 365 Days of Grace & Worship

Galatians 2 recounts Paul's confrontation with Peter in Antioch — the most dramatic episode of apostolic conflict in the NT — and presents justification by faith in its most concise form.

⚔️ Paul Confronts Peter (2:11-14)

Gal 2:11-14

"But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned... But when I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all..."

Paul's confrontation with Peter is the most dramatic episode of apostolic conflict in the NT. Peter, out of fear of the Judaizers, separated himself from the Gentiles — practically denying what he confessed theologically. Peter's hypocrisy was theologically fatal: it implied that Gentiles needed the law to be accepted.

⭐ Justification by Faith (2:15-21)

Gal 2:16

"Yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified."

The central thesis of Galatians: justification by faith in Christ, not by works of the law. Repeated three times in one verse for emphasis. Erga nomou — works of the law: not only merit-based works but the entire practice of the Mosaic law as a system of access to God.

Gal 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Paul’s most autobiographical verse. The Christian life is defined by: (1) co-crucifixion with Christ — death of the autonomous self; (2) Christ living in me — the life belongs to Him; (3) faith in the Son of God; (4) personal love — 'who loved me and gave himself for me.'

The Truth of the Gospel in Antioch

⚔️ Paul Confronts Peter (2:11-14)

⭐ Justification by Faith (2:15-21)