BIBLE STUDY: GALATIANS

CHAPTER TWO

SETTLING DIFFERENCES

SUMMARY

Fourteen years after Paul went to Galatians to correct the twisted gospel, Paul prompted by revelation to meet those who were of reputation along with Titus (gentile (Greek)) and Barnabas. Few attendants of this meeting demanded that Titus circumcise which Paul refused. Paul viewed the demand as bring gentile back to bondage after Christ set them free. Finally, those of reputation saw that the gospel of the uncircumcised was to Paul just as the circumcised given to Peter.

Later on in Antioch , Peter who was at first willing to eat with Gentiles; later on withdrew when some Jewish Christians came from James. The rest of Jews and even Barnabas was carried away by Peter's action. The situation prompted Paul to step in and confront Peter in the presence of all. Paul stressed that we are justified by faith in Christ and not by the work of Law, otherwise Christ died in vain.

Objectives:

•  To understand that why it is necessary to rebuke hypocrisy

•  To understand that righteousness comes only by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ

Reading : Galatians 2: 1- 21

Study questions:

•  Why did Paul go to Jerusalem ? Who accompanied Paul in his journey? (Act 11:30 , 15:1-2) How did Paul know the need for the meeting? What was the purpose of the meeting? Why Paul refused to circumcise Titus when he circumcises Timothy (Act 16: 1-3)? What does circumcision mean for Children of Abraham? (Genesis 17: 10-11; 4 – 8)

•  Who were the attendants of the meeting (Act 15:4-5, 6) what was the theme of the meeting? (Act 15:6) How did God approve Gentiles (Act 11: 15 -17, 15: 8-10, Roman 8: 5-11) How important are poor in the gospel of Christ? (Pro. 14:31, Matt. 25:40, V 2:10) How did the leaders resolve their differences? (V 2:7-9)

•  Why did Paul decide to confront Peter at Antioch (V 12)? What are the negative attributes of hypocrisy? (Act 10: 13-16, 11:3)? What are the points Paul mentioned to rebuke Peter? (V 15 -21) Do you see hypocrisy at our church? Some people call this a doctrine of loose living, what is your comment?

•  What do you learn from this conflict resolution? What is our experience of conflict resolution (confrontation and discussion)? How important do you see this discussion or confrontation for the unity of Gospel and believers? Discuss about Walking in straight path in line with the truth of Gospel as it applies to your personal life. V 14