Be Free Galatians 2:1-10 – “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which

Be Free we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of

Be Free the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.”

Be Free Verse 1: “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.” If it is 14 years after his conversion, then it could be his first recorded visit in Acts 11:30 Acts 11:30 – “Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”

Be Free Verse 1: “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.” If 14 years after his first visit to Jerusalem, then it would be recorded in Acts 15:2 Acts 15:2 – “When therefore Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain other of them, should go up to Jerusalem unto the apostles and elders about this question.”

Be Free Verse 1: “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.” Barnabas name means – “Son of encouragement”

Be Free Verse 2: “And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.” “And I went up by revelation” – The Holy Spirit revealed His will to “And communicated” – Literally set up for the consideration of others

Be Free Verse 2: “Privately” – To the recognized spiritual leaders, rather than the whole church body “Of reputation” – The apostolic leaders, men of eminence, held in high regard “Run in vain” – Lest I should be running in vain by misunderstanding and opposition Ephesians 4:3 – “Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

Be Free Verse 3: “But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:” “But neither” – Not even It is evident that the apostles in Jerusalem did not sanction their teaching that circumcision was necessary for salvation

Be Free Verse 4: “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:” “False brethren” – They profess, but do not possess Christ “Unawares brought in” – Smuggled in “Came in privily” – Sneaked in or infiltrated Christian churches “Spy out” – Carefully examine believers with hostile intent

Be Free Verse 4: “And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:” Two forms of legalism: Salvation / Performance based Spirituality / Performance based

Be Free Verse 5: “To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” “To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour” – Paul held his ground and did not yield to their demands Ephesians 2:8,9 – “For by grace are ye saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast.”

Be Free Verse 6: “But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:” “Whatsoever they were” – Referring to the Jerusalem apostles “Maketh no matter to me” – Paul received his apostleship directly from Christ

Be Free Verse 6: “But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:” “God accepteth no man’s person” – God is not impressed with man’s office Psalm 111:9 – “Holy and reverend is His name.”

Be Free Verse 7: “But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;” Paul / Gospel of uncircumcision Peter / Gospel of circumcision

Be Free Verse 8: “(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)” “Wrought effectually” – Energized by the inward power of the Holy Spirit Philippians 2:13 – “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

Be Free Verse 9: “And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” “Who seemed to be pillars” – The Jews used this metaphor to refer to their great leaders “Perceived” – Understood and accepted the grace of God given to Paul

Be Free Verse 9: “And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” “Right hand of fellowship” – Was given to equals and indicated a token of approval

Be Free Verse 10: “Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.” “Only” – One stipulation was emphasized: “Remember the poor”