Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem fourteen years later with Barnabas and Titus, where the pillar apostles (James, Cephas, John) added nothing to his gospel but gave the right hand of fellowship for ministry to the Gentiles. He narrates his public confrontation with Peter at Antioch for hypocrisy in withdrawing from Gentile table fellowship under pressure from James's associates, and declares that justification comes through faith in Christ, not works of law, concluding that if righteousness came through law, Christ died in vain.
Read Galatians Chapter 2 Summary
Original
Characters in This Chapter
Paul the Apostle
Apostle defending gospel freedom
Peter
Apostle whom Paul confronted over hypocrisy
Barnabas
Son of Encouragement
Titus
Paul's Companion and Church Leader in Crete
James, Brother of Jesus
Leader of the Jerusalem Church
John Mark
Author of the Gospel of Mark
Jesus Christ
Son of God, Messiah, Savior
Places in This Chapter
Jerusalem
View on MapJerusalem is the holiest city in Judaism and Christianity, central to the biblical narrative. King David captured it and made it his capital, and his son Solomon built the First Temple there. It was the site of Jesus' crucifixion, resurrection, and the birth of the Christian church at Pentecost. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout history.
Antioch
View on MapAntioch in Syria was the third largest city in the Roman Empire and became a major center of early Christianity. It was here that believers were first called "Christians." The church at Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey. The city was known for its diverse population of Jews and Gentiles worshipping together.
Position in Book
Defense of ApostleshipChapters 1-2
Paul's gospel came from Christ, confirmed by apostles.
Defense of GospelChapters 3-4
Life in FreedomChapters 5-6
Bible Bites
A Letter to Multiple Congregations
Unlike most of Paul's letters, Galatians was addressed not to a single church but to 'the churches in Galatia'—multiple congregations in the region. Paul had established these churches during his first missionary journey through cities like Antioch, Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe.
Galatians 1:2Paul's Angriest Letter
Galatians is the only Pauline letter with no thanksgiving or commendation for its recipients. Paul immediately confronts them: 'I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting' the gospel, showing his urgent concern over false teaching.
Galatians