Overview of Galatians 2

Says Galatians 2 has three sections: 2:1–10, the gospel recognized in Jerusalem; 2:11–14, Cephas opposed at Antioch; and 2:15–21, justified by faith, not by works of the law. After fourteen years Paul went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus, in accordance with a revelation, and set his gospel before those of repute. The leaders added nothing to him and gave the right hand of fellowship. At Antioch he opposed Cephas to his face. A person is not justified by works of the law but through faith; “we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus.” Through the law he died to the law, that he might live to God; he has been crucified with Christ, who loved him and gave himself up for him. He does not set aside the grace of God.

Implies The letter presents itself as Paul’s own word. The Jerusalem leaders recognized the grace given to him and did not alter his gospel. The charge at Antioch is the one the text itself gives. The believer’s life is now Christ’s life in him.

Uncertain Which visit in Acts 2:1–10 describes, how the fourteen years are counted, how the men from James stood to James, where the words to Cephas end, what “works of the law” are, how the genitive after πίστις is to be read, and how he died to the law through the law, are set out on their grounds in the notes and commentary that follow; no verdict is given here.