2. Galatians, #3 Justification by faith in Christ rather than by Works of the Law Biographical Argument- Independent Revelation Part 2, Gal.2:1-21

3. Galatians, #3- Biographical Argument, Independent Revelation  Remember where we’ve been so far: >Paul is seeking to combat the perversion of the gospel that Gentiles had to be circumcised (and keep the Law of Moses) in order to be justified before God. >After announcing his fears relative to this distortion of truth, he is seeking to make his point first from his own experience- the Biographical Argument for his independent revelation.

4. Galatians, #3- Biographical Argument, Independent Revelation  His main points from chapter 1 were: >You have deserted Christ for a different gospel, vv.6-8 >My gospel is not according to man because: -I said so, vv.11-12 -I was a persecutor, vv.13-14 -Jesus chose me to preach to the Gentiles, vv.15-16 -I did not confer with men, vv.17-24 Now, we’re ready for the completion of these points.

5. Galatians, #3- Biographical Argument, Independent Revelation  Chapter 2: Completion of Biographical Argument for Independent Revelation. v.1- “Then…” refers back to 1:16-18 where he: >did not immediately confer with men, v.16 >nor did he go to Jerusalem to the other apostles, v.17 >then, 3 years later, he met Cephas and James, vv.18-19 >then went to Syria and Cilicia, v.21 His point is still the independence of his revelation.

6. Galatians, #3- Biographical Argument, Independent Revelation  Chapter 2: Completion of Biographical Argument for Independent Revelation. v.1- “Then, after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem” with Barnabas & Titus. v.2- he went because of revelation, the H.S. had previously revealed to him and he had preached truth, Acts 13:1-2, but,the question needed to be settled for the brethren in Jerusalem also, Acts 15:1-6. v.3 Not even Titus was compelled to be circumcised, cf. Acts 16:3.

7. Galatians, #3- Biographical Argument, Independent Revelation  Chapter 2: Completion of Biographical Argument for Independent Revelation. v.4- “False brethren” insisted upon circumcision. v.5- But the “truth of the gospel” was maintained. v.6- Even those of “high reputation… contributed nothing to me”- they did not add to the revelation I had received from Jesus! vv.7-10- Instead of denying Paul’s revelation, they accepted and rejoiced in it. Despite all of this, there would continue to be great problems plaguing the church regarding it.

8. Galatians, #3- Biographical Argument, Independent Revelation  Chapter 2: Completion of Biographical Argument for Independent Revelation. The Hypocrisy of it all, vv.11-17. vv.11-12- Peter’s hypocrisy v.13- The detrimental effects of hypocrisy even affected Barnabas, cf. Acts 4:36-37; 9:26- 27; 11:22,30. vv.14-17- Paul’s argument against the hypocrisy: >race relations, v.14 >Jews were not saved either by race or the Law, but by Christ- so why make the Gentiles Jews? vv.15-17

9. Galatians, #3- Biographical Argument, Independent Revelation  Chapter 2: Completion of Biographical Argument for Independent Revelation. Paul’s personal experience, vv.18-21 v.18Why would he seek now to rebuild (separation between Jew & Gentile) when he had previously worked to destroy it? He too would be an hypocrite! v.19He died to the Law to live to God! >by being crucified with Christ, v.20, cf.6:14 >but such does not nullify grace, it enables it! cf. 5:4

10. Galatians, #3- Biographical Argument, Independent Revelation  Conclusions: 1. Paul’s gospel past and present was not perverted- theirs was! 2. His came by independent revelation: -independent from other men, -independent from other Apostles. 3. His independence is further underscored by relating the detrimental effects of Peter’s (and the Jews) hypocrisy toward the Gentiles.

11. Galatians, #3- Biographical Argument, Independent Revelation  Take Home Points: 1. We had better be sure of the source of our revelation, cf. 1John 4:1. 2. Hypocrisy still has very detrimental effects on people outside and inside the church! 3. If we would live in the grace of God through Jesus Christ, we must crucify our old man of sin, 2:20 > 6:14!