Galatians 2:1-10
- dispensationofgrac
- May 5
- 3 min read
The Council of Jerusalem Part 1: Why did it happen?
Outline for Galatians 2:1-10
I. Paul’s Authority Confirmed by Revelation (Galatians 2:1–2)
Paul goes up to Jerusalem "by revelation" — not summoned by men, but by Christ's direct instruction.
He meets privately with those "of reputation" (Peter, James, John, etc.).
Teaching Point:
Paul's gospel (the gospel of the grace of God) is distinct and not derived from the Twelve.
His ministry is Gentile-focused, not kingdom-Israel focused.
Cross-Reference:
Ephesians 3:1–9 (The mystery revealed to Paul).
II. Titus as a Test Case (Galatians 2:3–5)
Titus (a Gentile) was not compelled to be circumcised.
Judaizers tried to spy out the liberty believers have in Christ.
Paul refuses to yield to legalism "no, not for an hour."
Teaching Point:
Grace and liberty in Christ must be protected.
Circumcision (and law-keeping) is not a requirement for salvation in the Body of Christ.
Cross-Reference:
Colossians 2:10–17 (complete in Christ, not judged by ordinances).
III. The Right Hands of Fellowship — Two Ministries, Two Audiences (Galatians 2:6–10)
Peter, James, and John perceive the grace given to Paul.
They recognize two spheres of ministry:
Peter and the Twelve → apostleship to the circumcision (Israel).
Paul and Barnabas → apostleship to the uncircumcision (Gentiles).
Agreement to remember the poor (Acts 11:27–30), but ministries remain distinct.
Teaching Point:
God's plan includes Israel's earthly kingdom and the heavenly Body of Christ.
They are not merged but operate concurrently during Acts.
Cross-Reference:
Romans 11:11–15 (salvation to Gentiles due to Israel's fall).
What led up to the council?
Two different programs, both true and from God, being preached simultaneously
There was real tension between these groups
Old Covenant vs New Covenant vs New Creature
Old Covenant: Mosaic Law. Israel is a nation separate from all others. God’s blessing
The New Covenant: A Better Version of the Old Covenant
Deuteronomy 30:1-9
New Covenant promised: Jeremiah 31:31–34, Ezekiel 36:25–27, Hebrews 8:6–13
Improvements Over the Old Covenant:
Internalized Law – “I will put my law in their inward parts…” (Jer. 31:33).
Holy Spirit Indwelling – “I will put my Spirit within you” (Ezek. 36:27).
Unbreakable – Unlike the Old Covenant, which Israel broke repeatedly, the New Covenant will be upheld by God Himself.
Universal Knowledge of the Lord – “They shall all know me…” (Jer. 31:34). A time of complete national restoration and spiritual renewal.
Jesus teaching the new Covenant
Romans 15:8 - Jesus is the minister of the New Covenant
Matt 2:28/Hebrews 8:6 - Jesus gave His blood for the New Testament and for a better ministry
John 14:26 - the promised comforter
Matthew 5:17-19 – "Think not that I am come to destroy the law... but to fulfill... till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law..."
Matthew 23:1-3 – The message and law teachings of the Pharisees was not incorrect, the problem was they didn’t practice it.
Matt 6:24-33 - Supernatural provision
The Body of Christ: Not Under a Covenant
Israel’s New Covenant writes the law on their hearts (Jer. 31:33), but the Body of Christ is not under law—grace reigns (Rom. 6:14).
The New Covenant is with Israel and Judah (Heb. 8:8), but the new creature is “neither Jew nor Gentile” (Gal. 3:28, ).
Under the Old and New covenant, it is impossible for a Gentile to be saved apart from Israel
The New Covenant fulfills prophecy (Jer. 31:31), but the new creature was a mystery kept secret (Eph. 3:3-5, Rom. 16:25).
The New Covenant restores Israel in their land (Ezek. 36:24–28), but the new creature is seated in heavenly places (Eph. 2:6).
What the council wasn’t
It was not James and the crew coming together in unity with Paul
It was not the completion of the Jesus’ earthly ministry
It was not an agreement on doctrine while only dividing the missionary field.
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