Tag: Paul

Exclusion

It is unlikely that we  are going to find ourselves in exactly the same boat as the Galatian church. The issue of circumcision is unlikely to come up in our churches.  So, what does the application of Galatians 2 have to do with us? I asked the question at our Life Group one evening and… Continue reading Exclusion

Infiltration

One big question that comes up as we read through Galatians is “How were the agitators able to be so successful?”  It seems that they had already managed to infiltrate the Jerusalem church quite significantly when Paul and Titus visited (2:1-10).  They also were able to get Peter to cooperate with them, even though it… Continue reading Infiltration

Saving Titus

One of the striking things in Galatians 2 is the pivotal role that Titus plays in the drama.  Titus is part of Paul’s team and he goes to Jerusalem with him. Paul tells us that Titus is not compelled to be circumcised.  We can skim read it as an incidental extra but actually, the point… Continue reading Saving Titus

Is Racism a Gospel issue?

This issue became controversial following the death of George Floyd and the resulting #BlackLivesMatter protests.  Quite a few churches sought to take the issue of racism and prejudice seriously  with pastors publicly repenting from sin.  Significant thought leaders such as Tim Keller had been arguing for some time that racism is a gospel issue.  Whilst,… Continue reading Is Racism a Gospel issue?

No U-Turn

In the musical, The Phantom of the Opera, towards the end, the Phantom makes his move to bring Christine fully under his power. He commits murders and then she removes his mask on stage exposing him.  He sings “Past the point of no return” arguing that there is now no going back, they are fully… Continue reading No U-Turn

Face to face

Would you draw a connection between who you had round for dinner and whether or not you really believed the Gospel?  Paul did. A look at the text: Read Galatians 2:11-14 When Paul had visited Jerusalem, he had found himself in agreement with Peter but at a later date, Peter had reason to visit the… Continue reading Face to face

One Gospel only

Here are my notes from a sermon I preached a few years back on Galatians 1:6-2:10. I think it may have been for Nueva Vida. Introduction Nakhi Wells –footballer offered better deal at rival club –seen as a traitor How do we know that a better religious offer is not out there? Christian faith may… Continue reading One Gospel only

Invited to dinner

Overview of Galatians 2 In chapter 2:1-9, Paul continues to emphasise that he independently and directly received the Gospel but also that it was confirmed and affirmed by the other apostles. Importantly, there was agreement on the status of Gentile believers like Titus who were welcomed and offered fellowship without any additional obligations such as… Continue reading Invited to dinner

Zeal and righteousness

In Galatians 1:14, Paul describes his extreme zeal with regards to the Law (both written and oral traditions).  Commentators associate this idea of zeal with a fascinating incident from the Old Testament.[1] The incident is referred to in Psalm 106:30-31 and described in Numbers 25:1-9.  In Numbers 24, a prophet called Balaam had attempted to… Continue reading Zeal and righteousness