(Deuteronomy 4:2 [KJV]) Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I
command you.
(Proverbs 30:5, 6 [KJV]) Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
(Isaiah 28:10 [KJV])
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little:
(Isaiah 28:13 [KJV])
But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
(2 Peter 1:20 [KJV])
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
All of the studies, book or topical, found here, are done with research with mainly two things: The KING JAMES BIBLE and a plain old, 1828 Webster's Dictionary. Why? Outside of actually studying secular and Jewish history, archaeology, one needs nothing more. You do not need foreign, dead languages that no one speaks, lexicons, concordances or commentaries, because they differ not only with one another and with the KING JAMES BIBLE, but they create division, confusion, debate, and unbelief. We do not need them. That Word of God written and preserved for us in our own language is supposed to be enough, like the Old Testament was for the Jews, and the New Testament for the early Christians in Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, German, etc. There are studies within as tangents on words, subjects found within the two testaments, as to broaden the scope of the study, to learn more, deeper truths. This is not an intellectual site with PhDs, theologians, and no worldly wisdom.. Check everything out, everything. Not just here, but with everything you read and see and hear. Be Bereans:
(Acts 17:11 [KJV])
These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.
Always research for yourself, use all of the context, and never privately interpret!
Galatians Chapter 2
GALATIANS CHAPTER 1:17, 18 [KJV])
Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days.
GALATIANS CHAPTER 1:21-23 [KJV])
Afterwards I came into the regions of Syria and Cilicia; And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ: But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
(Galatians 2:1 [KJV])
Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with [me] also.
Three years in Arabia, Damascus, then to see Peter, then back to Syria, and Cilicia (in Turkey, Asia Minor)
Now we are back in Jerusalem after another fourteen years.
Close to two decades? More than that? A long time has passed, many years reading, studying, preaching, teaching, discipling
Paul was very independent, needing no help from anyone but seeking it only from the LORD Himself, as we all should
Being saved from the Law and that high position into God's grace, he appreciated liberty, freedom, more than those who were "not too religious" as Jews.
(Galatians 2:2 [KJV])
And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
God had brought him there, revealing great fruit to come from it beforehand
Knowing the hard culture of anti-Christian persecution, legalism, etc. Paul had to resort to being covert about it.
Men "of reputation"...nearly always unteachable, arrogant, a waste of time. They want to know what seminary you went to, if you have any Christian books written, where you are a mainstream pastor, how many you run on Sunday mornings, etc. They want to know how much the world knows and loves you, not God. This was why it had to be privately, to avoid them being ashamed, exposed
This was because of fear by Jews of the persecution, the hatred of the Gospel by the Pharisees/Sadducees/Romans
Being kicked out of the synagogue, family stigma, etc. was and still is a great trauma to many Jews
Paul knew what happened to Jesus, His disciples and anyone who preached the Gospel in front of the Jewish leadership...persecution, leading to abject fear, terror, retraction, and resultant lack of fruit, like giving that which is holy to dogs, like pearls before swine, having to wipe the dust from your feet and moving on.
(Matthew 7:6 [KJV])
Give not that which is holy unto the dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.
(Galatians 2:3 [KJV])
But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:
"But neither" means that Paul rejected it as well
Some fruit, a saved-by-grace Gentile who did not keep the law, as would have been required by, say, Peter
This is the liberty we have as believers-not to have to follow a law we could never keep, in order to be saved.
Obeying God's Word keeps us in fellowship, but only AFTER we are saved eternally, a major theme in this epistle
(Galatians 2:4 [KJV])
And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
Apparently this practice from 2,000 years ago still goes on...false "Christians", false teachers, false "apostles", etc. entering the church, bringing in their heresies
"False brethren brought in unawares" has a purpose. A nefarious one, which is to disrupt the gospel message and coprrupt the people.
These are "false brethren", not believers. The problem, then as now, is that too many are undiscerning and cannot tell the difference, making them targets, prey, victims
In every case, it is always a works-based salvation, before getting saved (in order to) or afterwards ("to not lose one's salvation").
As said here, the cults, false teachers enslave their victims with their lies, as lies always enslave those telling them and those receiving them
The liberty we have IN CHRIST JESUS, outside of Whom there is no liberty, just enslavement to sin
(Galatians 2:5 [KJV])
To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.
Paul, being "an Hebrew of Hebrews" would never have tolerated their doings, as soon as he found out.
Subjection: voluntarily letting them be over you, submitting to their "authority"
All exposure to false teaching is harmful. Immediately, short term, long term, lifelong, for eternity
All exposure of false teaching is necessary and can also be harmful, dangerous, even deadly
As well, the Gospel is hindered in the body when false teachings are allowed to fester
SUBJECTION, n.
The act of subduing; the act of vanquishing and bringing under the dominion of another.
The conquest of the kingdom and the subjection of the rebels--
The state of being under the power, control and government of another. The safety of life, liberty, and property depends on our subjection to the laws. The isles of the West Indies are held in subjection to the powers of Europe. Our appetites and passions should be in subjection to our reason, and our will should be in entire subjection to the laws of God.
(Galatians 2:6 [KJV])
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed [to be somewhat] in conference added nothing to me:
When heretics arrive, they seem to bring friends who are likeminded, to bolster their false position, teaching, doctrine
Even in numbers, great or small, the truth is what always wins when we stand up for it
God accepts people when they abide by His Word; He rejects whosoever goes against it
(Galatians 2:7 [KJV])
But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as [the gospel] of the circumcision [was] unto Peter;
It is exactly the same Gospel, two groups of people-Jew, Gentile (Greek, heathen)
In the same way that Peter was to the Jews, Paul was sent to the heathen. No difference
The reason is simply that the Jews had the Old Testament, the Law, the promises of salvation through their Messiah
The Gentiles, Greeks, heathen only would know about this Jewish Messiah through the Jews
The Jews had the Creator God; the Gentiles had and still have their own "god of the gaps", "evolver god". Today we have "millions of years" evolutionists as church leaders, using their "Gap Theory" to prop up this lie.
This is why Paul told the Gentiles, Greeks first about the Creation/Creator, then Who the Saviour is and why he told the Jews who their Messiah is from their own Scriptures, foretold
Same Gospel, different angle to come from
(Galatians 2:8 [KJV])
(For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)
Same God, two different people groups, same gospel, teaching the same Christ, with two different approaches
To the Jews (circumcision): THE LAW, YOUR LAW, does not save you. Your Messiah does, by grace through faith
To the Gentiles (uncircumcision): The Creator God Who made you, the only true God, the Messiah to the Jews, now saves you, by grace through faith. This means everything and everyone else you call a god is not one.
(Galatians 2:9 [KJV])
And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we [should go] unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.
Some saved Jews got it, and were not afraid of being kicked out of the Synagogue by their leaders
They understood that salvation was by grace to all, including the chief sinner Paul
They understood their own ministry, and that of Paul and Barnabas being to other people
(Galatians 2:10 [KJV])
Only [they would] that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
The persecution of the Christians brought much abject poverty
Their only relief was from other Christians, often
Forward here means eager, earnest, bold, ardent. "Quick! Take your pick!"
(Galatians 2:11,12 [KJV])
But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
This is how we are to correct doctrinal error(s)
A person who teaches false doctrines must be confronted to the face
Keeping the law, a works salvation in any way, if a false doctrine to be corrected
All cults, from the R.C.C., S.D.A., the Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, the Amish, "The Jesus Movement", the modern day "revivals", the New Agers, etc. have works salvation
It is their hallmark, their badge of honor, part of their initiation process
(Galatians 2:13 [KJV])
And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.
They faked being Jew-ISH and held the Gentiles under the law, forsaking grace
Dissimulation is just the act of dissembling
DISSEMBLE, v.t. [L.]
To hide under a false appearance; to conceal; to disguise; to pretend that not to be which really is; as, I will not dissemble the truth; I cannot dissemble my real sentiments. [This is the proper sense of this word.]
To pretend that to be which is not; to make a false appearance of. This is the sense of simulate. Your son Lucentio doth love my daughter, and she loveth him, or both dissemble deeply their affections.
DISSEMBLE, v.i. To be hypocritical; to assume a false appearance; to conceal the real fact, motives, intention or sentiments under some pretense. Ye have stolen and dissembled also. Josh 7. He that hateth, dissembleth with his lips. Prov 26.
(Galatians 2:14 [KJV])
But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before [them] all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
Apparently, when he was away from the Jews, Peter acted like a Gentile among the Gentiles. ONLY when, was the issue.
Knowing that the his own law does not save, never did, never will, there was no reason for Peter to teach Gentiles to keep the Jewish law
This keeping of the law, this forcing others to do likewise is called "walking not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel", by Paul here
What this means is that the Gospel is not about keeping the law, but walking in grace, to be saved, and then walking with Jesus after
Publicly rebuking Peter was necessary since, it appears, Paul may have spoken to him privately, previously
Paul asked the reason for this heresy. I am supposing that the reply was, "Uh, um, well, um, you, uh, see, uh"
(Galatians 2:15 [KJV])
We [who are] Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,
Paul is not even implying that only Gentiles are sinners, but rather "sinners of the Jews" versus "sinners of the Gentiles"
SINNERS ALL, JEW AND GENTILE
(Psalms 53:3 [KJV])
Every one of them is gone back: they are altogether become filthy; [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.
(Isaiah 53:6 [KJV])
All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
(1 Peter 2:25 [KJV])
For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
(Romans 3:9-10 [KJV])
What then? are we better [than they]? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
(Romans 3:19-23 [KJV])
Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law [is] the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God [which is] by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
All of Romans chapter three, in context, in fact the entire epistle, affirms this.
(Psalms 14:3 [KJV])
They are all gone aside, they are [all] together become filthy: [there is] none that doeth good, no, not one.
Cover to cover, it is very clear that nothing in any place, in context, not privately interpreted, says our works will save us, but rather faith in the shed Blood of the LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ
All have sinned, all are guilty before the Father without the Blood of the Righteous Lamb Jesus Christ
It teaches also that the law was given to show us that we could not keep it, that we are fallen sinners, incapable of saving ourselves
(Galatians 2:16 [KJV])
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
"even we have believed in Jesus Christ", as in "even us, the chosen nation of God", owing to the fact that the leadership had so been into themselves, thinking that their law keeping would save them, and teaching others also
More context of being saved by grace through faith, not the law, not works, not our own "righteousness"
NO FLESH, not a single person, Jew, Gentile, no matter, will be saved by works, by the law, by our own "righteousness"
Thinking we are righteous outside of Christ, in our flesh, by the law is SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS
Not only that, but we further cannot STAY in God's Saving Grace, nor LOSE His saving Grace (our salvation) by keeping that law, as His sons and daughters, but rather be disciplined as children, not cast out as aliens
(1 Corinthians 15:50 [KJV])
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
(Galatians 2:17 [KJV])
But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, [is] therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid.
Justified by Christ, not by our own works
There you go. Saved by grace, declared righteous by God, in His sight, through the precious Blood of Christ, an yet still found sinners, in the flesh, carnal, because our flesh is not saved, our soul is
Flesh, Spirit, opposites, like black and white, light and dark, righteous and unrighteous, guilty and innocent, grace and law, works and faith, heaven-bound and hell-bound, saved and unsaved
It is not the fault of Jesus that we are sinners, in that we have a sin nature and we sin.
(Galatians 2:18 [KJV])
For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.
"Building again" what Paul destroyed is propping up the flesh to keep the law again and negate faith, grace
Persecuting Christians, to death
Living under the Old Testament Law + all of the many added laws of the Jews
Again, this means living under the law and not by faith in Christ, believing in Him for our salvation only makes us transgressors
He destroyed them by walking in faith, the faith of Jesus Christ
"The things which I destroyed" is deliberately keeping the law to get saved
(Galatians 2:19 [KJV])
For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.
"I through the law" is the law of faith, making Paul and us dead to the law of man
It is one or the other, only
This is because the law of faith kills the law keeping, for salvation, for being declared righteous before God
(Galatians 2:20 [KJV])
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
We die in the flesh and live in the Spirit because Jesus lives
Once again we see faith is the agent, allowing God's grace to pour out and freely flow to us
When we crucify the flesh, the Spirit remains alive and sustains us
This is what the "nevertheless" is all about since, in our finite minds, crucifying only means death
In this instance, it means more life, not death at all
(Galatians 2:21 [KJV])
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness [come] by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Working for salvation or to keep it means Jesus died for nothing
"To frustrate" here is to interrupt, or defeat, or nullify
If we could be righteous before God without Jesus Christ, then God sent His Son to die.......for nothing whatsoever
FRUS'TRATE, v.t. [L. frustro.]
Literally, to break or interrupt; hence, to defeat; to disappoint; to balk; to bring to nothing; as, to frustrate a plan, design or attempt; to frustrate the will or purpose.
To disappoint; applied to persons.
To make null; to nullify; to render of no effect; as, to frustrate a conveyance or deed.
