Galatians 2

KJV

1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

2 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.

3 But neither Titus , who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:

4 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:

5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

6 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:

7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;

8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:)

9 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.

10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

11 But when Peter was come to Antioch , I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.

12 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.

13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

14 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?

15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles,

16 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.

17 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.

18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor.

19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God.

20 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.

21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

Verse Study & Connected Artifacts

Galatians 2:1

Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

Artifacts, Atlas & Encyclopedia

Biblical Geography & Maps

Book Map Interactive Book Map • Galatians

Galatians Map

Geographic map plotting ancient cities, rivers, mountains, and events recorded across the Book of Galatians.

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Encyclopedia Topics & Themes

Torah & Covenant The Call of Abram from Ur and Haran to Canaan, Isaac, and Jacob

Abrahamic Covenant & the Patriarchs

Called from Ur of the Chaldeans and Haran into Canaan (Genesis 12:1), Abram—renamed Abraham in Genesis 17:5—receives the covenant promise of land, numerous descendants, and blessing to all nations through Isaac and Jacob.

New Testament & Messiah From Pentecost in Jerusalem to Antioch, Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome

Early Church, Acts & Pauline Epistles

Following the ascension of Yeshua and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost in Acts 1–2, the apostolic community spread from Jerusalem and Judea to Samaria, Antioch, Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome, documented across Acts and the twenty-one New Testament Epistles.

Chapter Galatians • Chapter 1 (24 verses)

Galatians 1

Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;) And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace be to you and peace from God the Father, and from our Lord Jesus Christ, Mentions: Yeshua the Messiah, James (Jacob), Galatia, Jerusalem, Arabia, Damascus, Syria.

Chapter Galatians • Chapter 5 (26 verses)

Galatians 5

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a... Mentions: Yeshua the Messiah.

Chapter Galatians • Chapter 3 (29 verses)

Galatians 3

O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you? This only would I learn of you, Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? Are ye so... Mentions: Yeshua the Messiah, Abram/Abraham.

Chapter Galatians • Chapter 6 (18 verses)

Galatians 6

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something, when he i... Mentions: Yeshua the Messiah, Jacob/Israel.

Chapter Acts • Chapter 2 (47 verses)

Acts 2

And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and... Mentions: Joel, Jacob/Israel, Yeshua the Messiah, David, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia.

Chapter James • Chapter 2 (26 verses)

James 2

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay... Mentions: Yeshua the Messiah, Abram/Abraham, Isaac, Rahab.

People & Genealogical Figures

Yeshua the Messiah Messianic James (Jacob)

Places & Locations

Jerusalem • Antioch 1

Original-Language Lexicon

ἀλήθεια

aletheia [al-ay'-thi-a]

G0225 Greek noun feminine 109x

truth, truthfulness, truth

Primary meaning: truth, truthfulness, truth. Strong's: truth. Lexical nuances: truth (v. DB , iv, 818f.). Objectively, "the reality lying at the basis of an appearance; the manifested, veritable essence of a matter" (Cremer, 86): Ro 9:1 , al.; of religious truth, Ro 1:25 , al.; esp. of Christian doctrine, Ga 2:5 , al.; ἀ. θεοῦ , Ro 15:8 . Subjectively, truthfulness, truth , not merely verbal (cl.), but sincerity and integrity of character: Jo 8:44 , III Jo 3 . In phrases ...

Derivation: from G227 (ἀληθής);

Septuagint (LXX) Bridge:

LXX ⇄ H0530 LXX ⇄ H0571

Themes:

theology-proper epistemology

Key Scripture Passages:

ROM.9.1 ROM.1.25 GAL.2.5 ROM.15.8

εὐαγγέλιον

euangelion [yoo-ang-ghel'-ee-on]

G2098 Greek noun neuter 76x

a reward for good tidings, to make a thank-offering for good tidings, good tidings, good news

Primary meaning: a reward for good tidings, to make a thank-offering for good tidings, good tidings, good news, the gospel. Strong's: a good message, i.e. the gospel. Lexical nuances: in cl.,

Derivation: from the same as G2097 (εὐαγγελίζω);

Septuagint (LXX) Bridge:

LXX ⇄ H1309

Themes:

kerygma gospel

Key Scripture Passages:

MRK.1.15 ACT.15.7 ROM.1.16 GAL.2.2

φύσις

physis [foo'-sis]

G5449 Greek noun feminine 14x

nature, nature, origin, birth

Primary meaning: nature, nature, origin, birth, nature. Strong's: growth (by germination or expansion), i.e. (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native disposition, constitution or usage. Lexical nuances: nature , i.e.,

Derivation: from G5453 (φύω);

Themes:

anthropology nature

Key Scripture Passages:

JAS.3.7 2PE.1.4 EPH.2.3 ROM.2.27

ἐλευθερία

eleutheria [el-yoo-ther-ee'-ah]

G1657 Greek noun feminine 11x

liberty

Primary meaning: liberty. Strong's: freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial). Lexical nuances: liberty : with reference to the religious life, I Co 10:29 , II Co 3:17 , Ga 2:4 5:1 , I Pe 2:16 , II Pe 2:19 ; ὁ νόμος τῆς ἐ. , Ja 1:25 2:12 ; ἡ ἐ. τῆς δόξης , Ro 8:21 ; ἐπ’ ἐ. , Ga 5:13 (on which formula, cf. Deiss., LAE , 327 ff.; Cremer, 251).†

Derivation: from G1658 (ἐλεύθερος);

Septuagint (LXX) Bridge:

LXX ⇄ H2668

Themes:

soteriology liberty

Key Scripture Passages:

1CO.10.29 2CO.3.17 GAL.2.4 GAL.5.1

σπουδάζω

spoudazo [spoo-dad'-zo]

G4704 Greek verb 11x

to make haste, to be zealous, eager, to give diligence

Primary meaning: to make haste, to be zealous, eager, to give diligence. Strong's: to use speed, i.e. to make effort, be prompt or earnest. Lexical nuances: to make haste ; hence, to be zealous or eager, to give diligence : c. inf. (v. M, Pr. , 205 f.), Ga 2:10 , Eph 4:3 , I Th 2:17 , II Ti 2:15 4:9 , 21 , Tit 3:12 , He 4:11 , II Pe 1:10 3:14 ; c. acc. et inf. (on this construction v. Mayor in l.; MM, xxiii), II Pe 1:15 (for other constructions v. LS, s.v.).†

Derivation: from G4710 (σπουδή);

Septuagint (LXX) Bridge:

LXX ⇄ H0926

Themes:

ecclesiology ethics

Key Scripture Passages:

GAL.2.10 EPH.4.3 1TH.2.17 2TI.2.15

ἀποστολή

apostole [ap-os-tol-ay']

G0651 Greek noun feminine 5x

a sending away, discharge, dismissal

Primary meaning: a sending away, discharge, dismissal, a gift. Strong's: commission, i.e. (specially) apostolate. Lexical nuances: In cl., a sending away (MM, s.v.), as, an expedition (Hdt.).

Derivation: from G649 (ἀποστέλλω);

Septuagint (LXX) Bridge:

LXX ⇄ H7971

Themes:

ecclesiology apostleship

Key Scripture Passages:

ACT.1.25 ROM.1.5 1CO.9.2 GAL.2.8

παραβάτης

parabates [par-ab-at'-ace]

G3848 Greek noun masculine 5x

one who stands beside, the warrior who stands by the charioteer, a transgressor

Primary meaning: one who stands beside, the warrior who stands by the charioteer, a transgressor. Strong's: a violator. Lexical nuances: one who stands beside , the warrior who stands by the charioteer (cf. παραβαίνω , 1).

Derivation: from G3845 (παραβαίνω);

Themes:

hamartiology transgression

Key Scripture Passages:

GAL.2.18 JAS.2.9 ROM.2.25 ROM.2.27

Scripture Cross-References

Galatians 5:24

112 votes

“And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”

2 Corinthians 5:15

105 votes

“And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again.”

Romans 6:4

91 votes

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

Psalms 143:2

75 votes

“And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.”

2 Corinthians 4:10

67 votes

“Always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our body.”

Colossians 3:3

61 votes

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

Galatians 6:14

40 votes

“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.”

Romans 6:8

37 votes

“Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:”

2 Corinthians 13:5

30 votes

“Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?”

Romans 6:13

28 votes

“Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:10

21 votes

“Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.”

Galatians 1:4

20 votes

“Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:”

Galatians 2:2

19 votes

“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.”

Titus 2:14

18 votes

“Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”

John 17:21

16 votes

“That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.”

Romans 8:37

16 votes

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

Historical Commentaries

Geneva Study Bible Notes Geneva Reformers (1599)

Justified by the Faith of Christ, and Not by Deeds of Law

Galatians 2:16 — Not Justified by Works

Geneva Study Bible Note on Galatians 2:16: '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.' — Triple affirmation of justification by faith alone in Christ, explicitly denying that any flesh can be justified by legal works. Wherein the Apostle beateth down all trust in carnal ceremonies and human traditions, directing the church to seek its complete righteousness, sanctification, and eternal life in Christ alone.

Citation: The Geneva Bible: The Annotated Notes of 1599, ed. Laurence Tomson and Franciscus Junius (London: Christopher Barker, 1599), Galatians 2:16.

justificationfaithlaw-and-gospel

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible Matthew Henry (1710)

Justified by the Faith of Christ, and Not by Deeds of Law

Galatians 2:16 — Not Justified by Works

Observe here the glorious spiritual consolation of this apostolic scripture: '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.' Triple affirmation of justification by faith alone in Christ, explicitly denying that any flesh can be justified by legal works. We are taught in this sacred word to admire the unsearchable riches of Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Let the believer embrace this divine truth with living faith, mortifying the deeds of the body, and pressing forward in holy love and cheerful obedience to the glory of our Redeemer.

Citation: Matthew Henry, An Exposition of the Old and New Testament (London: J. Clark, 1706–1714), Galatians 2:16.

justificationfaithlaw-and-gospel

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown (1871)

Justified by the Faith of Christ, and Not by Deeds of Law

Galatians 2:16 — Not Justified by Works

Galatians 2:16 — Not Justified by Works. Exegetical and critical note on '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.': Triple affirmation of justification by faith alone in Christ, explicitly denying that any flesh can be justified by legal works. The original Greek syntax, rhetorical flow, and canonical connections establish the precise doctrinal import of the passage. The apostolic argument demonstrates the sovereign sufficiency of divine grace and the ethical necessity of holiness in the life of the regenerate community.

Citation: Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments (London: William Collins, 1871), Galatians 2:16.

justificationfaithlaw-and-gospel

Geneva Study Bible Notes Geneva Reformers (1599)

I Am Crucified with Christ: Nevertheless I Live

Galatians 2:20 — Christ Liveth in Me

Geneva Study Bible Note on Galatians 2:20: '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.' — The believer's vital union: co-crucified with Christ, living by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. Wherein the Apostle beateth down all trust in carnal ceremonies and human traditions, directing the church to seek its complete righteousness, sanctification, and eternal life in Christ alone.

Citation: The Geneva Bible: The Annotated Notes of 1599, ed. Laurence Tomson and Franciscus Junius (London: Christopher Barker, 1599), Galatians 2:20.

union-with-christsanctificationfaith

Matthew Henry's Commentary on the Whole Bible Matthew Henry (1710)

I Am Crucified with Christ: Nevertheless I Live

Galatians 2:20 — Christ Liveth in Me

Observe here the glorious spiritual consolation of this apostolic scripture: '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.' The believer's vital union: co-crucified with Christ, living by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. We are taught in this sacred word to admire the unsearchable riches of Christ, who is made of God unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Let the believer embrace this divine truth with living faith, mortifying the deeds of the body, and pressing forward in holy love and cheerful obedience to the glory of our Redeemer.

Citation: Matthew Henry, An Exposition of the Old and New Testament (London: J. Clark, 1706–1714), Galatians 2:20.

union-with-christsanctificationfaith

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, David Brown (1871)

I Am Crucified with Christ: Nevertheless I Live

Galatians 2:20 — Christ Liveth in Me

Galatians 2:20 — Christ Liveth in Me. Exegetical and critical note on '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.': The believer's vital union: co-crucified with Christ, living by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me. The original Greek syntax, rhetorical flow, and canonical connections establish the precise doctrinal import of the passage. The apostolic argument demonstrates the sovereign sufficiency of divine grace and the ethical necessity of holiness in the life of the regenerate community.

Citation: Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset, and David Brown, A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments (London: William Collins, 1871), Galatians 2:20.

union-with-christsanctificationfaith

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