Read Galatians 2:1-5

Today’s text begins with the words, “Fourteen years
later…” A lot happened during those fourteen
years, including Paul’s first missionary journey. You can read about it in Acts 13-14.

After more than a decade of leading one of the most
successful Christian ministries in history, Paul feared his efforts may have
been misguided and useless. How did he
deal with his fears?

Do you ever feel unsure about the Christian message or the
work you are doing for Jesus? How will
you respond to your doubts and fears?

What did Paul conclude about the message he had been
preaching and the work he had been doing?

Journaling

Read Galatians 2:6-10

For a better understanding of the events in this section
read the account in Acts 15:1-21.

Does Paul’s visit to Jerusalem
cause him to change his message?

What did James, Peter and John conclude about Paul and his
message?

At the conclusion of their meeting with Paul, the Christian
leaders asked that Paul remember the poor.
What does this say about the importance of concern for the poor in the
Christian faith?

Journaling

Read Galatians 2:11-14

Why did Peter stop eating with Gentiles? To help you answer this question read Acts
10:27-28.

How were Peter’s actions contrary to the Gospel?

What cultural customs do Christians force on people
today? Have you participated?

Reflect on Paul’s confrontation of Peter. What principles do you see in this example?

Journaling

Read Galatians 2:14-16

What is the difference between being justified by observing
the law and being justified by faith in Christ?

Why can no one be justified by observing the law?

How does Paul connect Peter’s actions with trying to be
justified by the law?

Do you ever think or act as though you were justified by
observing a law, instead of by faith?

Journaling

Read Galatians 2:17-21

How could the doctrine of justification by faith be used to
promote sin?

Is it necessary to die to the law in order to live for God?

What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? Does this reality affect your daily life?

How would the possibility of being justified by the law
negate the value of Christ’s death?

Journaling

Paul wrote the letter to the Galatian Christians to affirm
the true Gospel and refute a false gospel – one based on the Jewish law. He wrote about his own life story and his
personal struggle with this false gospel.
Paul began telling his story in chapter one and continues in chapter
two.