Galatians 2
Ephesians 2 is divided into two major parts. The first (verses 1–10) describes our former condition and the change we experience in Christ. The second (verses 11–22) emphasizes that both Jews and Gentiles, along with all believers, have become one in Christ. This chapter clearly states that human salvation is accomplished entirely by God’s grace, and it shows how, through that grace, we are transformed from the past into a new community.
1verseThen after a period of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.
2verseI went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.
3verseBut not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.
4verseThis was because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who stole in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage,
5verseto whom we gave no place in the way of subjection, not for an hour, that the truth of the Good News might continue with you.
6verseBut from those who were reputed to be important—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God doesn’t show partiality to man—they, I say, who were respected imparted nothing to me,
7versebut to the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Good News for the uncircumcised, even as Peter with the Good News for the circumcised—
8versefor he who worked through Peter in the apostleship with the circumcised also worked through me with the Gentiles—
9verseand when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, those who were reputed to be pillars, gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision.
10verseThey only asked us to remember the poor—which very thing I was also zealous to do.
11verseBut when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned.
12verseFor before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision.
13verseAnd the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.
14verseBut when I saw that they didn’t walk uprightly according to the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?
15verse“We, being Jews by nature and not Gentile sinners,
16verseyet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.
17verseBut if while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a servant of sin? Certainly not!
18verseFor if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a law-breaker.
19verseFor I through the law died to the law, that I might live to God.
20verseI have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me.
21verseI don’t reject the grace of God. For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!”
Verses 1–10: Change Caused by Sin and Grace
In verses 1–3, it explains that everyone was spiritually dead because of sin and trespasses, and it states that we were, by nature, children of wrath. In verses 4–7, it emphasizes that God made us alive because of his great love and mercy, raised us up with Christ, and demonstrated his abundant grace. Verses 8–10 make it clear that we are saved by grace through faith—not because of our works, but because it is a gift from God. It also tells us that we were created for good works.
Verses 11–22: A Community United in Christ
In verses 11–13, it says that the Gentiles were once outsiders, excluded from the covenants, but now they have been brought near in Christ Jesus. Verses 14–18 proclaim that Jesus broke down the dividing wall between Jews and Gentiles, established peace, and made it possible for everyone to approach God in one Spirit. Verses 19–22 declare that all believers are now God’s household and a holy temple, being built together in the Spirit.
Meditation Points
- Take time to reflect on the essence of your past, present, and the change brought about by grace.
- Regarding the fact that all believers are one community, what walls or separation mindset do you have?
- Reflect on how a life lived by grace is revealed in your everyday life.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Let’s check how you experience and give thanks for God’s grace in your life.
- Consider what you can put into practice to bring peace and unity with the people around you.
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