Read Galatians 2:1–5

This matter arose because some false brothers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves.

Galatians 2:4

Echoes of the Jerusalem Conference are heard repeatedly in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Paul mentioned the “yoke of slavery” (Gal. 5:1), reminding us of Peter’s similar warning (Acts 15:10). The themes of liberty and bondage are repeated often (Gal. 2:4; 4:3, 9, 21–31; 5:1), as is the idea of circumcision (Gal. 2:3; 5:3–4; 6:12–13). Today’s Christians need to appreciate afresh the courageous stand Paul and his associates took for the liberty of the gospel. Paul’s concern was “the truth of the gospel” (Gal. 2:5, 14) not the peace of the church. “Peace at any price” was not Paul’s philosophy of ministry, nor should it be ours.

Ever since Paul’s time, the enemies of grace have been trying to add something to the simple gospel of the grace of God. They tell us that a man is saved by faith in Christ plus something—good works, the Ten Commandments, baptism, church membership, religious ritual—and Paul made it clear that these teachers are wrong. In fact, Paul pronounced a curse on any person (human or angel) who preaches any other gospel than the gospel of the grace of God. It is a serious thing to tamper with the gospel.

Something to Ponder

Have you ever been tempted to pursue peace at any price instead of truth? Explain.