ESSENTIAL UNITY/GALATIANS 2:1-10

I don’t think that I need to spend too much time discussing with you the importance of unity. For we all know, first hand, the sting of disunity in the family, the church, and the work place. This was Paul’s concern in our text this morning. Paul was concerned about the "essential unity" of the apostles on the nature of the gospel of Jesus Christ, especially as it related to the salvation of the Gentiles. Paul knew that the gospel of Christ would be compromised and it’s power to save would be lost, if one or any of the apostles got the gospel message wrong in the least. So, Paul goes to Jerusalem to verify the message, and to promote unity.

I) PAUL’S COMPULSION–VV.1-2

A) Paul, after fourteen years of preaching the gospel, was compelled by a divine revelation (v.2) to go to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus (v.1). God was stirring Paul to go to Jerusalem to visit the other apostles ("to those who were of reputation"), and there "submit to them the gospel which [he] preached to the Gentiles" (v.2). Notice with me an interesting phrase at the end of verse 2: "for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain." This may lead us to think that Paul was unsure of the message that he was preaching. But, this isn’t Paul’s point at all. Paul already made clear that his apostleship (1:1), and the message he preached (1:12) was given to him from God. Paul’s point is that he was concerned that the message the Jerusalem apostles were preaching was different than his. This concern was based on the message he heard preached by some in the Jerusalem church, these he called "false brethren" in verse 4. Because of what was at stake, Paul goes to the other apostles in private. Paul moves on to discuss his encounter with the other apostles.

II) PAUL’S ENCOUNTER WITH OTHER APOSTLES–VV.3-10

A) The key issue addressed in the conference of apostles was the salvation of the Gentiles. The backdrop of this letter is found in Acts 15, specifically the means by which Gentiles are saved cf. Acts 15:1-12. There we have it, some were saying that faith in Christ saves, but that obedience to the law is required to complete that salvation. So, it is Christ plus the keeping of the law, here primarily represented by circumcision (v.3). Paul says to do so is tantamount to being in bondage (v.4) to that which cannot save. Paul states that he did not give into pressure to appease anyone (v.5) at the expense of the truths of the gospel message–salvation is by the works of Christ alone, to which nothing can be added ... nothing!

B) Paul then relates what came of his meeting with the other apostles in verses 6-10. Here’s a summary: Paul’s message was not changed by the meeting (v.6), the apostles recognized that God had entrusted the gospel to Paul just as He did to Peter (vv.7-8), the apostles recognized the grace of God in Paul’s life and ministry (v.9a), and they sealed the deal with a handshake indicating they were all on the same page cf. Philippians 1:3-5 (v.9b), that Paul and Barnabas were sent to the Gentiles (v.9c), and that they were to remember the poor (v.10). Now, let’s consider some implications/applications from these verses.

III) IMPLICATIONS/APPLICATIONS

A) First, it is imperative that we confront disagreements head on. Our love for Christ and others is the driving force behind such confrontations. What could, possibly, be at stake that would compel us to confront someone? As in Paul’s case, the gospel message which is intricately tied to the glory of God and the salvation of men, women, and children. So, something of eternal significance could be at stake. A brother or sister’s spiritual maturity could be at stake. A person or a church’s testimony or effectiveness could be at stake. And, all this implies that we have looked at our own lives before confronting others cf. Matthew 7:1-5; Galatians 6:1.

B) Second, we ought to be concerned about doctrinal unity, especially on points that are crucial. Disunity among believers should move us to pray and to search the Scriptures. Unity is a primary issues. Truth is absolute, not relative or subject to change. We cannot afford to be less than doctrinally precise, as again much is at stake. Paul is teaching us that it matters whether Christians agree on crucial doctrines of the faith. Here’s why: "True fellowship in Christ arises from a mutual understanding of the gospel, a mutual love of that truth and of the Lord it glorifies."

C) Third, there is a temptation to appeasement we need to be aware of. This is in reality a fear of man issue. If we will not confront, or we are not too concerned about doctrinal precision, then we either don’t love Christ and His people, or we are fearful of what others may think of us. Paul teaches us the it is more important that we please God at all costs–reputation, possessions, or life.

D) Finally, we need to know this crucial doctrinal point: The only news that is really good news is that right standing with God is secured through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and can only be enjoyed through faith in Christ. In other words, any requirements that cause us to rely on our works, and not Christ’s work, is the end of the gospel.