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Paul vs. the Apostles: Fight or Fiction? 

Sermon Text: Galatians 2:1-10

Theme: Despite pressure from false Christians to add to the gospel message and bring believers into bondage, the Church confirms the consistent teachings of the Apostle Paul, that salvation comes by God’s grace alone to all who believe.  

Structure/points:  Among other slanders lobbed at Paul, the heretics in Galatia seem to have been trying drive a wedge between Paul and the other apostles.  Paul’s teaching of salvation by grace alone was apparently out of step with the leaders in Jerusalem, who were supposedly requiring Gentiles to be circumcised.  Paul denied this.  In fact, he explained that such tactics had already been attempted and defeated by the Church in Jerusalem.  Paul and the other apostles were in total agreement that circumcision is not needed for salvation. Therefore, the Galatians should reject the heresy that threated to lead them into spiritual chains. 

  1. The Gospel was presented in Jerusalem (vv. 1-2)
  2. The Gospel was defended against false brothers (vv. 3-5)
  3. The Gospel was ratified by the Apostles (vv.  6-10)