JUSTIFIED BY THE FAITH OF CHRIST

Gal 2:15-16 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

As explained in this epistle, Paul had much interaction with the original apostles of Christ, as well as with other followers of Him. Three years after his conversion, Paul visited with the apostle Peter, as well as with James, the Lord's brother (Gal. 1:18-19), who was very influential in the church of Christ in Jerusalem. Whether he had seen these Christian men before this occasion, we are not told. Some years later, either after his conversion or his first visit, Paul once again went to Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas and Titus (Gal. 2:1). The time previous to this occasion, Paul had preached the gospel message of Jesus Christ among the Gentiles (Vs. 2). It was during this missionary ministry that Jewish converts into Christianity had tried to bring us into bondage - that is to require Christians to obey certain aspects of the Jewish law, such as circumcision. Paul sternly opposed such demands in order to protect the pure gospel message of salvation though Christ, which was not bound by the Law of Moses.

Just as Peter, and the other apostles, were given the divine mission of establishing the church of Christ among the Jewish nation (the circumcision), Paul, had been especially chosen by Jesus to preach His plan of salvation unto the Gentiles (the uncircumcision) (See Acts 9:15 & Gal. 2:6-8). It was on this second visit to Jerusalem that Paul met with some of the pillars of the body of Christ in this city. These strong leaders included, but were probably not limited to, James, Cephas (Peter), and John.

By revelation, Peter, while visiting in the city of Joppa, perceived that God is no respecter of persons. This resulted in his preaching of the Holy Spirit-inspired message of salvation to the obedient Gentile, Cornelius, and his household, which was followed by their submission to baptism for the remission of their sins (See Acts 10). Their acceptance into the body of Christ received further endorsement when Peter sat with them at their table and ate a meal with them. Upon returning to Jerusalem, the leaders of Jewish Christians from that city, confronted Peter about the social activity he engaged in by eating with Gentiles, which, under Jewish law, was forbidden (See Acts 11:1-3). This is the incident that Paul seems to refer to in verse 12 preceding the lesson text when he wrote, For before that certain came from James, he (Peter) did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he (Peter) withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.

It appears that the condemning accusation from the Jewish Christian brethren from Jerusalem for his action (eating with Gentiles) on this occasion, caused a great stir that resulted in Peter, as well as Barnabas (Vs. 13), withdrawing from their socialization with the Gentile converts. It was this action that Paul, in turn, condemned as un-Christian on the part of Peter, Barnabas, and others that wrongly upheld the Mosaic Law by compelling the Gentiles to live, as do the Jews (Vs. 14). For this, Paul withstood him (Peter) face to face, because he (Peter) was to be blamed (Vs. 11). Paul further accused Peter with this rhetorical question: why compellest thou the Gentiles to live, as do the Jews (Vs. 14)? The obvious answer is that since God is no respecter of persons, neither should the followers of Christ make such distinctions. In Christ all are one; all Christians are equal in the sight of God, and are to be equal in the sight of each other.

To bring Old Testament laws into the New Covenant between man and God, is to, in error, imply that works of, or obedience to, the Law of Moses is required in order to become, and remain faithful to the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Old Testament law was fulfilled in Christ (See Luke 24:44-49), and, at His death He took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross (Col. 2:14b); it was done away (2 Cor. 3:7 & 2 Cor. 3:7-14). It cannot be stated more plainly than Paul in the lesson text: Christians are justified (that is forgiven of their sins and reconciled to God) by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. Considering the lesson text in light of James 2:20, we truly know that Christians can only be justified by the faith of Christ that results in godly works!