The Defense of an Effective Gospel | Galatians 2:1

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. — Galatians 2:1

CALL OUT: Shout out today to Dave Mergens from Alexandria, MN. Thanks for your friendship, brother; I love you.

So, in this chapter, Paul presents his case like a well-prepared religious lawyer. His move is to establish his defense, timing, and, first, his witnesses—Barnabas, Titus, and himself.

So, who are these men?

Barnabas, a Jew, was a well-known founding member of the early church on Pentecost. He provided the initial financing and encouragement for the expansion of the church (Acts 4:36-37). Titus, on the other hand, is a Greek. He is a new Gentile believer, which Paul presents as Exhibit A (Galatians 2:3). Then there is Paul himself, a Jew of the highest order, educated by the greatest teachers of his time and legally trained for theological debate.

We might be tempted to read over verse one like it's inconsequential information, but it's not. Paul is about to present the testimonies of three giants: an inaugural investor, a Gentile turned believer, and a theological-trained opponent. Their trifold presentation will be ironclad, turning the tide against any addition to the message of the Gospel and restoring the purity of its grace and freedom. You can read the account of this in Acts 15, which is called the Jerusalem Council.

The Gospel message is powerful. It has the unique ability to unite people from different classes and cultures. However, it doesn't do this by blending current cultures or classes. It is not a human work. It's a supernatural work that happens in a believer's soul by faith in the life, teaching, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And there is no other message like this. It is a message that, when believed, will affect and free the human soul. And when it does, it unites people for a sole mission who will sacrifice anything for the goodness of its news.

So here's my question for you today. Is the Gospel affecting you? Is it affecting your soul to the point that daily, it's impacting how you think, feel, act, and speak? So much so that it's worth defending and making a long trip with three buds to defend its honor so that others will know Jesus and the true Gospel message?

#DefendingTheGospel #UnityInFaith #GospelFreedom #TestimoniesOfGiants #FaithfulFriendship

ASK THIS:

How can we emulate the dedication and unity displayed by Barnabas, Titus, and Paul in defending the Gospel in our own lives and communities today?
Reflecting on your own journey of faith, how has the Gospel message impacted your thoughts, actions, and relationships? How can you further allow its transformative power to influence your daily life?
DO THIS: Do something that manifests the Gospel's work in you today.

PRAY THIS: Father, thank You for the powerful message of the Gospel that unites us across cultures and generations. Help me to be steadfast in defending its truth and living out its transformative power in my daily life. Amen.

PLAY THIS: My Defender.