Sermon notes
The background to the events of this chapter is set in the congregation at Antioch. False doctrine was promoted among these Gentile believers as reported, v5, Gal 2:4-5. These men, it appears, believed but were false brethren and become the source of grave error in the church. It is clear that they were influenced by the religious teaching they had received and practiced before their salvation! They had no warrant from the Apostles to teach this. Cp 1Tim 1:5-7.
Yet, even Peter and for a time Barnabas, were later swayed by this error. Cp Gal 2:11-14. These events appear to happen after the council in Jerusalem, Gal 2:1. This in itself perhaps explains why Paul was so forceful in confronting Peter.
The seriousness of this matter cannot be over emphasized! It affected the very heart of the gospel itself. It was the view of these teachers that men cannot be saved without legal works. By definition they said that the gospel had no power apart from the law.
The effect of this was terrible, v24. Subverting > ‘to pack up’. There was a reversal of usefulness, this spiritual convulsion had brought these believers to the point of quitting!
I PAUL AND BARNABAS FOUGHT THE ERROR AT THE LOCAL LEVEL.
- There is a responsibility to contend for the faith where and when it is attacked. Preachers have a duty to contend against error that threatens the local church.
- The necessary side-effects of defending the truth.
dissension. The word can be traced back to the concept of ‘making a stand’. A stand for truth against perceived error was taken.
Disputation. There was a mutual questioning of doctrine in view. A detailed and thorough examination of the question was entered.
Not a small matter. Paul and Barnabas evidently treated this as a big issue.
Public. This was not swept under the carpet! Cp Gal 2:14. The leadership of the congregation was involved, v2—…they determined… v3, the church…
II TAKING THE BATTLE TO THE NEXT LEVEL.
- A decision to go to Jerusalem, v2. There was a battle to be fought for the wellbeing of the whole church at Presbytery level. This was not just a local issue. A council of the presbyters was to be convened in Jerusalem to settle this matter.
- The support of the church at large, v3. Clearly, in Antioch there was joyful support for the position that Paul had espoused. As he journeyed he reported the conversion of the Gentiles and this was rejoiced in—evidently accepted as genuine!
- Credibility, v4. Paul and Barnabas were able to recount the works of God. This gave credibility to the position they took on this matter. The Lord gave evidence of which side He was on in this discussion! Those of the contrary opinion claimed there was ‘no power’ apart from law works. Paul could demonstrate very clearly the evidences of power in the message he preached.
III THE PRESBYTERY DISCUSSION.
- Many speakers, v7. It is apparent that the Apostles did not dominate the discussion or simply pronounce on a conclusion. The Spirit of God led in a different way, v28.
- Peter’s words, v7-11. Peter was a key figure in this discussion. He had been the first Apostle to go at God’s bidding to the preach to the Gentiles. He could therefore speak with some authority on the matter and invoke the direct leading of God in this matter. He had already been through this discussion, 11:1-4. Peter’s message has a simple theme—there is no difference made by God in believers, v9. This is seen in various points he makes.
the gift of the Holy Ghost, v8, 11:15-18.
justification by faith alone, v9. This purified the heart and was not merely an external rite! These Gentile believers were counted as pure by God. Purity cannot be improved upon!
The law works for salvation that these teachers were advocating was in fact an unbearable form of bondage, v10. It was no means of liberty. The Jew was only saved in the same way the Gentile was—by faith apart from these legal works. Salvation is by grace and not by works. Cp Rom 11:6, 4:1-12.
Adopting the practice of v5 would be in defiance of God and provoke a response from Him, v10. Adding to the gospel is a serious offence against God. Cp Gal 1:6-9, Rev 22:18-19.