Paul continues to share about his journey in ministry and how after fourteen years he returned to Jerusalem (v1). This visit to Jerusalem was clearly according to God’s will (v2) and for Paul it was to confirm that the message he shared was correct and his ministry not in vain. Behind this was the insistence of the Judaisers that Gentiles had to be circumcised to be saved; which was a clear denial of the Gospel of salvation by grace alone.

The fact that Titus didn’t need to be circumcised proved that it was not necessary for salvation (v3). The leaders of the Jerusalem church such as Peter (Cephas), James and John agreed that circumcision was not necessary as they all held to the same Gospel of grace (v6-9).

The problem arose in the Galatian church because of false teachers who had come in (v4). Their insistence on extra requirements made them sound so religious and spiritual, but in fact they were robbing believers of Gospel freedom and so Paul opposed them strongly (v5).

We need to be careful today of those who twist the Gospel or who add extra requirements to it. Many a young believer has been led astray and robbed of their joy through this. Be very clear, the Gospel is of grace alone.