Study of Galatians- Butch Amyx -1_24_2021
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began by situating the Galatian controversy within the historic Jerusalem Council, noting that Acts 15:7‑11 records Peter’s bold declaration that Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit just as Jews do, and that no yoke of the Law should be placed upon them. The teacher explained how, despite this public stance, Peter later withdrew from eating with Gentile believers, prompting Paul’s confrontation recorded in Galatians 2:15‑21. Through a careful reading of Paul’s argument, the class emphasized that justification comes solely through faith in Christ, not by adherence to the Mosaic Law, and that reverting to legalistic practices would render Christ’s sacrifice meaningless. The discussion shifted to Peter’s personal growth, contrasting his earlier fear of Jewish criticism with his later call for humility in 1 Peter 5. Participants reflected on how Peter’s weaknesses and subsequent maturity serve as a model for believers today. The session concluded with a reaffirmation that the gospel transcends cultural barriers and that true Christian freedom is rooted in grace, urging attendees to embody humility and reject any form of spiritual pride.
Key Scriptures
After much discussion, Peter got up and addressed them, Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that he accepted them by giving the Holy Spirit to them just as he did to us. He did not discriminate between us and them, and he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No, we believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved just as they are.
Since we who are Jews by birth are not sinful Gentiles, know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we too have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law because by the works of the law no one will be justified. But if in seeking to be justified in Christ, we Jews find ourselves among the sinners, doesn't that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not. If I rebuild what I destroyed, then I really would be a lawbreaker. For through the law, I died to the law so that I might live for God. I've been crucified with Christ and I no longer live but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live in the faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.