Galatians 2:1-21
About Paul’s time line… Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. (v. 1) Scholars can make different arguments as to when this event occurred – some that this 14-year trip occurring when Paul and Barnabas brought an aid gift to the Jerusalem church while others claim that this visit was the chapter 15 Jerusalem Council. I’ve read through some of these discussions and come to my own conclusion, agreeing with the first of those time frames, the “aid” visit. So here’s my time line:
- Paul gets converted and spends some time in Damascus (Acts 9).
- He goes away into the Arabian desert for three years, returning to Damascus (Galatians 1:17).
- Soon thereafter he makes his first trip to Jerusalem, along with Barnabas (Galatians 1:18).
- Fearing for his safety he goes home to Tarsus (Acts 9:30, Galatians 1:21).
- After 14 years Barnabas goes to Tarsus and brings Paul to Antioch (Acts 11:25).
- Soon thereafter Paul makes his second trip to Jerusalem with Barnabas taking along the aid gift (Acts 11:30).
- Paul and Barnabas go off on their first missionary journey (Acts 13-14).
- Finally, Paul and Barnabas go up to Jerusalem for the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15).
So that’s my time line – others disagree.
In its introduction to Galatians my Study Bible points out the importance of verse 16: …yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified. Here is their comment: “It was the rediscovery of the basic message of Galatians that brought about the Reformation. Galatians is often referred to as ‘Luther’s book’ because Martin Luther relied so strongly on this letter in his writings and arguments against the prevailing theology of his day. A key verse is 2:16.” Further, their note on 2:16 says, “Three times it tells us that no one is justified by observing the Law, and three times it underscores the indispensable requirement of placing one’s faith in Christ.” Much of the rest of Galatians continues this theme of justification by faith.
See also: March 4 / Gal. 2:1-10; March 5 / Gal. 2:11-21