Faith without religion.
Paul’s Journey and Gospel Independence
In a recent teaching, we delved into the Apostle Paul’s journey and his interactions with key figures in the early Christian church, as recounted in Galatians 1:18-2:4. Paul, after a transformative encounter on the road to Damascus, spent three years before visiting Jerusalem to meet Peter. This visit, lasting fifteen days, was not just a casual meeting but a significant moment where Paul sought to understand and learn from Peter, one of Jesus’ closest apostles.
The discussion also touched on the identity of James, whom Paul met during this visit. While there are multiple individuals named James in the New Testament, it is likely that Paul referred to James, the son of Alphaeus, a leader in the Jerusalem church and possibly a cousin of Jesus.
Paul’s narrative emphasizes his independence in receiving the Gospel, asserting that his teachings were not influenced by human sources but by divine revelation. This autonomy is further highlighted in his account of a subsequent visit to Jerusalem, fourteen years later, where he addressed the contentious issue of whether Gentile converts needed to adhere to Jewish laws, such as circumcision.
The case of Titus, a Greek convert who was not compelled to be circumcised, underscores the principle of liberty in Christ—a central theme in Paul’s teachings. This liberty, Paul argues, frees believers from the bondage of the law, allowing them to live by the Spirit rather than adhering to religious rituals.
Paul’s message to the Galatians serves as a reminder of the freedom found in Christ, urging believers to resist any attempts to impose legalistic practices that could undermine this freedom. This teaching challenges us to reflect on the essence of our faith and the true liberty we have in Christ, free from external constraints and focused on love and service to one another.
