Galations 2 1-2, 11-14 the Council at Jerusalem

Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. Recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do. But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?

Paul was building the church with the gentiles, as is the apostle to the gentiles. After 14 years, he returns to demonstrate to the Jews the Gospel of Jesus Christ which has no requirement for new converts to follow the Law of Moses which is the Covenant God has with the Jews. Instead the church hinges on faith alone in Jesus Christ. Peter, a lead apostle, had joined Paul among the gentiles. He celebrated their success until confronted by staunch Judaizers who are those who are still zealous for the Law and demand the gentiles conforming to it. Even Peter joined them until Paul rebuked him to his face obeying the will of Christ and not bending to the hypocrisy of the Jews.

Lord Jesus, You have preserved the gospel for more than 2000 years. It has been kept pure and simple. By my placing my faith in You and your resurrection from the dead, then I too inherit your victory over death and the devil. This is why it is called the Good News - the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Amen.