Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up for me.”

Gal 2 revisits a point made by Paul in chapter 1 that he is not a people-pleaser, but seeks only to please God. Paul seems to be implying that the church leaders in Jerusalem ( Peter, John, and James) were not dealing with the false teachers, due to popularity risk. Paul spoke boldly and confronted their false teaching. Again now in chapter 2, Paul is addressing the "false brothers" who "had infiltrated.. to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves" to the law again. Paul was concerned that this false teaching might turn some ( i.e. Titus) away from the true gospel that he was preaching to them ( "for fear that I was running my race in vain"). But, he says they "did not give in to them for a moment" and therefore "those men added nothing to my message". Paul then discusses Peter's hypocrisy over separating himself from the Gentiles when in company of Jewish leaders, in keeping with Jewish law. Paul reminded Peter that " a man is not justified by obedience to the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ". Paul says that we died to the law so that we can now live for God. In conclusion, Paul explains that if it were possible to attain righteousness through obedience, then there is no need for God's grace and Jesus died for nothing.

Thank you God for sending Jesus to die for our transgressions, so that we might be saved by your grace.

Gal 1 teaches that the source of the Good News is God, not human wisdom, logic, or feelings. Paul said that the message he preaches is from “direct revelation from Jesus Christ himself” and is not based on human ideas or thought. Paul says our peace and grace in free living are results of the cross of Jesus, which acquitted us from all penalty of sin. He says , “this is why all glory belongs to God” , since He is the one who planned it to happen this way and He alone is responsible for “rescuing us from this evil world in which we live”. So, he warns not to be fooled into turning away to “a different way that pretends to be the Good News... which twists and changes the truth concerning Christ”.

In 2 Cor 13, Paul says that just as Christ is powerful when he deals with us and works in our lives, we are alive with Him and have His power when we deal with others. He says that if you have "genuine faith" , Christ will be among us and we will not oppose the truth, but will always stand for the truth. Humility in weakness will lead to strength and maturity. Paul encourages the brethren to "be joyful, ... encourage each other, live in harmony and peace... then the God of love and peace will be with you". Paul blesses the brethren in closing with wishes of the grace of Christ, the love of the Father, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

In 2 Cor 12, Paul speaks of his remarkable vision from God of being "caught up into the third heaven", but he is careful not to boast about this experience. Paul next describes his "thorn" which God placed in his body to "keep (him) from getting proud". Whatever it was that was keeping him humble also reminded him of his constant need for God. He pleaded with God to take away the burden, but God said "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness". Paul then explains that he is "content" with his weaknesses, which allows the power of Christ to work through him. He says that "for when I am weak, then I am strong", meaning that he is actually much stronger when God is the power working in him rather than relying on his own minuscule strength. Next, Paul explains that all his efforts have been for the brethren, with a pure motive of love for them. He says that he will continue to give himself for their spiritual good, even though it seems that the more he loves them the less they love him. Finally Paul explains that he is saying all this as "Christ's servant" to them, and everything he is doing is all for their edification.

In 2 Cor 11, Paul gives reasons to trust in his teachings, rather than " be led away from your pure and simple devotion to Christ". He warns those who would "believe whatever anyone tells you, even if they preach about a different Jesus... or a different kind of gospel". In this passage (and others) Paul describes himself as a weak speaker. So he asks not to be judged by his presentation abilities, but rather the content of his teaching. In this way, He "cut off opportunity" from those who desire to be regarded as doing the same work of the Lord in preaching the gospel. Paul warns believers not to be impressed and easily deceived by the fancy talk of such false teachers. Regarding himself, Paul boasted in his weakness in order to bring glory to God.

In 2 Cor 10 , Paul models before the brethren "the gentleness and kindness that Christ himself would use" and encourages them to use divinely powerful means ( prayer, faith, and love) to overcome rebellious ideas and disobedience. He says God's power can "break down every proud argument" and "lofty idea" that keeps people out of fellowship with Him. Paul says that in this way, we can "take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ".