Keraia
Galatians 2

Galatians 2:1

The Council at Jerusalem · Galatians 2:1–10
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Translations

Modern
Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas. I took Titus along also.
Traditional
Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
Literal
Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, having taken along Titus also.
Latin
Deinde post annos quatuordecim, iterum ascendi Jerosolymam cum Barnaba, assumpto et Tito.

Original

Greek
English
Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas. I took Titus along also.

Notes

Galatians 2:1

  • Counting fourteen years from Paul's conversion (1:15–17), instead of from his previous visit (1:18), fits well with the events in Acts.

  • The Galatian Christians knew who Barnabas was. This suggests that Paul and Barnabas first shared the good news about Jesus with them during their first missionary trip together (Acts 13:4–14:26; see Galatians Book Introduction, "Recipients").

  • Titus was a non-Jewish believer who worked closely with Paul to help lead and strengthen churches. For more on Titus, see the "Titus" Profile.

Galatians 2:1–10

When Paul visited Jerusalem for the second time, the other apostles agreed that what he was teaching was correct. According to tradition, Paul was writing about the important meeting of church leaders described in Acts 15:1–41. However, it is more likely that Paul was talking about his earlier visit to Jerusalem (Acts 11:30; 12:25; see Galatians Book Introduction, "Date of Writing").

Galatians 1:11–2:21

The Judaizers (people who insisted on following Jewish customs) came to Galatia. They preached that both faith and circumcision were necessary. They questioned Paul's authority as an apostle and tried to discredit his message. Paul defended his authority by showing that past events proved his message was the true good news.

Galatians 1:1–2:21

Some people were against Paul and questioned whether he was a true apostle. They did not believe he was honest and did not think he had the right to be a leader in the church. So Paul begins his letter by explaining that he really was an apostle with authority from God.

Theme notes and profiles

Barnabas Paul (Saul) Titus Circumcision

Parallels

Acts 15:5–21

People

Barnabas: A Levite from Cyprus who accompanied Paul on missionary journeys Titus: Gentile convert and companion of Paul

Places

Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions

Glossary

Antioch of Syria Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Chronology of the Bible (New Testament) Faith Judaizers Letter to the Galatians Paul the Apostle Peter, the Apostle Titus, Letter to

Topics

Barnabas is Sent As an Emissary to Jerusalem Christian Minister: Preach Without Authority Titus: Accompanies Paul to Jerusalem