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"To whom we did not yield submission..."

Text: Galatians 2:5a

A SPIRITUAL BATTLE

Paul knew that this was a spiritual battle that he must engage in strenuously and courageously. There may be strong resistance from the false teachers. But he must not concede or compromise the truth of the gospel.

To whom we did not yield submission even for an hour,
that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Galatians 2:5

1. “To whom”

a) A reference to the “false brethren” (Galatians 2:4).

b) Teachers from Judea (Acts 15:1).

2. “We did not yield submission even for an hour”

a) Expectations of the false teachers.

i) That there would be submission to them.

ii) They had come from the churches in Judea.

iii) They felt that they had authority over other churches.

iv) They felt that they were superior in knowledge and experience.

v) Hence they sought to exercise authority over the church in Antioch, Syria.

b) Paul and Barnabas did not yield to them.

i) They would not submit to their so-called authority.

ii) Paul and Barnabas were apostles in their own right.

iii) They did not have to be subject to these false teachers.

iv) The churches in Judea have no authority over other churches.

v) There was no hierarchy in the church.

3. “That the truth of the gospel might continue with you”

a) Truth was at stake.

b) The message of the gospel had to be defended at all cost.

c) There could be no concession or compromise in this spiritual battle.

d) No matter how contentious the dispute may be Paul and Barnabas would have to be strong and courageous in their battle against these false teachers.

e) Paul had become a great defender so that the truth of the gospel might continue to prevail and be enjoyed by all true believers in Christ.