Faith & Religion

So, Judas, obtaining and taking charge of the band of soldiers and some guards (attendants) of the high priest and Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons. Then Jesus, knowing all that was about to befall Him, went out to them and said, whom are you seeking? [Whom do you want?]. They answered Him, Jesus the Nazarene, Jesus said to them, I am He. Judas, who was betraying Him, was also standing with them. When Jesus said to them, I am He, they went backwards (drew back, lurched backward) and fell to the ground. John 18: 3-6 (the Amplified Bible)

“Even Titus, being a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised. And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage), to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” Galatians 2:3-5

“And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.” Galatians 2:2-3 It would be easy to run right past verse 3 in this context but it would be a huge mistake. It’s a very important verse. Why? It’s important because this verse strikes at the very heart of Paul’s letter to the Galatians. In those days with what Paul was doing there wasn’t a more controversial issue than the one in verse 3! “Not even Titus, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.” This very thing was one of the key reasons the Jews and even some of the Gentiles hated Paul. In fact the entire letter to the Galatians was written to address a growing problem with the new Gentile believers there.

So, let us seize and hold fast and retain without wavering the hope we cherish and confess and our acknowledgment of it, for He Who promised is reliable (sure) and faithful to His Word. Hebrews 10:23 (Amplified Bible).

“And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain. Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.” Galatians 2:2-3 It appears from the above verses that Paul at least ran his message of grace by those ‘who were of reputation’.

The LORD is my Light and my Salvation – whom shall I fear or dread? The Lord is the Refuge and Stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. Take away the stone, He said. John 10:38

“He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God in me.” Galatians 1:23-24 From the chief persecutor of the church to the most important person in the world as it relates to bringing the ‘good news’ to the Gentiles; that’s a snippet of Paul’s resume’. His reputation as a vicious antagonist toward anyone naming Jesus was unparalleled in that time. But something happened! Paul had an encounter with Jesus, himself. And from that day forward nothing was the same.

Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 (Amplified Bible) Lord, forgive us for relying on our own insight and wisdom.

“He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God in me.” Galatians 1:23-24 From the chief persecutor of the church to the most important person in the world as it relates to bringing the ‘good news’ to the Gentiles; that’s a snippet of Paul’s resume’. His reputation as a vicious antagonist toward anyone naming Jesus was unparalleled in that time. But something happened! Paul had an encounter with Jesus, himself. And from that day forward nothing was the same.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Ephesians 6:11-13 (NIV)