Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of Galatians Chapter 2
Metaphysically Interpreting Galatians 2:1-10
2:1Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me. 2:2And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain. 2:3But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: 2:4and that because of the false brethren privily brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: 2:5to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 2:6But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not man's person)-- they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me: 2:7but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision 2:8(for he that wrought for Peter unto the apostleship of the circumcision wrought for me also unto the Gentiles); 2:9and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision; 2:10only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.
September 13, 1936: Gal. 2:1,2,9,10
How is the Christ Spirit expressed among men as well as within the individual? Love and consideration are the truest expressions of the Christ Spirit of peace among men, just as individual love and consideration best express the Christ Spirit in any one man.
What is the logical outcome of faith in Christ? A consciousness of inner peace and attitude of peaceableness in all one’s external relations is the fruit of the Christ Spirit.
What has the will to do with realizing peace for man? He who wills to be a peace and to discern the course that is right for him to follow realizes both these ends. “The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace or them that make peace.”
What do “the poor” represent? The poor mentioned in the text were the destitute Jews of Palestine, who represent our transitory religious thoughts and beliefs. These beliefs are of no permanent value to us, because we do not take them seriously enough to act upon them or live by them.
April 23, 1939: Gal. 2:1,2,9,10
What gauge of Truth do we find in the last part of the lesson? Paul submitted to the elders in Jerusalem the Christ teaching that he had given to the Gentiles, to determine whether it met all requirements.
What was the outcome of this test? The original disciples received Paul and Silas into full fellowship with themselves. Jews and Gentiles were assured the same grounding in fundamentals of Truth.
In a metaphysical sense who are “the poor”? The poor are the secondhand religious beliefs and convictions that man accepts from others instead of thinking things through for himself. Faith is based on these beliefs is poor equipment for living.
April 30, 1944: Gal. 2:1,8,9,10
When do the faculties need to be especially active and alert? When principles are involved. Paul, Barnabas, Peter, and James and the other elders attended this conference for the fixing of the fundamentals of faith to required of Jews and Gentiles alike.
To what vital principles of faith should everyone hold fast? To the truth that life is of spiritual origin and is spiritual in essence.
How do we prove our faith by our works? We prove it both mentally and physically, since mental work is as important as physical. It is proved by works of spiritual healing; by realizing divine wisdom and understanding within ourselves and making more of both in our everyday practical affairs; by recognizing Truth as it appears in symbolical form in the Old and the New Testament and elsewhere, and learning to apply it to our daily life, and by developing all our faculties and giving them harmonious expression.
How should we view outward ceremonies? We should not condemn them but should see in them the symbols of inner truths that are apparent to the discerning observer. To view them understandingly makes for tolerance and unity.
How can a principle be recognized as fundamental? Whatever promotes purity of life and ideals is fundamental and is to be held fast at all cost.
Metaphysically Interpreting Galatians 2:11-14
2:11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned. 2:12For before that certain came from James, he ate with the Gentiles; but when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing them that were of the circumcision. 2:13And the rest of the Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that even Barnabas was carried away with their dissimulation. 2:14But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Cephas before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as do the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, how compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?
September 17, 1950: Gal. 2:9-12
What is the spiritual significance of circumcision? It signifies the setting free of the individual from the law of sin and death.
What is “the right hand of fellowship”? It is the seal of approval that evidences the bond of harmony and union between those of the same mind.
Metaphysically Interpreting Galatians 2:15-21
2:15We being Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 2:16yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed on Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law: because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. 2:17But if, while we sought to be justified in Christ, we ourselves also were found sinners, is Christ a minister of sin? God forbid. 2:18For if I build up again those things which I destroyed, I prove myself a transgressor. 2:19For I through the law died unto the law, that I might live unto God. 2:20I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that life which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, the faith which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. 2:21I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nought.
April 30, 1944: Gal. 2:20,21
How can anyone “make void the grace of God”? By failing or refusing to express divine goodness, which is the fundamental principle of Being. “He left not himself without witness, in theta he did good.” Everyone in his measure can do good and thus prove that the Christ is risen in his mind and heart.
February 19, 1950: Gal. 2:16
What faith is justified? Faith in Christ, because the believer can prove or demonstrate its efficacy in his everyday life. No one can justify the works of the law, because on one can keep the whole law in every detail.
Transcribed by Tracie Louise on 12-04-2013
