The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Galatians 2:11-16, “But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.

12 For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision.

13 And the rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.

14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?

15 ‘We are Jews by nature, and not sinners from among the Gentiles;

16 nevertheless knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified.’”

Christians often disagree. They often disagree about biblical teachings. In this passage Paul disagreed with Peter. He vehemently, forcefully disagreed because the situation was extremely basic to the Christian faith.

Jews historically never had dealings of any kind with Gentiles. They maintained strict separation. The early Church, however, broke down that barrier as believers, both Jew and Gentile, engaged together in a Love Feast. Peter was partaking of the meal, eating with Gentile believers. Suddenly, some strict Jewish men appeared on the scene. Seeing them, Peter withdrew from participation with the Gentile believers. Paul saw this as a spiritual contradiction and he challenged Peter on the spot.

Christians today often differ about spiritual matters. Some things are trivial, like how often the Church is to partake of the LORD’s Supper (a memorial ordinance that helps believers to remember that Jesus is coming to Earth again). On the other hand, some things are vitally important, such as how one lives has any bearing on his salvation, Some would argue (as did the late President George H. W. Bush’s pastor). He argued that while Christ is involved, it is how we conduct ourselves that ultimately determines whether we go to Heaven when we die.

I would argue that what Jesus did, dying on the Cross and arising from the dead, is all that is needed. When we believe in Him, He forgives our sin and accepts us into His family. No amount of “good works” on our part can replace pure faith in the LORD Jesus Christ.

Be careful whose teachings you follow, “knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law, but through faith in Christ Jesus…” (vs. 16). The interpretations of even the most sincere believers and teachers cannot substitue for the clear teachings of the Bible. The Bible itself is sufficient to bring men and women to faith in Jesus Christ. And if we follow the teachings of Scripture, we will live as we ought to live, bringing honor and glory to our LORD Jesus. Pray for understanding as you read the Bible. The Spirit of God will give you understanding.

We pray for you and for your understanding of Scripture,

Nana & Dado III

(Gene & Rose Marie)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”