Galatians 2 Bible study questions help a small group, a Sunday class, or a single reader work through Paul’s account of his visit to Jerusalem and his confrontation with Peter in Antioch. The questions below follow the chapter’s flow, and each set includes leader’s notes so you can guide discussion without needing a separate commentary. Use them in order, or pick the set that fits your time.
Galatians 2 at a Glance
Paul opens the chapter by describing a second trip to Jerusalem, roughly fourteen years after his first visit, where he presents his gospel to the leaders there. Titus, a Gentile, is not forced to be circumcised, and the leaders recognize Paul’s commission to the Gentiles as genuine. The chapter then turns to a public conflict in Antioch, where Peter withdraws from eating with Gentile believers when certain men from James arrive, and Paul rebukes him to his face.
The chapter closes with Paul’s own statement of faith: he has died to the law and lives by faith in the Son of God. Much of the chapter’s weight rests on the question of whether a person is justified by works of the law or by faith in Christ, so keep that thread in view as you move through the questions.
Observation Questions
Start here to make sure everyone has the facts of the chapter before anyone offers an interpretation. Ask group members to point to the words in the text when they answer, and resist explaining too quickly. Short, factual answers keep the room focused on what the passage actually says.
Galatians 2:16
Yet knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, even we believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no flesh will be justified by the works of the law.
(WEB)
This verse states the central claim of the chapter in one sentence. Reading it aloud early in the session gives everyone a shared anchor for the discussion that follows. Pause afterward and ask what Paul means by faith in Jesus Christ as the basis of justification.
Galatians 2:11-14
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before some people came from James, he ate with the Gentiles. But when they came, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy; so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they didn’t walk uprightly according to the truth of the Good News, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?
(WEB)
Reading the Antioch confrontation aloud lets the group hear the sequence of events and the tension in Paul’s words. It also prepares the room for the application questions about fear and hypocrisy. Invite a volunteer to read it slowly so the details are clear.
Galatians 2:20
I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I that live, but Christ lives in me. That life which I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me.
(WEB)
This verse is one of the most personal statements in the letter, and it works well as a closing reflection before prayer. Read it slowly and let silence follow. Ask what it would change about a regular day to live from this truth.
Galatians 2:7-9
7 But to the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Good News for the uncircumcised, even as Peter with the Good News for the circumcised 8 (for he who worked through Peter in the apostleship with the circumcised also worked through me with the Gentiles); 9 and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcision.
(WEB)
These verses show the Jerusalem leaders recognizing Paul’s calling and extending fellowship. Reading them aloud helps the group see that unity and distinct callings can coexist. Use this passage to open a conversation about partnership in the church.
Galatians 2:2
I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.
(WEB)
This single verse captures Paul’s dual posture of revelation and careful accountability. It is a good passage to read near the start of the session, before the observation questions. It sets a tone of humble seeking that suits the whole study.
Memory Verse for Galatians 2
A Closing Prayer for the Group
Father, we come before you as people who want to live by faith and not by fear, performance, or the approval of others. You called Paul by revelation and held his work together with the church, and we ask you to call us with that same clarity. Where we have drawn back from others to protect our standing, forgive us and give us courage to stand with those you have placed beside us. Where we have leaned on our own efforts for acceptance, remind us that Christ has loved us and given himself for us. Let our time together root us more deeply in the grace that is ours through the Son of God, and let that grace shape our homes, our work, and our words this week. Amen.
