Preface: Paul clarifies his relationship with the other Apostles, revealing even that he had to brace Peter for his wrong behavior by discriminating against gentiles. In the second half, Paul explains how our relationship to God is based upon faith in Christ, the cross of Jesus Christ, and not upon the Law—not for salvation and not for the Christian life.

Bible Summary: I went up to Jerusalem and saw the leaders. I opposed Cephas about circumcision. We are justified by faith in Christ and not by works.

This should be the most extensive examination of Galatians 2 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview:

Outline of Chapter 2:

Preface

Introduction

         vv.     1–10         Paul Explains His Relationship to the Other Apostles

         vv.    11–14         Paul Had to Brace Peter for His Legalistic and Discriminatory Behavior

         vv.    15–21         Man is Justified by Faith; Man Lives by Faith

Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of Galatians 2 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of Galatians 2 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About Galatians 2

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to Galatians 2

         Introduction         The Principals of Galatians 2

         Introduction         The Places of Galatians 2

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Galatians 2

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of Galatians 2 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of Galatians 2 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Big Picture (Galatians –)

         Introduction 

         Introduction 

         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why Galatians 2 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from Galatians 2

         Summary            Jesus Christ in Galatians 2

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          Paul’s Missionary Journeys (a map)

         Addendum          Paul’s Missionary Journeys

         Addendum 

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of Galatians 2

         Addendum 

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught Galatians 2

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of Galatians 2

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of Galatians 2

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An Introduction to Galatians 2

I ntroduction: What really starts to come across in Galatians 2, particularly after the second half of Galatians 1, is that Paul is really out there on his own. He has a ministry, up to this point, which is perhaps 14 years in length (or, possibly 14–16 years in length) and he has not run anything by the Apostles in Jerusalem. He does not appear to have carefully checked in with them and said, “Listen, buddies, this is what I am doing.”

What we did not observe in his letters to the Thessalonians, for the most part, is Paul’s incredibly logic, his incisive arguments or his strong resistence to false doctrine. However, Paul’s development of a set of accurate doctrines is more clear in Galatians as compared to earlier epistles.

His logic in the next epistle—that one which he writes to the Romans—will reveal Paul’s great debating skills and logic.

He knew the Thessalonians and he had a close relationship with them. As a result, Paul found it difficult to come down to hard on them. In Galatians, Paul will be quite a bit more forceful. He is not going to hold back; he is not going to mince words.

Fundamental to this chapter is faith in Christ as over against keeping the Law. Now the Galatians were mostly gentiles, so Paul would have no reason to talk to them about the Mosaic Law. However, because they have been introduced to the Mosaic Law by the Judaizers, Paul is going to mention it several times, repeating at least three times in this chapter that we are not saved by keeping the law.

Throughout my writings, including this chapter, I make reference to the cross of Christ. It is easy to get knocked off balance by this term. First of all, we have all seen the crosses which people wear, whether as jewelry as earrings, as pendants or even as rings. Or whether displayed in front of a church; or used in graphics. The Roman cross looked more like a T than it did a †; yet when a man is draped on a Roman cross, his arms stretched apart and his head up (which does not stay up for very long), his outline is a cross. When I or any other teacher says cross, our minds should not necessarily see a bit of gold jewelry in our mind’s eye. You may have heard a sermon describing just how painful and horrible death on the Roman cross was. It is probably the most vicious and painful of any death by execution devised by man. However, Jesus did not pay for our sins by the physical pain which He endured on the cross. He no doubt felt more pain than any of us could imagine, but that pain for the crucifixion itself was not efficacious. However, for the final 3 hours of the crucifixion, God the Father covered Golgotha with a thick darkness and then He poured out our sins on God the Son. These three hours of our sins being placed upon Jesus is what saves us from our sins; this is what pays for our sins. Anytime that you hear the phrase, the cross of Christ, it is these three hours that you should be thinking about, where no human being was allowed to view Jesus dying for our sins. He took the full penalty for every person who has ever lived, suffering the equivalent of billions upon billions of hells so that we might be saved. If you understand this, then you also understand that the Lord’s physical blood is really not related to redemption nor is any other physical thing related to the crucifixion. And Jesus’ final physical death took place when His free will coincided with the sovereignty of God the Father, and breathed out His final breath. His physical death meant that He had done all that He had intended to do on this earth, include dying for our sins.

There is one more aspect of this which is not generally understood. Jesus paid for our sins in His humanity. His Deity cannot have any association with sin. Now, how exactly this was done, we don’t really know. But all of our personal sins were poured out upon the Lord’s humanity and it was His humanity—completely apart for the power of the Holy Spirit—which bore our sins in His body on the Roman cross. So God the Father was not pouring our our sins upon God the Son, but upon Jesus the man, unaided by anything apart from the doctrine which was in His soul. . in order for our sins to be poured out upon Him, God the Father could not speak to Him; God the Holy Spirit could not sustain Him. God cannot have any contact with sin at all.

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Paul Explains His Relationship to the Other Apostles

There are two difficult words in this translation which, normally, are not difficult. These are some very specific uses of these words, and Thayer’s unabridged work will be appealed to in both cases.

Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Then throughout fourteen years again I ascended toward Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking along even Titos. Now I went up according to the norm or standard of a revelation and I laid out to them the gospel which I keep on proclaiming in the gentiles, now according to one’s own to the ones presuming, not somehow to vanity I might keep running or I have run.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, also taking Titus along.

And I went up by revelation, and I set before them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those with influence, lest somehow I might run, or had run, for nothing.

Revised Douay-Rheims         .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) Then, after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.

And I went up according to revelation and communicated to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles: but apart to them who seemed to be some thing: lest perhaps I should run or had run in vain.

V. Alexander’s Aramaic T.     .

Eastern Aramaic Mnscrpts     .

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And again, after fourteen years, I went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas; and I took with me Titus.

And I went up by revelation: and I explained to them the gospel which I announce among the Gentiles; and I stated it to them who were esteemed prominent, between myself and them: lest I should have run, or might run in vain.

Original Aramaic NT              But again, after fourteen years, I went up to Jerusalem with BarNaba, and I brought Titus with me.

But I went up with revelation and I revealed to them The Gospel which I preached among the Gentiles. And I showed it privately to those who were considered to be something, otherwise I would have run in vain or might run in vain.

Plain English Aramaic Bible   .

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus with me. 

And I went up by revelation; and I put before them the good news which I was preaching among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were of good name, so that the work which I was or had been doing might not be without effect.

Bible in Worldwide English     Fourteen years later I went to Jerusalem again. This time I went with Barnabas and I took Titus with me.

God showed me that I should go. And I told them about the good news which I tell to people who are not Jews. I told those who seemed to be church leaders when I was alone with them. I did not want my work to come to nothing-the work I had done or the work I was doing.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  After 14 years I went back to Jerusalem with Barnabas and took Titus with me. I went there because God showed me that I should go. I explained to them the message that I tell the non-Jewish people. I also met alone with those who were considered to be the leaders. I wanted to be sure we were in agreement so that my past work and the work I do now would not be wasted.

God’s Word™                         Then 14 years later I went to Jerusalem again with Barnabas. I also took Titus along. I went in response to a revelation from God. I showed them the way I spread the Good News among people who are not Jewish. I did this in a private meeting with those recognized as important people to see whether all my efforts had been wasted.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Fourteen years later I went back to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went because God revealed to me that I should go. In a private meeting with the leaders I explained the gospel message that I preach to the Gentiles. I did not want my work in the past or in the present to be a failure.

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Contemporary English V.       Fourteen years later I went to Jerusalem with Barnabas. I also took along Titus. But I went there because God had told me to go, and I explained the good news that I had been preaching to the Gentiles. Then I met privately with the ones who seemed to be the most important leaders. I wanted to make sure that my work in the past and my future work would not be for nothing.

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        Fourteen years later I returned to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas and Titus, my coworkers.  God had given me a clear revelation to go and confer with the other apostles concerning the message of grace I was preaching to the non-Jewish people. I spoke privately with those who were viewed as senior leaders of the church. I wanted to make certain that my labor and ministry for the Messiah had not been based on a false understanding of the gospel.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  After fourteen years passed, Barnabas, Titus, and I went up again to Jerusalem. We did this because God had told me we should go. I explained privately to the most important leaders of the believers the content of the good news that I had been proclaiming in the regions of the non- Jews. I did this because I wanted to make sure that they approved of what I had been preaching. I wanted to make sure that I had not been working uselessly.

Williams’ New Testament      Then, fourteen years later, I again went up to Jerusalem, with Barnabas, and took Titus with me too. I went up under the guidance of a divine revelation. Now I laid before them the good news that I was in the habit of preaching among the heathen, but first I did so privately before the leaders, for fear that my course might be or might have been to no purpose.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            Following that through fourteen years, I walked up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas when we also brought Titus along together with us.

I walked up regarding what was uncovered to me. And I laid out to them the good news that I speak about publicly among the non-Jews, but privately to the people who seem to be something, that somehow I may not run or ran for a meaningless cause...

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           Fourteen years later I again went to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and I also took Titus. I went up according to revelation and fully explained the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles, but [it was] in private to those who were regarded as leaders, lest somehow I exhausted myself for nothing.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Then, fourteen years after, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas; taking Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation; and communicated to them the gospel which I proclaimed to the Gentiles; but privately to them who were of reputation; lest, perhaps, I should run, or had run in vain.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament Fourteen years afterwards I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas, and I took Titus also with me. It was in obedience to a revelation that I went; and I laid before the Apostles the Good News that I am proclaiming among the Gentiles. I did this privately before those who are thought highly of, for fear that I might possibly be taking, or might have already taken, a course which would prove useless.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Evangelical Heritage V.          .

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                .

Free Bible Version                 Fourteen years later I returned to Jerusalem with Barnabas. I took Titus along with me. I went because of what God had shown me*. I met with the recognized church leaders there in private and explained to them the good news I was sharing with the foreigners*. I didn’t want the course I had followed, and what I was working so hard for, to come to nothing.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

International Standard V        How Paul Was Accepted by the Apostles in Jerusalem

Then fourteen years later, I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus with me. I went in response to a revelation, and in a private meeting with the reputed leaders, I explained to them the gospel that I’m proclaiming to the gentiles. I did this because I was afraid that [Lit. Lest somehow] I was running or had run my life’s race [The Gk. lacks my life’s race] for nothing.

Lexham Bible                         .

Lexham Bible                         Paul’s Ministry Recognized by the Jerusalem Apostles

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking along Titus also. Now I went up there because of a revelation and laid out to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles, but in private to the influential people, lest somehow I was running, or had run, in vain.

Montgomery NT                     Fourteen years later I went up to Jerusalem again, with Barnabas, and took Titus also with me (I went up at that time in obedience to a revelation). And I laid before them the gospel which I am wont to preach among the Gentiles. I did this privately before those in authority, lest by any means I should be running, or should already have run, in vain.

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      THEN after fourteen years I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking along Titus. I went up by revelation, and I stated to them the good news which I proclaim among the Gentiles. But I did this privately before those who were most esteemed, that I might not be running, or have run, to no Purpose.

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking also Titus; and I went up by a revelation, and proposed to them the gospel which I preach to the gentiles, but privately to persons of distinction, lest I should run or had run in vain.

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         .

Weymouth New Testament    Later still, after an interval of fourteen years, I again went up to Jerusalem in company with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me. I went up in obedience to a revelation of God's will; and I explained to them the Good News which I proclaim among the Gentiles. To the leaders of the Church this explanation was made in private, lest by any means I should be running, or should already have run, in vain.

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Worsley’s New Testament    Fourteen years after, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus also with me.

But I went up according to a divine revelation, and laid before them the gospel which I preach among the gentiles: though privately to those of note, least I should run, or had run in vain.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     .

The Heritage Bible                 .

New American Bible (2002)   .

New American Bible (2011)   .

New English Bible–1970        .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

New RSV                               .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

exeGeses companion Bible   .

Hebraic Roots Bible               Then through fourteen years, I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, also taking Titus with me. I went up because I was in a revelation, and I made known to them the Good news that I preached among the nations. I then explained to those who were considered to be something (great) among themselves, lest I labored in vain, or should labor.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    After 14 years, I went with Barnabas up to Jerusalem again, and I took Titus along with me. I went up because God showed me that I should go. I went to those men who were the leaders. When we were alone, I explained to them about the Good News which I preach to non-Jewish people so that my past work and the work I do now would not be wasted.

The Scriptures 2009              Then after fourteen years I again went up to Yerushalayim, with Barnaa, taking Titos along too.  And I went up by revelation, and laid before them that Good News which I proclaim among the nations, but separately to those who were esteemed, lest somehow I run, or had run, in vain.

Tree of Life Version                Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus with me. Because of a revelation, I went up and presented to them the Good News that I proclaim among the Gentiles. But I did so privately to those who seemed to be influential, to make sure I would not run—or had not run—in vain.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...then through fourteen years again [I] ascend to jerusalem with barnabas Taking (Together) and titus [I] ascend but in revelation and [I] place [to] them the news (good) which [I] proclaim in the aliens in [one] own but {I place it} [to] the [men] thinking not somehow to [thing] empty [I] may run or [I] run...

Alpha & Omega Bible            .

Awful Scroll Bible                   Upon-after-that, by the means of ten and four years, I walked-up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking-near-with us Titus also.

Moreover, I walked-up accordingly by a bringing-out-of-suppression, and I myself set-amidst to them the announcing-of-the-Good-Tidings, which I proclaim from-among the nations, but according to privately, supposing lest-perhaps at all I should dash or be dashed in vain.

Concordant Literal Version    Thereupon, after the lapse of fourteen years, I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also along with me."

Now I went up in accord with a revelation, and submitted to them the evangel which I am heralding among the nations, yet privately to those of repute, lest somehow I should be racing or ran for naught."

exeGeses companion Bible   THE BROTHERS APPROVE PAULOS

So through fourteen years

I ascended again to Yeru Shalem with Bar Nabi

- and also took Titus with me.

And I ascended by apocalypse

and propounded to them

the evangelism I preach among the goyim

- but privately to them who were well-thought of,

lest somehow I run - or had run in vain.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Then, after arbah esrey shanim (fourteen years), again (Acts 11:30) I went up to Yerushalayim with Bar-Nabba, having taken with me also Titos.

Yet I went up according to a chazon (revelation), and I laid before them the Besuras HaGeulah which I proclaim among the Goyim, but I did this privately to the men of repute (2:9), lest I should run, or should prove to have run, L'TOHU (in vain) [YESHAYAH 49:4; 65:23].

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   Then, fourteen years later I went up to Jerusalem again,
[along] with Barnabas, and I took Titus also with me [this
time].

[It was] in response to [a divine] revelation that I went [there] and explained to them [i.e., the apostles and elders] the Gospel [message] that I had been preaching among the Gentiles. Then [later on I presented it] privately before those who were highly regarded [i.e., the three apostles, verse 9] so [they would have verification that] my running [i.e., ministry] had not been, nor was now, in vain.

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Later, after a period of fourteen years, I again walked up into Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus, also, along with me.

Now I walked up (or: made the ascent) [there] corresponding to and as directed by (or: in accord with and in the sphere of; down from and following the bidding of), an unveiling (or: a disclosure; a revelation), and I put up to them (set back again for them; = submitted to them) the message of goodness, ease and well-being, which I am habitually proclaiming as a public message within the multitudes (or: among the nations and ethnic groups – non-Jews; Gentiles) – yet [I did so] privately, to those continuing to be disposed to thinking and imagination (or: for those being supposed to continue with a reputation; or: to ones yet forming opinions), lest somehow I am progressively rushing forward and running, or had run, into emptiness (or: for an empty thing; into something without content; = to no purpose; or: = in vain).

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       Then, after fourteen years [living in the region around Syria and Celicia], I went again to Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas and having brought along Titus as a companion.

So I went up according to a revelation [a sign of God’s will], and I presented the gospel to them which I continue to preach to the Gentiles, but by means of a private conference to those [such as Peter, John and James] who are recognized as being experts in such spiritual matters, so that I would not in some way [while in Jerusalem] exert myself in vain [run up against unnecessary barriers] nor rush into things too quickly [catch the local church leaders by surprise].

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

The Spoken English NT         Then, fourteen years later, I went up to Jerusalem again with Barnabas. We took Titus with us too.

I went up because of a revelation.^a And I laid out for them the good news that I preach to the Gentiles. But I did it privately,^b with the respected leaders. I didn’t want to find that I was running, or had been running, this race for nothing.^c

^a.Or “in obedience to a revelation”; lit. “according to a revelation”. My opinion is that Paul is referring to a trip he made to bring contributions to the believers in Judea during a famine. The “revelation,” and Paul’s trip in response to it, may be seen in Acts 11:25-30 (and see Gal. 2:10). Paul made another relief trip years later—see 1Cor. 16:1-4; 2Cor. 9:1-15.

^b.Or “I also did it privately”. I can’t tell for sure if Paul is saying that he only did it privately, or that he did it both publicly and privately.

^c.Lit. “lest I should run, or had run, for nothing”.

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     How he was recognized by the apostolate
Fourteen years later I went up to Jerusalem again, with Barnabas, taking Titus along as well. I went on the basis of a revelation and set before them [the main apostles] the Gospel that I proclaim among the nations/Gentiles.—Now I did this privately to those with influence, lest somehow I might run, or had run, in vain.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  .

Analytical-Literal Translation  .

Berean Literal Bible                Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, having taken with me Titus also.  Now I went up according to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles; but apart individually to those esteemed, lest hardly I might be running or have run in vain.

Bond Slave Version               .

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             About fourteen years after, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me. I went up indeed according to a revelation, and stated to them the glad tidings which I proclaim among the nations?privately indeed to those in high repute, that the race, which I run, or had run, might in no wise be frustrate.

Context Group Version          Then after the space of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me. And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the Imperial News which I proclaim among the ethnic groups but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in emptiness.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       .

Green’s Literal Translation    Then through fourteen years, I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, also taking Titus with me.

And I went up according to revelation. And I put before them the gospel which I proclaim in the nations, but privately to the ones seeming to be pillars, lest I run, or I ran, into vanity.

Literal New Testament           .

Literal Standard Version        .

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  Thereafter, I went-up again to Jerusalem after fourteen years with Barnabas, also having taken Titus together-with me. {Acts 15}

But I went-up according-to revelation, and I myself submitted to them the good-news which I am preaching among the Gentiles, (but privately before the ones of repute), lest I might be running or had run in vain.

Modern KJV                           .

New American Standard B.    .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   Defending the Gospel

Then fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that Gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately (severally) to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

Revised Young's Lit. Trans.   .

A Voice in the Wilderness      .

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

Young’s Updated LT             .

The gist of this passage: 

1-2

Translation: Then, after fourteen years,...

When speaking of the three years in the previous chapter and the fourteen years here, we do not know exactly the starting point for that. One could argue that the starting point is Paul’s conversion (for both numbers). He was saved approximately a.d. 39; 3 years later would take us to a.d. 42; and 14 years takes us to a.d. 53. If the 14 years is added onto the 3 years and/or there is another starting point, this could be stretched out to a.d. 55 or even 57. This is why there is a great deal of difference in the estimations for the time when Galatians was written (and, obviously, from where it was written).

Now, I lean toward the lower figure, because, by this point in time, Paul has had many encounters with the Judaizers, so he has a lot to say about them and their doctrines (notice that he concentrates on their teachings and not upon them).

At the same time, this is very much a one-note epistle, which claims, we are not under the Mosaic Law. Very logically, this is a bridge between the highly personal, but somewhat simplistic epistles to the Thessalonians, and the great epistle to the Romans.

Now, even though one can grow spiritually, understanding that every epistle is inspired by God, providing for us Church Age guide for principles and practices, there is also a clear evolution of Paul’s writings. To put this another way, when it comes to spiritual food, the epistles to the Thessalonians are milk; Galatians is applesauce; and Romans is steak. It is all spiritual food, it is all necessary. These books are equivalent when it comes to their spiritual authority; but when it comes to spiritual understanding, Romans towers over Galatians, which is clearly above the letters to the Thessalonians. At the same time, they correspond with the times that they were written, because Paul is certainly experiencing spiritual growth as he moves from salvation, to his early evangelical tours, to the point where he even takes a stand against Peter.

Translation: ...I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas,...

Paul goes to Jerusalem in between the first and second missionary tours with Barnabas, according to Acts 12:25. Paul also goes between the 2^nd and 3^rd and at the end of the 3^rd missionary journey. Barnabas is not mentioned at either time; and he and Paul have a falling out in Acts 15:37–39. As a result, Paul and Barnabas both went out on missionary tours (Paul’s second), but separated. Barnabas is not mentioned again in the book of Acts (since Luke is with Paul most of that time, if Barnabas rejoined the team, we would likely know about it).

Assuming that the dates given by Light of the World are accurate, we have a slight problem with the dates. This would place Paul and Barnabas in Jerusalem a.d. 48–51 (which does not give us 14 years between Paul’s conversion and this trip to Jerusalem).

There are two solutions at this point: (1) Finagle the dates a little to make them work (which either pushes Paul’s date of conversion back or most of the dates of his ministry forward at least 3 years. Or (2) Paul and Barnabas find themselves at Antioch at the same time, after Paul finishes his 2^nd missionary tour, and they go to Jerusalem together, having buried the hatchet. The latter seems to be the best understanding of what took place. It causes the least amount of confusion with the dates. Hence Paul and Barnabas go twice to Jerusalem—between the 1^st and 2^nd missionary tours (there is no doubt about this) and between the 2^nd and 3^rd missionary tours (Paul definitely did; Barnabas is not mentioned in connection with this trip except here in Galatians).

Translation: ...taking along even Titus.

Titus is mentioned many times in 2Corinthians as well as twice in this epistle, but his name is not found in Acts nor in any earlier epistles. This would also point towards the trip to Jerusalem to take place after the second missionary tour. The fact that his name does not occur in the book of Acts makes us breathe easier for not finding Barnabas’ name after Acts 15. This does not mean that his connection with Paul just flat out ends after their argument. It simply means, for whatever reason, Barnabas is not named again in Acts (and perhaps they simply chose, after that point, to do missionary work separately).

We are simply trying to nail down which visit of Paul’s to Jerusalem is being spoken about here. I may need to list all of his visits to Jerusalem to help sort this out.

Galatians 2:1 Then, after fourteen years, I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking along even Titus. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

So, our tentative conclusion is this: Paul going to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus takes us to the end of the 2^nd missionary tour, which is a.d. 53–54. Bear in mind that Paul is writing Galatians after all of this takes place. However, the very fact that this is on his mind suggests that Paul wrote Galatians soon after making this trip to Jerusalem.

The numbers which were laid in in v. 2:1a tell us approximately when Paul was in Jerusalem (not when he wrote Galatians); but he would have written Galatians probably within the year of leaving Jerusalem. So, a.d. 53–54 is a reasonable time for Paul to have written Galatians, probably while he is on his 3^rd missionary tour.

Now, if we examine Paul’s missionary journeys, and where he is and when, it is possible that he sent a letter to the Galatians from Antioch, which appears to be Paul’s home base. When he begins his 3^rd missionary tour, writing to the Galatians is going to be less and less of a necessity, as, that is the direction in which he is heading.

I realize that many people who read this are completely unfamiliar with writing letters. But you don’t write a letter to someone when you think you might arrive a week or so after the letter arrives (unless the letter is to tell them you are coming).

Translation: Now, I went up according to a revelation.

We do not know if this was a revelation made known to Paul directly from God (or by God through an angel) or if someone on his team or someone at Antioch informed him that he needed to go to Jerusalem.

Paul uses the term revelation quite a number of times.

Translation: So I communicated to them the gospel (message)...

There have been communications between Antioch and Jerusalem, both of which are centers, at this time, for Christian activity. Paul seems to go back to Antioch as his home base between missionary tours.

Paul, who has been functioning as a missionary for the better part of 14 years, confirms that the gospel message is, believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

You may recall that Jerusalem released a document that was suspect, as somewhat of a compromise between Jerusalem and Antioch, between Jewish and Gentile believers.

Translation: ...which I keep on proclaiming among the gentiles.

Paul has been sent primarily to the gentiles, so this is where his message has been taken. However, in many cities, as we have seen, Paul often went to the Jewish synagogue to begin his work in that city. However, he found himself interacting with gentile believers far more than Jewish ones.

Translation: Now, privately [I spoke] to those highly esteemed,...

There were two moderately difficult words here and I had to go full-on Thayer to determine their meanings here.

Interestingly enough, Paul does not say that he is speaking to Apostles here (certainly, some of the Apostles are there to whom Paul speaks privately); but there is a leadership building up for the local churches.

Translation: ...[that] perhaps I might not keep on running in vanity (or have run).

Paul’s concern is, he needs to make sure that his gospel is accurate. If it was inaccurate, then he would have been working for nothing; and would have continued to work for nothing.

Galatians 2:2 Now, I went up according to a revelation. So I communicated to them the gospel (message) which I keep on proclaiming among the gentiles. Now, privately [I spoke] to those highly esteemed, [that] perhaps I might not keep on running in vanity (or have run). (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Galatians 2:1–2 Then, after fourteen years, I again went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking along even Titus. Now, I went up according to a revelation. So I communicated to them the gospel (message) which I keep on proclaiming among the gentiles. Now, privately [I spoke] to those highly esteemed, [that] perhaps I might not keep on running in vanity (or have run). (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Galatians 2:1–2 Then, after fourteen years had gone by, I went up to Jerusalem again, but this time with Barnabas and Titus. Now I went there according to a revelation. I communicated to them the gospel message which I have continued to proclaim among the gentiles. I also spoke privately to those who are looked up to, just in case I have been striving in vain this whole time. (Kukis paraphrase)

——————————

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    But not Titos, the (one) beside me a Hellenist [he] keeps on being to compel to be circumcised. Now, through the (ones) secretly smuggle in—false brothers—who slipped in, to spy out the liberty of us which we keep on having in Christ Jesus, that us they might enslave. To them, not face to face with the hour, we yielded to the submission, that the truth of the gospel might remain (permanently) face to face with you (all).

Complete Apostles Bible        But not even Titus who was with me, although he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised;

and that was because of false brothers secretly brought in (who slipped in to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might reduce us to slavery),

to whom not even for an hour did we yield in subjection, that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.

Revised Douay-Rheims         .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Gentile, was compelled to be circumcised.

But because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privately to spy our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into servitude.

To whom we yielded not by subjection: no, not for an hour: that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

V. Alexander’s Aramaic         .

Eastern Aramaic Manuscript  .

James Murdock’s Syriac NT Also Titus, who was with me, and was a Gentile, was not compelled to be circumcised.

And in regard to the false brethren, who had crept in to spy out the liberty we have in Jesus the Messiah, in order to bring me under subjection;

not for the space of an hour, did we throw ourselves into subjection to them; so that the truth of the gospel might remain with you.

Original Aramaic NT              Even Titus, an Aramaean * who was with me, was not compelled to be circumcised.

But because of false brethren who came in to spy on the liberty that we have in Yeshua The Messiah, so as to enslave me,*

Not for a moment did we yield to their oppression, but that the truth of The Gospel may continue with you.

Plain English Aramaic Bible   .

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             But not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was made to undergo circumcision: And that because of the false brothers let in secretly, who came searching out our free condition which we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might make servants of us; To whom we gave way not even for an hour; so that the true words of the good news might still be with you.

Bible in Worldwide English     Titus was with me. He was not a Jew, but they did not force him to be circumcised have the mark of a Jew made on his body.

But some men got in who were not true brothers. They came in secretly to spy on us to find out things about us. They did not want us to be free the way Christ Jesus has made us free. But they wanted to make us obey the old laws again which were given to Moses by God.

But we did not let them tell us what to do, no, not even for one minute. In that way the real good news will be yours always.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Titus, who was with me, is a Greek. But these leaders still did not force him to be circumcised. We needed to talk about these problems, because some who pretended to be our brothers had come into our group secretly. They came in like spies to find out about the freedom we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to make us slaves, but we did not agree with anything those false brothers wanted. We wanted the truth of the Good News to continue for you.

God’s Word™                         Titus was with me, and although he is Greek, no one forced him to be circumcised. False Christians were brought in. They slipped in as spies to learn about the freedom Christ Jesus gives us. They hoped to find a way to control us. But we did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the Good News would always be yours.

Good News Bible (TEV)         My companion Titus, even though he is Greek, was not forced to be circumcised, although some wanted it done. Pretending to be believers, these men slipped into our group as spies, in order to find out about the freedom we have through our union with Christ Jesus. They wanted to make slaves of us, but in order to keep the truth of the gospel safe for you, we did not give in to them for a minute.

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Contemporary English V.       Titus went to Jerusalem with me. He was a Greek, but still he wasn't forced to be circumcised. We went there because of those who pretended to be followers and had sneaked in among us as spies. They had come to take away the freedom that Christ Jesus had given us, and they were trying to make us their slaves. But we wanted you to have the true message. That's why we didn't give in to them, not even for a second.

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Century Version             .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        They even accepted Titus without demanding that he follow strict Jewish customs before they would receive him as a brother since he was a Syrian and not a Jew.  I met with them privately and confidentially because false “brothers” had been secretly smuggled into the church meetings. They were sent to spy on the wonderful liberty and freedom that we have in Jesus the Anointed One. Their agenda was to bring us back into the legalistic bondage of religion.  But you must know that we did not submit to their religious shackles not even for a moment, so that we might keep the gospel of grace unadulterated for you.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  But those leaders did not even require Titus, who was with me and was an uncircumcised Gentile, to be circumcised. The people who would have required him to be circumcised were not true believers, but they pretended that they were fellow believers. They watched us closely to see how we obey God without following all the Jewish laws and rituals, since we know that the Messiah Jesus has freed us from those things. These false believers would like to make us like slaves to the law. But not even briefly did we agree with them about circumcision. We resisted them in order that the true good news about the Messiah might continue to benefit you.

Williams’ New Testament      But they did not even try to compel my companion, Titus, although he was a Greek, to be circumcised -- they did not try it even for the sake of the false brothers who had been smuggled in, who stole in to spy out the freedom we enjoy in Christ Jesus, so as to make us slaves again. But we did not for a moment yield them submission, in order that the truth of the good news might prevail for you.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            I walked up regarding what was uncovered to me. And I laid out to them the good news that I speak about publicly among the non-Jews, but privately to the people who seem to be something, that somehow I may not run or ran for a meaningless cause (but neither was Titus, the Greek brother who was together with me, urged to be circumcised) because of the undetected fake brothers, some who quietly came in to spy out our freedom that we have in the Anointed King Jesus so that they will make us slaves, to whom we didn't even for an hour give in with the compliance, so that the truth of the good news might still remain with you. V. 2 is included for context.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           But not even Titus, who was with me, was forced to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. And on account of this, false brethren secretly came in, who secretly came in to spy on our freedom, which we have in Christ Jesus, so they might bring us into slavery. We did not yield by submitting to them, no not for an instant, so that the truth of the gospel might stay [with you] permanently.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles .

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament Yet even my companion, Titus, though a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised. But, on account of the false Brothers who had stolen in, the men who had crept in to spy upon the liberty which we have through union with Christ Jesus, in order to bring us back to slavery-- Why, we did not for a moment yield submission to them, that the Truth of the Good News might be yours always!

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Evangelical Heritage V.          .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  .

Free Bible Version                 But as it turned out, nobody even insisted that Titus who was with me should be circumcised, though he was Greek. (That issue only arose because some false Christians slipped in to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus, trying to make us slaves. We never gave into them, not even for a moment. We wanted to make sure to keep the truth of the good news unchanged for you.).

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Holman Christian Standard    .

International Standard V        .

Lexham Bible                         .

Montgomery NT                     .

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      .

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      .

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         .

Weymouth New Testament    But although my companion Titus was a Greek they did not insist upon even his being circumcised. Yet there was danger of this through the false brethren secretly introduced into the Church, who had stolen in to spy out the freedom which is ours in Christ Jesus, in order to rob us of it. But not for an hour did we give way and submit to them; in order that the Good News might continue with you in its integrity.

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Worsley’s New Testament    .

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  .

The Heritage Bible                 .

New American Bible (2002)   .

New American Bible (2011)   .

New English Bible–1970        .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

New RSV                               .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Hebraic Roots Bible               But not even Titus, the one with me, a Syrian, was compelled to be circumcised. But it was because of those false brothers who were brought in unbeknown to us, who stole in to spy on our freedom which we have in Messiah Yahshua, they desiring to enslave us, to whom not even for an hour did we yield in subjection, that the truth of the good news might continue with you.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    Titus was with me. Although he was not Jewish, these leaders did not force him to be circumcised. It was very important for us to talk because some false brothers had secretly come into our group. Like spies, they came in to find out about the freedom which we have in Christ Jesus. They wanted to make us slaves to them. But not for one moment did we give in to what those false brothers wanted! We wanted the truth of the Good News to continue with you.

The Scriptures 2009              But not even Titos who was with me, though a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.  But as for the false brothers, sneakingly brought in, who sneaked in to spy out our freedom which we have in Messiah יהושע in order to enslave us, to these we did not yield in subjection, not even for an hour, so that the truth of the Good News remains with you.

Tree of Life Version                Yet not even Titus who was with me, a Greek, was forced to be circumcised. Now this issue came up because of false brothers secretly brought in (who slipped in to spy out our freedom in Messiah, in order to bring us into bondage). But we did not give in to them even for a moment, so that the truth of the Good News might be preserved for you.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...but not Titus The [Man] with me Greek Being is compelled to be circumcised because of but the smuggled (in) brothers (false) Who* enter to watch the freedom [of] us whom [We] have in christ jesus that us [They] will enslave [to] whom* not to hour [We] yield [in] the subjection that The Truth [of] the news (good) may remain to you*...

Alpha & Omega Bible            .

Awful Scroll Bible                   Notwithstanding, yet- Titus, the one with me, being a Greek, being -not enfolded-over to be cut-around.

Moreover, because of the false-brothers among-leading-off-from, which-certain came-in-besides to accordingly-observe our liberty, which we hold by-within the Anointed One, Jesus, in order that they shall themselves enslave- us -along-down, to whom we yield arranging-under yet-not for a moment, in order that, that Un-concealed of the announcing-of-the-Good-Tidings, should remain-throughout with regards to yous.

Concordant Literal Version    .

exeGeses companion Bible   But not even Titus, who was with me,

being Hellene,

was compelled to be circumcised:

and that because of pseudo brothers

surreptitiously smuggled in,

who surreptitiously entered to spy out the liberty

we have in Messiah Yah Shua,

to enslave us:

to whom we yielded by subjection

no - not for an hour;

that the truth of the evangelism

continually abide with you.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           But Titos, the one with me, a Yevani (Greek), was not compelled to undergo bris milah.

But because of the achei sheker (false brothers) b'Moshiach, the ones secretly brought in, the ones who crept in to spy out our DEROR ("freedom" VAYIKRA 25:10) which we have in Moshiach Yehoshua al menat (in order that) they might enslave us.

To these enslavers not for one hour did we yield in subjection, that HaEmes of the Besuras HaGeulah might continue and remain with you (Galatian Goyim).

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   But they did not even require that Titus, a Greek [i . e . , a Gentile] who was with me, become circumcised. For [certain] false brothers, who were secretly brought in to observe us practicing our liberty in Christ Jesus [i.e., by not having Titus circumcised], attempted to place us [back] under the bondage [of Mosaic Law keeping]. But we did not submit ourselves to their influence for even an hour, so that you people might be able to continue [following] the truth of the Gospel.

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             However, not even Titus – the one with me – was compelled or even strongly urged to be circumcised, although being a Greek!

Yet, through the led-in-at-the-side (or: smuggled-in) false brothers (or: = deceitful or lying fellow believers; or: = imitation members) – folks who entered alongside to spy out (to attentively look down and around, observe and take note of) our freedom which we continuously possess (constantly have and hold) within Christ Jesus, to the end that they will utterly enslave us (or: with a purpose that they shall bring us down into slavery) –

to whom (or: for whom), now, we did (or: do) not for even an hour give place to, make a way for, or simulate by humble alignment, subordination, submission or subjection, so that the reality (the Truth) of the message of goodness may abide throughout (or: thoroughly remain; fully dwell; be permanent in continuing) focused toward, and be face to face with, you folks!.

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Benjamin Brodie’s trans.       But not even Titus who was with me, although he was a Greek [Gentile], was compelled to be circumcised;

For it [circumcision] was brought in under false pretenses by means of false brethren [those who pretend to be likeminded with us], who slipped in [through the back door] for the express purpose of spying on our liberty [freedom] which we have in Christ Jesus, for the ultimate purpose of enslaving us [to their laws];

To whom [false brethren] we did not yield [give in to their dirty tactics] for even an hour, so that the truth [doctrine] of the gospel might continue to abide with you.

Lexham Bible                         But not even Titus who was with me, although [*Here “although ” is supplied as a component of the participle (“was”) which is understood as concessive] he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. Now this was because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, in order that they might enslave us, to whom not even for an hour did we yield in subjection, in order that the truth of the gospel might remain continually with you.

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

The Spoken English NT         But in fact, not even Titus, my non-Jewish companion,^d was forced to be circumcised.^e

There had been pressure through certain false believers that had sneaked in. They slipped in to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus-so they could enslave us.

But we didn’t give in and follow their demands for even one minute.^f We wanted the truth of the good news to stay in your possession.^g

^d.Lit. “Titus, who was with me, being a Greek”. “Greek” here just means non-Jew.

^e.See "Bible Words” under “circumcise”.

^f.Lit. “to whom we not did submit in obedience even for one hour/moment”.

^g.Lit. “so that the truth of the good news might remain with you”. Paul is implying that certain people want to steal the truth of the good news from the Gentiles, and only give it back if they agree to get circumcised and become Jews.

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     However, not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, for being a Greek. This came up because of the false brothers who were smuggled in¹ (who stole in to spy out our freedom, that we have in Christ Jesus, so as to reduce us to slavery), to whom we did not yield, even for a moment, so that the truth of the Gospel might continue with you.— Now from those who seemed to be important (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows favoritism to no man)—those with influence contributed nothing to me, but on the contrary, upon seeing that I had been entrusted with the Gospel for the uncircumcised, just as was Peter for the circumcised (for He who was at work with Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised was also at work with me for that to the uncircumcised), and upon perceiving the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, those reputed to be pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles, while they to the Jews.² vv. 6–9 are included for context.

(1) Who was responsible for the smuggling? And in whose service were they, really, even though they were evidently part of the Christian community?

(2) Literally, ‘circumcised’.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  (But indeed, Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised.) 

Now this meeting was private because of false brethren brought in secretly, who came in by stealth to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order that they might bring us into bondage; 

To whom we did not yield in subjection, not even for one hour, so that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Analytical-Literal Translation  But not even Titus, the one with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. But [it was] because of the false brothers [and sisters] brought in under false pretenses, who sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, so that they should enslave us, to whom not even for an hour [or, moment] did we yield in subjection, so that the truth of the Gospel should remain with you_p.

Berean Literal Bible                .

Bond Slave Version               .

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             .

Context Group Version          But not even Titus who was with me, being a Hellenist, was compelled to be circumcised: and that because of the false brothers secretly brought in, who came in secretly to spy out our liberty which we have in the Anointed Jesus, that they might bring us into slavery: to whom we gave place in the way of subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the Imperial News might continue with you (pl).

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       Moreover, Titus, who was with me, although he was a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised at all, but we watched out because of the false brothers who had been brought in surreptitiously, who had come in stealthily to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to enslave us to themselves, to whom we did not yield in submission even for an hour, in order that the truth of the gospel might maintain its ground for you.

Green’s Literal Translation    .

Literal New Testament           .

Literal Standard Version        Then after fourteen years again I went up to Jerusalem with Barnabas, having also taken Titus with me;

and I went up by revelation, and submitted the good news to them that I preach among the nations, and privately to those esteemed, lest I ran or might run in vain;

but not even Titus, who [is] with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised—

and [that] because of the false brothers brought in unaware, who came in secretly to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us under bondage,

to whom not even for an hour we gave place by subjection, that the truth of the good news might remain to you. Vv. 1–2 are included for context.

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  But not even Titus who was together-with me, being a Greek, was urged to be circumcised. But because of smuggled in false* brethren who entered in beside us to spy out our freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in-order-that they might enslave us; to whom, even for an hour, we did not yield to their subjection; in-order-that the truth of the good-news might remain with you°.

Modern KJV                           .

New American Standard        .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   .

Revised Young's Lit. Trans.   .

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

A Voice in the Wilderness      Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was 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 in submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

Young’s Updated LT             .

The gist of this passage: 

3-5

Translation: But Titus, the (one) with me, a Greek, is not being compelled to be circumcised.

Paul tells them, “I went to Jerusalem with Titus (a Greek) and Barnabas. Because Titus is a Greek, he was uncircumcised, but there were no requirements for him to be circumcised.

If any place was going to require circumcision, it would be Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the heart of the Mosaic Law at this time; but that is not for the Christian; that is not for the believer in Christ Jesus.

And no one compelled him to be circumcised either, Paul points out.

Galatians 2:3 But Titus, the (one) with me, a Greek, is not being compelled to be circumcised. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Translation: Now through the false brothers who slip in secretly...

Now, there are people who try to sneak into various congregations. These would be the Judaizers and the are false brothers (unbelievers posing as Christians).

Translation: ...to spy out our liberty which we keep on having in Christ Jesus,...

They first want to spy out the liberty that we have in Christ Jesus, but for the purpose of taking it away or distorting it.

Translation: ...in order that they might enslave us.

The intent of these interlopers is to enslave the believers to the Law of Moses.

Galatians 2:4 Now through the false brothers who slip in secretly to spy out our liberty which we keep on having in Christ Jesus, in order that they might enslave us. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Translation: We did not submissively yield to them, not for an hour;...

Paul then testifies that, when he and the others ran into such sneaky types, that they did not fall for what they were trying to sell.