“But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we have place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.” (Galatians 2: 3-5)
As we study the Bible – and look at the present day – we can see that the gospel has been opposed throughout the centuries. Jesus was opposed when He was here. Preaching and teaching in His name has been opposed ever since He ascended to Heaven.
Non-believers are not the only people to stand up against the gospel. Seemingly religious people have often been at the forefront of the war against the truth.
In Galatians chapter 2, the Apostle Paul was dealing with false brethren bent on placing Gentile Christians in bondage to elements of the law – particularly circumcision. Boldly, the Apostle Paul and those with him, refused to submit to this attack on their liberty in Christ – not even for one hour.
Obviously, this was one of many attempts to throttle the furtherance of the gospel. This type of persecution happened throughout the New Testament. It still continues today.
Ephesians 4:27 says, “Neither give place to the devil.” The Apostle Paul refused to give place when confronted with the demand to go against the freedom given by faith in the gospel – the good news given by God through Jesus Christ.
We live in a time that calls for us to question the truth of the gospel. We are told we don’t need church. We are told the Bible is irrelevant. We are told Jesus is one of many ways to God. Faced with this, we must determine we will not submit to their ideas.
Instead, we are to see things as the Apostle Paul saw things. The truth of gospel must continue on. There is no time for compromise. There is no time for debate. NOT EVEN FOR AN HOUR!
Dave Snyder is an Ordained Bishop with the Church of God – Cleveland, Tennessee. Before entering the ministry on a full-time basis, he was a school teacher. He also coached middle school basketball for eight years.
Dave and his wife, Sara, have two children — Craig and Karen. They also have one ten year old granddaughter — Breanna.
Dave and Sara pastored in West Virginia for thirty-six years. Sara is now retired from the banking industry, and Dave is retired from pastoring. However, Dave currently serves as prison Chaplain for the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Writing essays, articles, and devotionals is a real passion for Dave. He also enjoys playing musical instruments and singing.
by leaps and bounds 
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