What is the meaning of Galatians 2:3?

Yet not even Titus

Paul singles out Titus purposely.

• Titus is a living example of a Gentile believer accepted by apostolic leaders (2 Corinthians 8:23; Titus 1:4).

• By mentioning him “even” before the Jerusalem apostles, Paul underscores how radical grace is—no exceptions, no fine print (Romans 3:29-30).

• The phrase “Yet not even” highlights that if anyone might have been pressured, it would have been Titus; the fact he wasn’t proves the gospel’s freedom (Galatians 2:1-2).

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who was with me

• Titus traveled at Paul’s side into the heart of Jerusalem (Acts 15:2). This shows unity between missionary church planters and the original apostles.

• Their companionship underscores that Gentile converts belong in the same fellowship as Jewish believers (Ephesians 2:19-22).

• Paul’s inclusion of Titus in these high-level talks demonstrates transparency; the gospel he preached in the field stood up under apostolic scrutiny (Galatians 2:4-5).

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was compelled to be circumcised

• “Compelled” points to external pressure from “false brothers” who insisted on circumcision for salvation (Acts 15:1; Galatians 5:2-4).

• The fact Titus “was not compelled” proves salvation is by faith alone, not by adopting Mosaic rituals (Romans 4:9-12; 1 Corinthians 7:18-19).

• Apostolic agreement here preserves the truth that Christ’s work is complete; adding any requirement undermines grace (Galatians 2:21).

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even though he was a Greek

• As a non-Jew, Titus never had the mark of the covenant given to Abraham. His acceptance shows the gospel’s reach beyond ethnic lines (Colossians 3:11).

• The church recognized that in Christ “there is neither Jew nor Greek” (Galatians 3:28).

• This clause underscores that biological heritage no longer determines covenant standing; new birth does (John 1:12-13; Romans 10:12-13).

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summary

Galatians 2:3 declares that when Paul brought the Gentile believer Titus to Jerusalem, the apostles did not force him to be circumcised. The verse proves that:

• Salvation rests entirely on faith in Jesus Christ, not on law-keeping.

• Gentiles are full members of God’s people without adopting Jewish rituals.

• The Jerusalem leaders and Paul preached the same grace-centered gospel.

Titus’s uncircumcised presence among the apostles stands as a lasting testimony that Christ’s cross, not human ceremony, brings believers into God’s family.