Galatians 2:14a, “But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel …” (ESV)

“Conduct … in step” here in the Greek text “orthopodousin” meaning “be consistent with” or “make progress toward.” (We get orthopedic from this, but there is no connection in meaning).

Here is a paraphrase,

“But when I saw that they were not living consistent with the grace of God, nor were they making progress in applying the principles of grace in all their human relationships, it became obvious to me that they were not in step with the truth of the gospel.”

Paul’s controversy with people who were rejecting the grace of God by making rules and Law to include some (Jewish believers) and excude others (Gentile believers), came to a crisis-point. But the crisis came not out of debate with them about doctrine (though that did have an impact on the resolution), but because he observed in their lives that they weren’t living by the grace of God and the truth of the Gospel.

There is a lot here, but let’s draw one principle:

Those who live by grace can tell by the way you are living if you have the truth of the gospel at the center of your life or not. The way you treat others gives you away.

What you believe about the gospel, and whether what you believe is true or false, is displayed for all to see in how you live and in who you love.

Resource:

From James Montgomery Boice, on Galatians 2:14 (Expositor’s Bible Commentary, ed. Frank Gaebelein, 1976, 447).

“It is not enough merely to understand and accept the gospel, as Peter did, nor even to defend it, as he did at Jerusalem. A Christian must also practice the gospel consistently, allowing it to regulate all areas of his conduct.”