Note 5 at Gal. 2:3: There are two things in this section of scripture (Gal. 2:1-10) that would verify the validity of Paul's message of salvation by grace: (1) Titus, who was a Greek, was not compelled to be circumcised (Gal. 2:3), proving that salvation was through faith without the works of the law (Gal. 2:16); and (2) Paul's gospel of grace was approved by the leaders of the "home" church, the church of Jerusalem (Gal. 2:6-9).

Note 6 at Gal. 2:3: The key word here is "compelled." Previously, Paul had circumcised Timothy because of the offense that his uncircumcision would have been to the Jews (Acts 16:3). It is possible that Paul would have encouraged Titus to be circumcised also if it hadn't been for the false brethren who were making an issue out of this.

Paul sought to do whatever was necessary to win people to Jesus (see note 7 at 1 Cor. 9:20, p. 907; see note 9 at 1 Cor. 9:21, p. 907), but he wouldn't compromise. If Titus wanted to voluntarily submit to circumcision for the purpose of not offending the Jews, that would have been okay. But when Titus chose not to be circumcised, and the Jews tried to make an issue out of it, Paul sided with Titus because of the gospel.

We should not intentionally try to offend the religious traditions of others. Yet, when adherence to religious tradition is substituted for or added to the gospel, we cannot condone that. Paul didn't yield to that kind of pressure, not even for an hour (v. 5).