If Paul gave in to the demands of the false brothers, he would have no basis from which to say that circumcision was not required of Gentile believers.1 The truth of the gospel would have been in danger because then works (circumcision) would be necessary for salvation. Paul’s actions in Jerusalem served as an example to the Galatians. Just as he stood firm against the Judaizers, they had to do the same.2
5 to them we did not yield in submission even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.