Galatians 2:3 – “But even Titus, who was with me, was not compelled to be circumcised, though he was a Greek.”

To be compelled is to be driven by force or pressure—whether external or internal—to do something. It suggests something not freely chosen, but demanded, expected, or imposed.

In this passage, Paul introduces Titus, a Greek believer, as a living example of the gospel’s power and freedom. Titus, though uncircumcised and raised outside of Jewish tradition, was not compelled—even by the influential leaders in Jerusalem—to conform to the ceremonial requirements of the Mosaic law. His acceptance into the fellowship of believers was not based on law-keeping, heritage, or ritual, but on Christ alone.

Titus becomes a kind of case study in the doctrine of sola gratia, sola fide, solus Christus—saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. This is not just a theological idea, but a spiritual lifeline. It is the difference between the crushing burden of religious performance and the liberating joy of receiving righteousness as a gift.

And yet, how often do we feel compelled?

Compelled by culture to conform.

Compelled by tradition to uphold what is no longer required.

Compelled by sin to hide, perform, or strive for approval.

Compelled by fear to obey voices louder than God’s Word.

The same pressures that Paul resisted in Jerusalem still echo in our lives today. They may not sound like “circumcise Titus,” but they whisper:

“You need to prove yourself.”

“You need to keep up appearances.”

“You need to be more like them.”

“You need to do this, or God won’t accept you.”

But Christ has already accomplished everything necessary for your acceptance before God.

Titus stood firm in the truth of the gospel—and so must we. The battle is real: the world, the flesh, and the devil are constantly working to distort, dilute, or distract us from the simple, powerful truth of grace. The pressure to compromise or add to the gospel is relentless.

So here’s the question for today: What compels you?

Is it the Spirit of truth, or something else?

Are there expectations, unspoken rules, or rituals you follow that aren’t actually rooted in the gospel? Are there beliefs or behaviors that are more about appeasing culture or tradition than honoring Christ?

Stand firm.

In the grace of Christ.

In the sufficiency of His cross.

In the freedom that cannot be earned or revoked.