There are several differences between the tone of Galatians chapter 1 and chapter 2:
•The subject is not the source of the Gospel but the nature of the Gospel (it is apart from Judaism and circumcision).
•Paul’s relationship with the authority of the early church (harmony and unity)
Through it all Paul maintained the balance of tenacity and humility, like a tame tiger Paul wouldn’t budge on his position but neither would he devour his opponents.
It wasn’t just about being right, since the gospel was true he must also behave right while defending its validity. In Elmer Davis’ book “But We Were Born Free” he makes this observation with regards to the United States and its sovereignty when he writes, “This will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” Paul could have uttered the same sentiments with regards to the gospel that was under attack from the Judaizers.
Paul’s first fight for Christian freedom from the law was in Acts 15 mentioned here. His 2nd altercation came later and is the subject of Galatians 2:11-21. Had Paul been unwilling to be of the mindset of the “home of the brave” the Church as we know it would have never have made it outside of the first century. His courage has kept the gospel free from legalism and has carried it to us Gentiles.