Galatians 2 – Page 2 – Ministry of Grace Church

Category: Galatians 2

Galatians 2:11 – Standing Firm

Posted on September 11, 2007 by admin

Galatians 2:11

Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed;

Truth to Learn

Standing firm in support of the truth of God is important no matter who you have to stand against.

Behind the Words

Paul tells us in this verse that he withstood him (Peter). The Greek word translated “withstood” is “antesten” which means “to stand against.” Literally what Paul says is that he “stood against him to his face.” That is, Paul “faced him down.” In other words, there was a significant disagreement between Paul and Peter and Paul did not back down but took a firm stand against Peter.

The expression “he was to be blamed” is translated from the Greek words kategnōsmenos ēn. The word kategnōsmenos is made up of kata, meaning “against” and a form of ginōskō, meaning “to know.” It, therefore, refers to something being known against someone. By implication it is something bad that is known, so this word can be interpreted as “he is wrong.” The word ēn in this verse is the imperfect tense of the verb of being. Hence it means “he was.” The implication of this tense is that the condition existed for a period of time, not just on one occasion. Hence, Paul is saying that Peter “was being wrong.”

Meaning Explained

Now that Paul has demonstrated to the Christians in the churches of Galatia that he is, indeed, the apostle to the Gentiles and that he received his message directly from God, he will show them that the type of issues they are facing are not unique. The problem, you will recall, is the fact that some teachers in the churches in Galatia were teaching that a Christian must keep the requirements of the Mosaic Law, in addition to faith in Christ, in order to be saved. Paul’s teaching is that there are no requirements for salvation, either in the Law or in any church teaching or tradition, beyond simple faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ.

Paul has recounted his salvation experience, the receiving of his commission and message from Christ, and the circumstances of the apostolic leaders of the Jerusalem church confirming his commission and message. Now he will show that even some of those who were pillars of the church in Jerusalem (specifically, the apostle Peter) sometimes had difficulties shaking themselves loose from the bindings of the Law.

As we will see in the following verses, Peter was behaving in a manner that either was, or at least appeared, hypocritical. Peter was more concerned with what other Jews thought of his actions than what God thought of his actions. As a result, though he said that adherence to the law was not required, he acted as though it was required. It was because of this behavior that Paul stood against him face to face, because Peter was wrong! Once again it is apparent that Peter was not anointed the first Pope, otherwise Paul would not have gotten away with his position against him because Peter was clearly wrong.

Application

There are many Christians today who say that it is wrong to argue in church. In most cases this is true, but when the disagreement is in regard to a doctrinal issue it is important to stand firm on what the Bible teaches as truth.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

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Galatians 2:10 – Only Remember

Posted on September 7, 2007 by admin

Galatians 2:10

They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.

Truth to Learn

We have much in terms of material things. It is both our responsibility and our privilege to share such things with those who are less fortunate than we are.

Behind the Words

The word translated “only” is monon which means “singly, or alone.” We use this word today in many applications such as saying that someone’s speech is “monotonous” (as if spoken with a single tone, without variation.) In the current verse it tells that there was but a single admonition given by the apostolic leaders to Paul and Barnabus.

“We should remember” is translated from mnēmoneō, meaning “to remember.” It is the word from which we get our English word mnemonic, referring to a memory aid. It is used here in the present tense, active voice, subjunctive mood, implying something that should be done continually.

Meaning Explained

Once Paul had convinced the apostolic elders of the Jerusalem church that he truly was the apostle to the Gentiles and was warmly welcomed to their fellowship, they made but one request of him. As the current verse says, they desired only that Paul and his fellow laborers should continually remember the poor. It is most likely that they were referring to the poor among the Christians in Jerusalem for they had suffered greatly both because of their faith and because of the famines that periodically inflicted that area.

Not only was Paul not averse to doing as suggested, but it was something that he was quite ready to do. In fact we find that it was part of what Paul regularly encouraged others to do. When he wrote his letter to the Christians in Rome he mentions his trip to Jerusalem to minister to the poor there. He also mentions the willingness of the churches in Macedonia and Achaia to contribute to the needs of the poor in Jerusalem.

But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. (Romans 15:25-27)

This attitude toward the poor, however, seems to be lost on most of today’s Christians. We have become so wrapped up in our own materialistic desires that we fail to recognize how rich we have become in the things of this world. We, in this country, have so much compared to the rest of the world and to the vast majority of all people who have lived throughout all of time. And yet, we find ourselves being occupied much of our days with a desire for more while the poor around us dream of having but a fraction of what we have.

Application

Let us all throw ourselves humbly before our God and earnestly seek His guidance on how we can minister to the poor around us today – especially, those in the church!

Let us do it in the name of Christ!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 2:9 – Sent by God

Posted on September 6, 2007 by admin

Galatians 2:9

and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

Truth to Learn

We all have different ministries which God has called us to but we all share in His ministry as His servants.

Behind the Words

“Seemed” is translated from the Greek word dokeō, which means “to think,” “to imagine,” or “to consider.” By implication it means “to be perceived as” or “to have the reputation of.” Hence, Paul is saying that Peter, James, and John were recognized as being pillars.

The Greek word stulos refers to a pillar or column which is of primary importance in supporting the overhead portion of a building. Here it is translated as “pillars” signifying that Peter, James, and John were the foremost apostles in the church and they were the ones on whom the church relied.

The word translated “perceived” is the Greek word, “gnontes” which means “to come to know” that is, “to gain new knowledge.” It is expressed as a participle and it is the first part of this sentence, giving it emphasis. Hence, it could be expressed as, “And knowing the grace that had been given to me …’

Meaning Explained

Now that Paul has had a chance to communicate directly with the apostolic leaders of the church in Jerusalem it has become clear to them that Paul is genuine in his claims. Before this meeting, the elders of the Jerusalem church had heard about Paul’s conversion and the fact that his former persecuting zeal was now changed into an evangelistic zeal particularly toward the Gentiles. Yet, they apparently weren’t fully convinced of his apostolic calling.

He surely must have shared his apostolic calling with them at this time just as he would later to the Jews in Jerusalem who wanted to kill him. He received this apostolic commission from the Lord himself. Shortly after his conversion, Paul had returned to Jerusalem and was in a trance in the temple and he heard the Lord speak directly to him:

Then He said to me, “Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.” (Acts 22:21)

Now that Paul has witnessed to them, showing the marvelous things that God had done by his hand, they “knew” that he was genuinely saved and that he was the apostle to the Gentiles.

The apostolic leaders then gave them the right hand of fellowship showing that Paul and Barnabas were accepted as associates with the apostles in the great work of spreading the gospel throughout the world. And, as a result, Paul’s calling to the Gentiles was recognized as being as legitimate to him as their own calling to the Jews.

Application

Do you know what ministry God has called you to? Have you experienced the energizing of the Spirit of God to do what you were called to do? If so, do it with the same zeal that Paul exhibited in his ministry. If not, get on your knees, submit yourself once again to the Lordship of Christ, and ask Him to reveal how He wants you to serve Him.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 2:8 – Spirit at Work

Posted on September 5, 2007 by admin

Galatians 2:8

(for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles),

Truth to Learn

The Holy Spirit of God is effective and at work today.

Behind the Words

The word translated as “worked effectively” in the current verse is the Greek verb “energaysas” from which we get our English word energy. The Greek word means, “to be at work, to be effective, or to be operative.” It refers to the source of working power.

The word “apostleship” is a form of the Greek word “apostolos,” which is made up of “apo,” meaning “from or away from” and “stello,” meaning “to be sent.” Hence, “apostolos” means “one who is sent away from” (with a message).

Meaning Explained

Paul is now asserting that in the same way that Peter is an apostle of the Jews, he (Paul) is the apostle of the Gentiles. He asserts that it is so by the power, that is, the effective working, of the Holy Spirit. His purpose in making this point is that the false teachers in the churches of Galatia were claiming they had an angelic or apostolic source for their message, but Paul is demonstrating that he did not get his message from an angel or an apostle, rather he IS an apostle and he got his message directly from the risen Christ.

The question that we have to ask ourselves here is, what is Paul referring to when he says “worked effectively in”? Clearly, the one who did this effective work is the Holy Spirit. And, some commentators would have us believe that Paul is referring to the working of miracles by the Holy Spirit, particularly miracles of healing. Both Paul and Peter performed miracles of healing through the power of the Spirit as part of their ministry, including bringing people back to life. I submit to you, however, that “worked effectively in” has nothing to do with miraculous healings. Instead, it has everything to do with the miracle of salvation, brought about by the preaching of the gospel message. In Peter’s case, it was preaching the gospel to the Jews and in Paul’s case it was to the Gentiles.

In his explanation of this interaction with Peter, Paul never once mentions healing miracles. He does, however, mention the gospel. In verse two Paul talks about the gospel that he preached among the Gentiles and in verse seven he says that the key piece of the evidence of his apostleship was the gospel for the Gentiles which had been committed to him. Hence, Paul says that it is the gospel message, or more importantly, its effect, which is the evidence of his apostleship, not the working of miracles.

Application

Let’s take our focus off the working of miraculous healings today as evidence of a person’s ministry. Instead, let us look to the working of the Spirit of God in drawing sinners to Jesus Christ through faith. If you are looking for the miraculous working of the Holy Spirit today, then proclaim the gospel message. When you witness to someone and that person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, you are seeing the Holy Spirit perform the miracle of salvation through faith.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 2:7 – Listening Leaders

Posted on September 4, 2007 by admin

Galatians 2:7

But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter

Truth to Learn

The leaders of the church can learn God given truths even from recent converts as long as they are willing to listen.

Behind the Words

The words translated “But on the contrary” are alla tounantion. The word alla, according to The Complete Word Study Dictionary, is “a particle implying in speech some diversity to what preceded. It serves, therefore, to mark opposition, antithesis, or transition.” The word tounantion is made up of the neuter definite article to (meaning “the”) and enantion, meaning “opposite.” Hence the words alla tounantion literally mean “but, just the opposite.”

The expression “gospel for the uncircumcised” is literally, “gospel of the uncircumcised.” This seems to indicate a different type of gospel message than that which has been given to the Jews. It is not a different type of gospel, however, just delivered to a different group of people. Though Paul’s ministry was primarily to the Gentiles, in his missionary travels he nearly always started with the Jews of a particular area, then expanded his ministry to the Gentiles declaring the same gospel message to all people.

Meaning Explained

In the previous verse Paul told us that the apostolic leaders of the church in Jerusalem were not able to add anything to his storehouse of knowledge regarding the topic at hand, the supposed requirement for all Christians to obey the Law of Moses and be circumcised in order to be saved.

Paul starts off this verse with a startling statement. He says, “But just the opposite.” Not only did Peter, James, and John not add anything to Paul’s knowledge, but just the opposite, that is, the apostolic leaders learned something from Paul. He had a personal audience with these leaders of the Jerusalem church in order to explain to them the false teaching that the legalizers had been spreading in Antioch. And these leaders recognized the power of God in Paul’s ministry and message, accepting him then and there as the apostle to the Gentiles.

The proof of this is in the following statement, “when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter.” The apostolic leaders of the church in Jerusalem recognized the legitimacy of Paul’s apostleship to the Gentile world. An interesting thing to note here is that if Peter had been assigned by Christ to be the “head of the church on earth” as the Catholic popes would have the world believe, then Peter would have claimed superiority over Paul at this point. Instead, however, he recognized Paul as being on an equal level with himself and the other apostles. We will discuss more about this later in this epistle.

Application

Paul, as one proclaiming the simple truth of the gospel of Christ is not willing to change his beliefs no matter who he comes up against. And we who hold to the same simple truth of the gospel need not be dissuaded either. No matter who tries to teach us otherwise, our beliefs are based upon the Word of God, and nothing else.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 2:6 – Resistance is Not Futile

Posted on August 31, 2007 by admin

Galatians 2:6

But from those who seemed to be something—whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; God shows personal favoritism to no man—for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.

Truth to Learn

Just because someone has a position of authority or advanced education does not mean they are always right.

Behind the Words

The words “those who seemed to be something” are translated from a form of dokeō, which means “to think, imagine, or appear.” Hence, Paul is referring to those who, on the surface, appear to be authorities.

Meaning Explained

This is a very confusing verse to many so let’s take it one piece at a time. Paul starts this verse off with, “But from those who seemed to be something.” This is a reference to the leaders of the apostles at Jerusalem. Paul is not implying that they were trying to be something that they weren’t. He is simply showing the Galatian Christians that even the most eminent apostles in Jerusalem had no greater authority over their message than Paul did over his.

Remember that the false teachers in Antioch had claimed either apostolic authority or angelic authority for their false teaching. Paul claims that the authority of his teaching came directly from God himself. And as Paul is describing the private meeting that he had with the apostolic leaders in Jerusalem he is pointing out that they had no “privilege of rank” over Paul.

The next part of this verse, “whatever they were, it makes no difference to me: God shows personal favoritism to no man,” indicates that Paul was not impressed nor intimidated by their position. This is because he knows from the Scripture that God is not a respecter of persons, therefore neither is Paul. This is not saying that Paul didn’t respect their position within the church just that he was not intimidated or necessarily obliged to take what they said as authoritative.

Finally, and this is the crux of this verse, Paul says, “for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me.” Again, let me say that with the phrase, “those who seemed to be something,” Paul is not being insolent or sarcastic regarding the apostolic leaders. He is saying that those who appeared to be the leaders, those who seemed to be the authoritative ones, were not able to give anything to Paul (in terms of insight or new information) that he didn’t already have.

He is defending the fact that his message came directly from Christ himself and the apostolic leaders did not dispute his message or attempt to dissuade him from the doctrine he was teaching. He will make this point clearer in the following verses.

Application

The thing we need to take with us from this verse is the fact that no matter how hallowed or revered a person seems to be, if his message is contrary to the Word of God, then we have no reason to believe him or her. And if we are teaching the truth from the Word then we need not bow to any argument or persuasion from anyone no matter how authoritative they are or how many degrees they have earned.

We stand on the Word of God and on the Word of God alone!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 2:5 – No Compromise

Posted on August 30, 2007 by admin

Galatians 2:5

to whom we did not yield submission even for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you.

Truth to Learn

The truth of the gospel messages is, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”

Meaning Explained

Paul has been explaining his 2^nd trip to Jerusalem to the Galatian Christians. He went there with Barnabas and Titus to have the leaders of the Jerusalem church help settle the dispute which had arisen in Antioch over whether or not Christians had to obey the Mosaic Law in order to be saved. Paul’s contention, based on his direct revelation from God, was that we have been freed from the bondage of the Law of the flesh (the Law of Moses which had to be obeyed in our fleshly bodies). But there were others in the church in Antioch who claimed to have authority from the apostles saying that Christians had to obey the Law.

If you read through the letters that Paul sent to various churches you will find that he was not wishy-washy when it came to doctrinal teaching. Nor was he willing to compromise when it came to doctrinal issues and this was one of them. And, as he says in the current verse, he was not willing to submit to the false teaching of the legalizers at all. Not even for an hour!

He understood that the gospel message is very simple, Jesus is the Christ (the anointed one) the Son of the living God who died on the cross to pay for the sins of the whole world, was buried, and rose from the dead. Paul understood that anyone recognizing that they are a sinner who humbles himself or herself before our holy God believing this simple gospel message and accepts Christ’s payment for their sins, is a born-again Christian. There is no need for any other deeds or actions in order to become a Christian. There is no need to also follow the rites and practices of the Jewish faith. There is no need to also follow the traditions and prescriptions of any organized church.

In the book of Acts Luke recounts the events that occurred in Philippi where Paul and Silas had been thrown in jail for preaching the gospel. They sat in a cold, dark, miserable dungeon with their feet in stocks and sang hymns of praise. Suddenly there was a great earthquake that opened all the prison doors and miraculously released the chains that bound them. The jailer, thinking that all the prisoners had escaped was about to kill himself when Paul called out to him not to hurt himself because the prisoners were still there. In amazement and fear the jailer came to Paul and wanted to know how to be saved. Here’s how Paul and Silas replied:

So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.” (Acts 16:31)

Not, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and become part of the official church.” Not, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and obey the Law.” Not even, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be baptized.” Simply, “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”

That’s all it takes to be a Christian, nothing more!

Application

Do not yield to compromise when it comes to the simple truth of salvation by faith alone. Stand firm upon your faith in your Savior. You need nothing more!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 2:4 – No More Bondage

Posted on August 29, 2007 by admin

Galatians 2:4

And this occurred because of false brethren secretly brought in (who came in by stealth to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage),

Truth to Learn

Legalism results in bondage. Simple faith in the blood of Jesus Christ results in freedom, which can’t be earned.

Behind the Words

The word translated “secretly brought in” is a form of pareisaktos which is derived from a verb meaning “to lead in by the side of others, to introduce along with others; and then to lead or bring in by stealth, to smuggle in.” It is used here by Paul to refer to those who had been secretly brought into the discussion at hand in order to bolster the arguments of those who opposed him.

Meaning Explained

Who these false brethren were, we do not know. Nor do we know for certain whether Paul is referring to false brethren in Antioch where this dissention first arose, or in Jerusalem where Paul is currently defending his position. He could be referring either to the false teachers in Antioch who wanted all Christians to submit to the requirements of the Law or he could be referring to Jews in Jerusalem who were pretending to be Christians. It is clear, however, that they opposed the apostle Paul, they regarded him as teaching dangerous doctrines, they perverted and misrepresented his views, and they claimed to have clearer insight into the nature of true faith than he did.

What we do know is that Paul is using this argument as a reason for something (“And this occurred because…”). Whether that something was his defense of not circumcising Titus or whether it was his reason for meeting privately with the apostolic leaders is not entirely clear. Iit seems to make more sense, however, that he is explaining why he met privately with the leaders of the church in Jerusalem.

Apparently, those in Jerusalem who were opposed to Paul’s doctrine of Christian liberty had secretly brought in others to bolster their argument regarding the necessity of Christians keeping the Law of Moses. And this is why Paul approached the apostolic leaders in private to share his experiences in preaching the gospel and the miraculous conversion of Gentiles apart from works of the Law.

In the book of Romans Paul spends considerable time and effort showing how the Law brought us into bondage, and that to break even one requirement of the Law was equivalent to breaking the whole Law. Because of this, he declared “there is none righteous, no not one.” But through faith in the blood of Christ we have been freed from the bondage of sin and we have received our righteousness, not because we obey the law, but because God in his grace declared us righteous through that faith.

Application

Paul is absolutely convinced that obedience to the law is not a requirement for salvation and, as a result, is not about to let these legalizers introduce the requirements of the Law into the simple faith of Christianity.

And we should all be greatly thankful for that!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 2:3 – Case in Point

Posted on August 28, 2007 by admin

Galatians 2:3

Yet not even Titus who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.

Truth to Learn

No act of obedience or contrition is required for salvation beyond simple faith in the atoning blood of Jesus Christ.

Behind the Words

The word translated “compelled” is anangkadzō, which means “to force or compel either by authoritative command or by violence.” It implies that a person is forced to do something which he or she does not want to do.

Meaning Explained

In this verse, Paul is using Titus as an example of a born again Christian who had been accepted into the church, who was not forced to be circumcised, either through his own fellowship with the Spirit of God or because any of the leaders of the church at Antioch were spiritually convicted that it was necessary. And the reason that Paul brings it up here is because the leaders of the church at Jerusalem did not demand that Titus be circumcised either. After all, to a Jew circumcision is one of the first steps in obedience to the Law and if the leaders of the church in Jerusalem didn’t insist on Titus being circumcised, then none of the rest of the Law could logically be imposed on Titus.

In the next verse Paul will point out that there were some involved in the discussion about obedience to the Law who thought that Titus should have been circumcised. Paul did not simply resist them, he insisted that it was absolutely not necessary for salvation. Now you may ask, “Why then did Paul circumcise Timothy if he didn’t think it was necessary?” Here’s what is said in Acts 16:1-3

Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a certain Jewish woman who believed, but his father was Greek. He was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. Paul wanted to have him go on with him. And he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in that region, for they all knew that his father was Greek.

This is a case where Timothy voluntarily submitted to circumcision, not to secure salvation, but to help Paul and Timothy more effectively witness to Jews who would not have even talked to Paul with Timothy present if they thought that he was uncircumcised. In Titus’ case, however, the legalizers were insisting that Titus must be circumcised in order to be saved and Paul knew that was not true. He mentions this to the Galations as a case in point, that shows that even the elders in Jerusalem agreed that although voluntary circumcision is acceptable, it is not a requirement for salvation.

Application

How many rules and traditions are there in your own church, obedience to which is insisted on by the leaders of the congregation? And, how many of these rules which have been put in place by a church or denomination to make the church more acceptable to others, have now become requirements of membership or even salvation?

Any rules, ordinances, or traditions required by your church in addition to simple faith, Paul would say, aren’t necessary for salvation or for admission into the church, period!

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

Galatians 2:2 – Private Communication

Posted on August 16, 2007 by admin

Galatians 2:2

And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.

Truth to Learn

Sharing the truth in private is often more effective, even though you may not get public recognition for it.

Behind the Words

The Greek expression for “privately” is kat idian, which literally translates as “with self.” Its root meaning is that of doing something individually with someone or doing it separate from the others. Therefore, we see Paul is telling us that he met separately with the leaders of the Jerusalem church.

“Those of reputation” is translated from tois doxousin. The word tois is the personal pronoun “those” and doxousin is a form of the word dokeō, which means “to think, to imagine, or to appear.” This is an idiomatic expression meaning “those who appeared to be in charge” or “those who appeared to be the leaders.”

Meaning Explained

On the surface there seems to be a contradiction between this verse and Acts 15:2. Luke tells us in Acts that the members of the church at Antioch made the decision to send Paul and Barnabas, but Paul tells us here that it was by revelation that he was instructed to go. How do we reconcile these two? Apparently the leaders of the church at Antioch thought it was necessary for Paul and Barnabas to go up to Jerusalem but Paul must have had a personal revelation from God concerning this. Perhaps God instructed Paul to do this and, after communicating it to the church leaders in Antioch, the leaders there agreed making it an official action of the church. Or, perhaps the leaders of the church decided on this action and Paul later received a revelation from God confirming it. In either case both Paul’s and Luke’s account are truthful even though they state different facts.

Paul now tells us that he met privately with some of the leaders in Jerusalem. According to verse nine, this included the apostles Peter, James (the son of Alphaeus), and John. He gave a private testimony of his actions and views to them so that they might understand the situation thoroughly before it became a matter of public discussion. Paul does not tell us why he met with the leaders separately, but it is quite possible that he did this so that he could explain his position without the inevitable arguing that would have ensued from the former Pharisees who wanted to impose the Law on all Christians. Paul took this opportunity to share his preaching of the gospel to the Gentiles so that the leaders of the church in Jerusalem could see that even without the weighty requirements of the Law the gospel was effective and the church was growing both is size and in spiritual maturity. And, it appears that Paul was effective in his explanation, for the leaders of the church in Jerusalem eventually supported his position.

Application

Sometimes it is more effective to make your ideas on church matters known directly to the leadership privately, leaving it in their hands to carry the idea forward, than to have a big argument in a meeting of the entire assembly.

In God’s service, for His glory,

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –