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,
Copyright © 2007 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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