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,
Copyright © 2007 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
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