Lesson 4860

 (Lesson 4860) (05-21-25) Galatians 2:1-10 

   “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul recalled how, after fourteen years, he had gone up to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus. He presented the gospel he preached among the Gentiles to the other apostles in private, to ensure that his labor was not in vain. Though Titus was a Greek, no one insisted that he should be circumcised. Paul emphasized that false church brethren had secretly tried to have them taken into custody, but that they had stood firm, so that the truth of the gospel would remain pure and whole. The church leaders—James, Peter, and John—recognized that Paul had been commanded to teach the gospel to the Gentiles, just as Peter had been commanded to teach the Jews. They gave Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship and acknowledged God's grace upon them. They agreed that Paul would go to the Gentiles and they to the Jews, asking only that they remember the poor, which Paul was eager to do. Paul's message and calling were affirmed by the apostles in Jerusalem, showing that the gospel is one message for all people—Jew and Gentile—and that adding requirements like circumcision is contrary to the true gospel of grace. Unity in doctrine and care for others, especially the poor, were central to early Christian mission. ~ 

NOTE: The conclusion of the disagreement between the leadership of the church in Jerusalem and Paul will be continued in tomorrow’s lesson.