A United Front

Galatians 2:1-10

1Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also.

2It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.

3But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.

4But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage.

5But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

6But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)–well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me.

7But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised

8(for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles),

9and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

10They only asked us to remember the poor–the very thing I also was eager to do.

Paul explains the evolution of his mission for Christ. He received the call and went. His explanation here exemplifies the validity of his mission for the Gospel, as well as the truthfulness in the gospel. Quite honestly, the last bit of verse 2 confuses me. I want to think that paul was unsure of the outcome, so he did not want to be outspoken and public about the meeting, in case it did not go well. I understand this feeling since I get the feeling of fear whenever I share the gospel with someone myself.

Verse 3 i believe is to show that becoming a follower of Christ does not warrant the deeds that the Jews require for their religion. Since christianity seemingly spawned from Judaism, I think there was some confusion about “what to do” to become a Christ follower and how it all works. Sound familiar? We still try to be religious today in our faith and want to have a part of our own salvation.

Next, Paul explains how these highly reputable Judaizers (converted Jews that tried to continue following the Law as well) tried to convince Paul and his entourage of things he must do. They attempted to get him to follow the Law once more in order to bring us into bondage. These men had no effect over Paul’s faith as he plainly states that even Gentiles were being saved under the gospel and The Law has nothing to do with it.

In recognition of this unity in Christ, Paul and Peter acknowledged their allegiance to Christ together to show that everyone is equal when it comes to the Gospel and Christ’s gift of grace, regardless of their past and present disposition. Verse 10 is about supporting those disciples that need financial help in order to continue their ministry.

Are we united? Do we remain today supporting one another in the Truth or do we criticize one another for who is right and who is wrong? God’s grace was designed for everyone, not just some. Nobody deserves the gift, so who are we to deprive anyone of God’s gospel?

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