Galations 2 - 4.11.23
Scripture
Galatians 2:1-2
Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.
Observation
Paul was concerned that different groups were preaching conflicting messages regarding the Gentiles. He knew this could cause division and fracturing in the church. He went to the apostles to share what he had been preaching and see if they could come to agreement – unity. And he presented the message he had received from God for evaluation by trusted leaders of the church. I saw two major takeaways in these verses:
1. Unity is vital for the church to accomplish its mission.
2. We all need to submit ourselves to trusted leaders/mentors for review on occasion.
Application
“Although it is true that he (Paul) got his gospel by direct revelation, this does not mean that he preached his gospel without the approval and support of the original apostles and the rest of the church. Paul is not a visionary who simply wants to protect his claim to private revelations rather than building the unity of the church. Nor is he a pioneer missionary who works in isolation from the rest of the church.” (IVP New Testament Commentary Series)
The Bible tells us over and over that we cannot be lone rangers as Christians. We are to work in fellowship with each other. We are to support, encourage, and spur one another on, and sometimes, question/redirect when someone is straying from the message. Paul was a great leader, and he received his message directly from God. But he was willing to humble himself and accept the input of others in order to promote unity in the church.
Prayer
God, thank you for the church family that you have placed me in and thank you for the reminder of how much I need them. Sometimes I let my opinions be swayed by the world. Other times it is easy to convince myself that what I think or feel is directly from God. First and always, I need to let my heart be examined by You. But you have also placed people in my life to provide wise counsel. Help each of us to be open to godly advice and direction so that we can walk in unity to accomplish your mission.
- Debbie Dunn
