A Quest for approval. Galatians 2:1-3.
Dear People Waiting for a Saviour from Heaven,
It is clear that Paul knows who called him and what he was called to. However, it is important to note that he does not ignore others that God has appointed as leaders. It with this in mind that he tells about his next visit to Jerusalem.
Return (v. 1). Fourteen years have passed since Paul was last in Jerusalem. He is accompanied by Barnabas and Titus, but his language suggests that Barnabas was more than a tag-along. We do know that Barnabas had a special gift of encouragement. His name was Joseph but the apostles called him Barnabas in recognition of his gift (Acts 4:36). It is not easy to synchronize the letter to the Galatians with the book of Acts but it seems that the visit Paul made to Jerusalem is after the one mentioned in Acts 9:26-30. This visit is not recorded in the book of acts but in the earlier visit, it was Barnabas who had stood by Paul when others doubted him. It seems that they spent the best part of the fourteen years in between together. Titus was most likely a convert of Paul and may have been brought along to be introduced to the apostles.
Revelation (v. 2). It is important to note that Paul did not just “up and go” to Jerusalem. He was prompted by God through a revelation. Paul was probably immersed in the work of evangelism and discipleship and saw no need to leave such important work for a visit to Jerusalem. But God wanted Paul to go to Jerusalem. There may be times when God removes us from a situation that we are committed to so that he can bring us where it will be taken care of. Paul could not have foreseen the opposition to his gospel, for which he needed prior support from the apostles.
Recognition (v. 3). Not only was Paul’s gospel accepted by the apostles, but even the unexpected also happened. In those early days of the church, many were of the opinion that to be truly Christian, one had to be Jewish. All early Christians were Jewish and most expected Gentiles (non-Jews) to follow the rules of Judaism, including circumcision of males.
Paul was one of the few exceptions and had not bothered to circumcise Titus, a Greek. Yet the apostles did not demand Titus’ circumcision, either. This is important, as we will see later because it is central to the dispute between Paul and some of the people in Galatia.
At the time Paul went to Jerusalem, he could not have known how important this seemingly insignificant sign of approval would be in the future. Let us never forget that God knows the future. Seemingly unrelated things that happen to us later come to make sense, as we confront realities that only God knew we would face.
Paul shared the content of the gospel he preached to the gentiles with “those who were of reputation,” no doubt meaning the key leaders of the church in Jerusalem, in order to confirm that his brand of the gospel was true.
Not that Paul had any doubts, but harmony with leadership is healthy. We should all strive to be at peace with those God has appointed to lead his church, especially on matters of doctrine.
Your Loving Pastor Chris.