“But
on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the
uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised (for He who
effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually
worked for me also to the Gentiles), and 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” (Galatians 2:7–9).
The troublemakers in the Galatian congregations were
doing their best to drive a wedge between local Christians and Paul. Apparently they were discrediting his
ministry by claiming his teaching and ministry was different than that of
Peter, James, and John. In Galatians
2:1-10, Paul emphasizes the common ground his gospel mission shares with the
leadership of the Jerusalem church.
During one of his visits to Jerusalem, Paul sat down with “those who
were of reputation.” They discussed
their respective efforts and found themselves squarely on the same page. In the verses listed above, Paul highlights
three commonalities.
First, God entrusted each of them with the same
gospel. Yes, the primary focus of their
efforts differed (Paul to the Gentiles, Peter to the Jews), but the message
they preached remained the same.
Second, God effectually worked within each
ministry. The sense here is that God was
the energizing force in both gospel efforts.
He didn’t favor one other the other.
He was eager to empower them both.
Third, God encouraged them with a spirit of
fellowship. Rather than letting themselves be pitted against one another, the
Jerusalem leaders extended “the right hand of fellowship” to Paul and
Barnabus. They served on the same team.
True gospel ministry is never a competition. Anyone who seeks to make it so (like the
troublemakers in Galatia) is not serving the purposes of God. May God help us all to be supportive of any
and all efforts to share the gospel of God!
God loves you!
Mike
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