COMMENTARY ON GALATIANS

LESSON NUMBER 8

Chapter Two, Verses 6-10

“And from those who were supposed to be acknowledged leaders (what they actually were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)--those leaders contributed nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel for the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter making him an apostle to the circumcised also worked through me in sending me to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who were acknowledged pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do.”

GOD IS NOT PARTIAL

“And from those who were supposed to be acknowledged leaders (what they actually were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)--those leaders contributed nothing to me“ (NIV).

Faith appears arrogant to those that walk in the flesh, but it is not. A statement like this would be considered rude and uncultured among institutional people. Paul is not speaking derogatorily of the “leaders” in Jerusalem. Rather, he is expressing a fundamental principle in the heavenly Kingdom. Position and appearance count for little or nothing in spiritual life. Spiritual contribution and benefit are the point, not fleshly attainment and impression.

 Jesus emphatically told us not to judge according to appearance (John 7:24). Our evaluations are to be righteous, and in comportment with spiritual realities. Those in Christ do not consider people after the flesh—not even Jesus Himself . As it is written, “From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way” (2 Cor 5:16).

 This attitude reflects the Divine nature. God is not a respector of persons, showing partiality to no one. By this, the Spirit means surface matters do not impress the Lord. As He said to Samuel, "Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the LORD does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart" (1 Sam 16:7). When Peter witnessed the blessing of the house of Cornelius, he responded, “I truly understand that God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34).

 The spiritual worth of an individual is measured by the contribution they make to our faith. Those that bring us closer to the Lord, clarify the Gospel, and strengthen our hand in the Lord are of inestimable value. They “add”something to us, so to speak. This is not a luxury in the Kingdom, but an essentiality.

It is remarkable how very little of this perspective exists in the religious world. Men are generally elevated to prominence on the basis of appearance: earthly credentials, outward “success,” etc. This is an intolerable situation, and is not acceptable in any sense. God does not operate on that basis, and neither can we. Paul knew this, and spoke accordingly. He did not know it because he had learned a few facts, but because he had partaken of the Divine nature.

THEY SAW I WAS ENTRUSTED

“ . . . they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel” (NIV)

It is possible to see grace in the people of God. The Jerusalem “leaders” saw, or perceived, the ministry of Paul. It registered upon their spirits that Paul had been sent by Christ to the Gentiles. They did not view him through the eyes of the institution, but in relation to the Head of all.

Barnabas saw the grace of God in those of Antioch. It is written, “When he came and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced, and he exhorted them all to remain faithful to the Lord with steadfast devotion” (Acts 11:23). Paul saw the election of the Thessalonians through their response to the Gospel. “For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you, because our message of the gospel came to you not in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction” (1 Thess 1:4-5).

 It is true that spiritual life is not primarily subjective, or based upon human experience. However, the element of experience is not excluded. We are “stewards of the manifold grace of God” (1 Pet 4:10). If we do not “quench”or “grieve” the Spirit, our ministry will be perceived by others, just as surely as Paul’s was seen by the “leaders” in Jerusalem.

 The remarkable spread of the Gospel to the Gentiles is not generally perceived by the contemporary church. I fear that it is taken for granted. It was not so with the early church. It required an extended discussion for the Apostles and elders to perceive the validity of preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 15:6ff). The acceptance of the Gentiles is a marvelous token of Divine grace. They have been grafted into the Jewish tree like wild olive branches (Rom 11:17-24).

The prophets foretold of the acceptance of the Gentiles (Isa 49:22; 60:3; 66:19; Jer 16:19; Mal 1:11). Although this had not been comprehended clearly, the presence of Paul clarified it to the hearts of the “leaders.” They perceived that God Almighty had sent him to the nations of the world. James saw the Scriptures fulfilled in the acceptance of the Gentiles (Acts 15:13-16).

 They did not add anything to Paul, but he certainly added something to them! May God grant that you may also be a source of blessing and benefit. May those that confront you find Scripture clarified as they see the grace of God in you!

THE RIGHT HAND

“ . . . when James and Cephas and John, who were acknowledged pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship” (NIV)

              How important is the “right hand of fellowship?” Within the context of the Lord’s work, it is vital. There came a time in the history of the church when the saints arrived at a crossroads. The incident reflected in our text was at that time. The Gospel would either go into all the world in an environment of unanimity, or strife would inhibit the work. As you can see, Paul and Barnabas received the support of the “leaders,” and the Gospel went forth in peaceful climate.

              The Word of God reminds us, “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace” (James 3:18). An environment of hostility does not produce soil in which the Word of God can grow. Paul exhorted, “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Tim 2:2). The “quiet and peaceable life” is not an end of itself. Rather, it creates a milieu where a spiritual harvest can be realized. This was the overriding consideration of Paul when going to Jerusalem.

              Each of the servants attended to their task. Paul and Barnabas went to the Gentiles, and the rest went to the Jews. After all, the Lord does dispense to every man his work (Mark 13:34). O, that such an environment were more common today!

              The “leaders” gave a word of exhortation to Paul and Barnabas. “They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do.” I could not help but wonder what counsel would have been given by the leaders of our day. This certainly is not the type of strategy that would build an institution! It will, however, build the Kingdom. Remember Paul's words to the Ephesians. “In all this I have given you an example that by such work we must support the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, for He Himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).

              I understand this to be a particular reference to the poor saints, not merely the poor of the world—although they are not excluded. As the Scripture says, “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith.” With the Law of God inscribed upon his heart, Paul acknowledged he was eager to remember the poor. His zeal in gathering monies for the poor saints is a matter of Scriptural record (2 Cor 8 and 9). It is a comely trait that finds God’s people considering those that have no power to repay (Luke 14:13-14).