As Paul is sharing with the
church members in Galatia, he has been compelled to share his history
after receiving Jesus Christ as his personal Savior. He also has
included his background and travels as an itinerant preacher of the
gospel, and tells them he only returned to Jerusalem after fourteen
years of being in the mission field. He continues his discourse in
chapter two and verse two by sharing with them what he did when he
returned. He said:
And I went up by
revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach
among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation,
lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
Paul
first says, “And I went up by revelation,”. The idea is
that he went with full disclosure and inspiration to those who were
in Jerusalem. It is important that we realize that Paul was still
having to overcome his fierce reputation for imprisoning and
persecuting Christians, and because of this it was imperative that he
have an open conversation with those involved.
Paul
adds, “and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach
among the Gentiles.” Paul openly told them the gospel he was
sharing with the Gentile world. This must have been a cultural and
religious challenge to those with whom he was speaking because the
initial thought was that this gospel would be for the Jewish people
only. However after the day of Pentecost as shared in Acts chapter
two, the world was given the opportunity to know Jesus as their
Savior. Paul went to the Gentiles and shared the gospel of Jesus
Christ, and he wanted those in Jerusalem to know about his message of
the abundant grace of God that extended to all.
Finally
Paul continued, “but privately to them which were of reputation,
lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.” Rather
than share with the entire church membership in Jerusalem which was
made up of converted Pharisees and those who kept the law, Paul
privately communicated with the apostles who had reputation because
if he were to share with all of the church membership they might not
be as accepting of his preaching to Gentiles. Because there was a
chance there might be an uproar, Paul avoided it by sharing these
things privately.
Can we
take inspiration from Paul today in sharing the gospel that we
“preach”? Perhaps we are not “preachers” of sort, but do
others around us even know that we are Christians? Maybe some who
read these words have not even received Jesus as their personal
Savior, and would like to make that decision. As we read these words
of Paul we can see that a mighty change has occurred in him as it may
with anyone who simply invites Jesus into their heart and life. If
they ask Him to forgive their sins not only will He forgive them but
He will also clean them from whatever sins they have ever done. Who
knows, from this small teaching may come a huge crowd of people who
are telling others of the gospel of grace that they too are sharing
with both Jew and Gentile alike. May the Lord bless it to be so.
Next
time will study Paul's words about Titus who was traveling with him,
so read ahead, and let us join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look for
the new devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to
Generation” in all major
bookstore
sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to
e-books, and find it
locally
at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore
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