Paul the apostle has already
expressed his lack of intimidation by those who were in authority in
Jerusalem, but with what exactly was he concerning himself? As we
keep in mind that Paul is addressing false doctrine that is being
taught in the churches in Galatia, we will see in his persuasions
that he was very serious about the gospel of Jesus Christ. The grace
of Jesus Christ was to be given to everyone who would accept it, and
those in opposition to that idea were going to be addressed by Paul
He said in chapter two and verse seven in the book of Galatians:
But contrariwise, when
they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me,
as [the gospel] of the circumcision [was] unto Peter;
Rather
than add anything to Paul the apostle, those in leadership were
actually benefitted by Paul. In contrast to them presenting anything
of particular advantage for Paul, he said, “But contrariwise,
when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed
unto me,...” Paul was God's chosen vessel to preach to the
Gentiles. Luke recorded the Lord's words to the disciple Ananias
concerning Paul this way in the book of Acts in chapter nine and
verse fifteen:
But the Lord said unto
him, Go your way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name
before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:
Part of
the reason that Paul revisited Jerusalem after fourteen years of
ministering to the Gentiles was to report the spreading of the gospel
to the Gentile world. Although Paul would visit Jewish synagogues
when he entered a city or village, he was usually rejected by the
Jews and received by the Gentiles. Therefore, just as the Lord
proclaimed, Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles.
Paul
added this comparison, “as the gospel of the circumcision was to
Peter:” Peter was the apostle to the Jews. When he preached on
the day of Pentecost in Acts chapter two, over three thousand people
came to know Jesus Christ as their savior. In Acts chapter four over
five thousand more were added to the church through Peter's ministry.
Even though Peter was beginning to be persecuted for the spreading of
the gospel, still he continued sharing it with the Jews. There is one
incident in Acts chapter ten where Peter was called to a Gentile
centurion's house to share the gospel, and this served to open
Peter's eyes to the fact that the gospel of Jesus Christ was
available to everyone. Nonetheless, Peter mostly ministered to the
Jews.
Paul's
point was to emphasize that the Lord's gospel was to be spread to
everyone. Paul was to share with the Gentiles, and Peter was to share
with the Jews. No one is exempt from the gospel of grace. We all
share in the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and
Lord. Although Paul's authority is being established in these verses
to the Galatian churches, he alludes to the idea of the gospel being
available to all. As we consider these words we might ask, “To whom
have I shared the gospel lately? Do I have a preference as to who
receives it? Are there people whom I believe do not deserve to hear
and receive the gospel of grace?” One of the joys of reading and
studying the Bible is that “All scripture [is] given by
inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God
may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2
Timothy 3:16,17. May we evermore be moved by the instruction of the
word of God as we share the gospel with whosoever will.
Next
time will see more of what Paul has to say about his and Peter's
commission, 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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