Galatians 2:6-10

And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also though me for mine to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Only they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

Well, Paul’s gospel was laid before the important men of Jerusalem—and they saw no need to add anything to how Paul conveyed the life, death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. So, if they didn’t see that Paul was lacking anything…like…say…having to become a JEW first, then why do other “start up apostles” seem to be trying to take over Paul’s church plants?

In fact Paul states that those in Jerusalem also agreed that Paul’s vocation to the Gentiles was given by God, and his message (by God) was not in error. The Galatians are Jews and Gentiles in churches that Paul established based on his Gospel message. So, before he corrects the brethren—they must know that he is an Apostle of Christ, and he speaks the truth.

I always thought “right hand of fellowship” was some country lingo from Black River Falls, WI growing up… low and behold – it is in the Bible!!!

Bottom Line:

• Christ set the Apostles apart to witness to him and write down the accounts and teachings for the church to follow. It is their teachings and the letters that they have endorsed (and the Gospel they have endorsed) that we must follow. These issues are not up to some 2^nd Century theologian to pervert or distort… or a 21^st Century historical revisionist to tear apart. There is one Lord, one Hope and one Gospel.

As I sit here in India

• To simply sit and read this, and not think about the history, life experience and testament of ACTS that supports this man’s life fails to honor scripture, and Paul. Paul is defending himself, as much as he is defending the other Apostles…as much as he is defending the Gospel itself. To honor the Apostles teaching (NT Scripture and Practice) is to honor the chosen men of Jesus that established his movement.