5 October 2022

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up in response to a revelation. Then I laid before them (though only in a private meeting with the acknowledged leaders) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure that I was not running, or had not run, in vain.

From Galatians 2: 1-2, 7-14, NRSV

Paul continues to insist that it was not necessary for Christians to show full observance of the Jewish law. He begins by recalling a visit he had made to Jerusalem to check the authenticity of the gospel that he was proclaiming, and states that there was no disagreement from the leaders in Jerusalem with what he was preaching. However, it becomes clear that Paul and the other apostles, particularly Peter, were not in total unity. Peter had more sympathy with the Jewish Christians and Paul with the gentile (non -Jewish) Christians. A point of common agreement between them was that they should remember to help the poor. They seem to have reached a pragmatic solution with Peter and the other apostles continuing their ministry amongst the Jewish Christians and Paul amongst the gentiles. Perhaps this willingness to find some unity amongst difference could be a positive example for our church today with its even wider range of diversity.

• • Why did Paul feel it was important for the other apostles to endorse his ministry?
  • What work can we share in common with other Christians today?

Despite their differences, Peter and Paul agreed on the need to remember to help the poor. Is there something you could do today to remember the poor in your community?