Friday 21 March 2025
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...they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship. (vs 7–9)
Background
Paul continues his account of the development of his mission and ministry. The 14 years he mentions in verse 1 could be after his first revelation of Christ, but is probably more likely that he means 14 years after his previous trip to Jerusalem, which he mentioned in Galatians 1:18.
This passage finally introduces the complaint he has with the direction that the churches in Galatia are taking – it is focused on the relationship between this emerging faith through Jesus Christ, and the existing Jewish faith out of which it has come.
Paul's decision to go to Jerusalem comes through a revelation of God. In 1 Corinthians 14:6 Paul speaks of revelation as one of the gifts of God for the building up of the people. Therefore, it may well have been during a time of worship that Paul, or someone else within the congregation, received this revelation. As he has made clear throughout the early part of this letter, his decision wasn’t a human one – it didn't come out of a feeling of needing to justify himself. Rather he was guided by God.
You can read about the Council of Jerusalem in Acts 15. Given that the major discussion point was whether non-Jewish converts to Christ needed to be circumcised as part of their initiation into the faith, Paul could be seen as being a bit confrontational by taking along the uncircumcised Titus. He was forcing the Jewish Christians to decide whether Titus was a true believer, and whether Paul’s ministry was valid.
Paul’s interpretation of the event is that the pillars of the Church – Peter, James and John – despite pressure from those Paul considered to be false-believers accepted Titus as he was, and celebrated Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles (non Jews), which they agreed came through the same Spirit that sent Peter to the Jewish people.
Paul’s argument wasn’t just about circumcision, but about the need to follow all the regulations of the Jewish law. This is why he got so upset when, later, Peter seemed to step back from earlier practices of eating with non-Jewish Christians out of fear of what the Jewish Christians would think. It was a fear that even affected Paul’s companion Barnabas. Paul strongly believed that the new freedom in Christ wasn’t just for non-Jewish believers, but for all believers. Even if he was deserted by others, he wasn’t going to give up on that freedom.
To Ponder:
- What does freedom in Christ mean to you?
- How can we respond if one person’s sense of freedom seems to impinge on someone else’s sincerely held faith?
Prayer
Liberating God, may we discover more fully the freedom we can have in Christ. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Will Fletcher
Will Fletcher is a presbyter in the Central Sussex United Area. Alongside his church duties, Will is the Ecumenical Officer for the Sussex part of the South-East District. He is married to Helen and they have one son. When not working, Will makes up part of the bass section of Patcham Silver Band.