I’ve often been challenged by what Paul shares about an experience he had in Jerusalem. Using 6 interrogatives, let’s study Galatians 2:1-10.
In answer to the question, Who? you have Paul, Barnabas, Titus, Peter, James and John. Where? In Jerusalem. When? 14 years after Paul first left Jerusalem as a Christian. Why? God told Paul to go and share with the leaders in Jerusalem the gospel he preached. He wanted their blessing upon what he was doing. What was behind this meeting? There had been some questions raised by false brothers about the freedom Paul and Barnabas had and were teaching others. How did this all take place? Paul, Barnabas and Titus met with Peter, James and John privately to discuss these issues. The discussion resulted in the leaders in Jerusalem giving them the right had of fellowship and affirming the grace given to them to reach Gentiles even as Peter was called to reach the Jews. The only requirement put on this new outreach was that they remember the poor, which they already were eager to do.
Having answered these questions, is there anything we can apply to our own lives? One thing for me is to recognize, even though I might feel God leading me to do something for Him, it is always good to consult with mature believers to get their affirmation and blessing. This checks any false impressions and builds confidence if affirmed. Proverbs 15:22 encorages this as well: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.”