Profundities From the Apostle Paul

Today's verse. . .Galatians 2:2 And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

Some have suggested that the Apostle Paul was a rebel - that he went out on his own from the church authorities to preach the gospel. Nothing could be further from the truth. Yes, he had a special calling on the road to Damascus. Yes, he was in the dessert for several years being taught by the Holy Spirit and the risen Christ. Yes, he was specifically called to the mission of being the "Apostle to the Gentiles. Yet, he was careful to be subject to those who were of "reputation" and authority in the church. Some believe he did it privately to assuage any fears among the Christians who knew about his tirades with having them persecuted befor his conversion.

No, he didn't have to confer with those of "reputation" (Peter, John, James and others) to validate his calling. No, he didn't have to refer to those of "reputation" to receive the anointing to preach the gospel. He did, however, respect church governmental authority. He says, "And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision." (Galatians 2:9) Clearly, he was not involved in being a rebellious loner.

There is also strong indication that he made specific effort to speak personally to the leader of the New Testament church. It is clear in Acts 15:19 that James, the Lord's brother, held a leadership position in the New Testament Church. The Apostle Paul noted that he made specific effort to consult with James. Galatians 1:19 says, "But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother." He was accountable to those over him in the Lord. Are you?

No person is an island. Each one needs to be respectful and submissive to those over them in the Lord. That is biblical. That is a profundity of the Apostle Paul.