Having received the gospel and authority direct from Jesus Christ, Paul further defends by the recognition given him at a private conference with the apostles at Jerusalem.

Galatians 2:1 "Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem ..."

Did Paul mean fourteen years from his conversion? "I went up again." Would this connect with the brief visit mentioned in (Galatians 1:18 )? What is important is that Paul is making the point of long years of preaching what he received from Christ, without any input from the apostles at Jerusalem.

Galatians 2:1 "... with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also."

Both of these anointed men were known to the Galatians. Their word would be acceptable as verifying that this visit took place. Mention of Barnabas would show that though he was by descent a pure Jew, he was fully identified with Paul in the liberty of the Gentile believers from ritualistic law. He was a man who heard from God, a recognised prophet, all of which lent support to the rightness of not insisting on the circumcision of Gentile converts. Taking Titus along would confront the Jerusalem apostle with a test case, as he was a Gentile Christian, and representative of Gentile churches, and he was uncircumcised. Further, Titus had a proven ministry alongside Paul. The Galatians could not question that. Those who were troubling them about circumcision could not ignore Titus's ministry either.

Galatians 2:2 "And I went up by revelation, ..."

It did not come about because of a summons from Jerusalem - nor because of any need on Paul's part, of support. To have such a conference was made known to Paul by revelation It was God's will and God ordained it. Leaders must be open to direction from God as to their actions, plans, consultations. Closed hearts can result in closed ministries.

Galatians 2:2 "... to them which were of reputation, ..."

That those of reputation, would mean leaders highly respected, is of course true, but it would also imply the high regard in which Paul was held. Paul's gainsayers in Galatia were fond of using the expression when they referred to those who were of reputation, who disparaged and disassociated themselves from Paul's message. Paul's use confronted them with the knowledge that he was received on equal terms with men of acknowledged reputation. Such a conference would be pointless if it were not with leaders who were known to have the mind of Christ and committed to God's will.

Galatians 2:2 "... and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, ... lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. "

Paul used the opportunity to present his message of justification by faith without ceremonial rites or any other additions to the pure gospel. A private conference made possible detailed development of the theme and interaction. This was necessary as the false brethren had subtly distorted his message - and this was the first time the leaders at Jerusalem had heard him expound it. Had these leaders been persuaded to go with the Judaisers, then Paul could see that their influence could cause havoc among the churches he had founded, and make his activity "in vain" - that is, to an empty result. (1 Thessalonians 3:5 ).

Galatians 2:3 "But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:"

The courage of Paul is seen in taking Titus, a Gentile believer, his assistant and companion with him to Jerusalem and to the council. Titus was under pressure to be circumcised, but the council did not compel him. To have done so would have torn down Christian liberty. Instead it was a triumph obtained from freedom.

Galatians 2:4 "... because of false brethren secretly brought in ..."

This is the explanation for the private conference - that false brethren had got into the churches and were troubling them with their heresy. There could be no weakening of cause by not making a firm stand. The character of these disturbers is described as false - they had no genuine faith - spies, they were carrying out espionage to spoil those in the faith. They stole in to bring into bondage those who were free. Paul and Titus would not accommodate these spoilers in any way when truth relevant to salvation is in question. Let us not,

Galatians 2:5 "... not yield submission even for an hour, ..."

Some of the main lessons are:-

	God does not give great leaders to intimidate us, but to help us - Galatians 2:6 "But from those who seemed to be something whatever they were, it makes no difference to me; ..."
	We are never to downgrade ourselves or others, but know that we are all equally brothers and sisters in God's family - Galatians 2:6 "... God shows personal favoritism to no man ..."
	Give honour to whom honour is due, but your ultimate allegiance is to Jesus Christ the Lord - Galatians 2:6 "... for those who seemed to be something added nothing to me."
	It is our hearts, not our status that the Lord looks upon (1 Samuel 16:7 ) - Galatians 2:7 "... when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me ..."
	Each being gifted by God, it is God who must have the glory - Galatians 2:8 "... for He who worked effectively in Peter ... also worked effectively in me ..."
	Learn to delight in the successful ministries of others - Galatians 2:9 "And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars ... "
	Give your right hand of support to those who labour for the Lord, even when their field of labour is different from yours - Galatians 2:9 "... they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship ..."
	Stand firm when the truths of the gospel are under attack (Galatians 2:5 ).

As we have seen, there was agreement on the gospels. It is the same gospel of liberty, both to the Jew and the Gentile. Interesting that there was no attempt to lay authority upon Paul and Barnabas - but only as brethren they made a request. No insistence on paying a monthly or annual amount to support the Jerusalem ministry.

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There Was Agreement On Practical Ministry

Their expression of concern for the poor was mutually practiced.

Galatians 2:10 "They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do."

Caring for the poor is scriptural (Exodus 23:10-11; Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Deuteronomy 22:16; Amos 2:6-7; Matthew 6:2-4; John 13:29 ). To give to hungry, thirsty and naked of the family of God is equated by Jesus as given to Himself (Matthew 25:31-46 ). Paul's eagerness is evident - the two greatest New Testament chapters on giving are from his inspired pen, and they concern collections for the poor (2 Corinthians chapters 8 and 9 ).

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Proper Use Of Our Money Is Required Of us

As believers we are God's stewards, and are obligated to be faithful (Luke 16:11 ). Not remembering the poor among believers is being unfaithful. Do you need a private conference on this matter?

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QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTION

1. How many conferences do you know of, that came about by direct revelation from God? (Galatians 2:2 ).
2. Do you think that Paul taking Titus with him, indicated confidence and courage? (Galatians 2:3 ).
3. Do you stand firm when the truths of the gospel are under attack? (Galatians 2:4 ).
4. Do you give happy support to those whose field of labour is different from yours? (Galatians 2:6-9 ).
5. Do you believe concern for the poor should be mutually practiced by every church fellowship? (Galatians 2:10 ).