⏱ 6 min read

“Then after a period of fourteen years I again went up to Jerusalem, [this time] with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. I went up [to Jerusalem] because of a [divine] revelation, and I put before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles.
But I did so in private before those of reputation, for fear that I might be running or had run [the course of my ministry] in vain.” – Galatians 2:1-2.

• In the book of Galatians, Paul explained how he handled his divine revelations from Jesus. For proper context and background, we will start with some verses from chapter one.
• In chapter one (v15-17), Paul shared that after he received the revelation to be an Apostle to the Gentiles, he didn’t confer with flesh and blood, or the 12 Apostles immediately (this seems to be a personal decision he took and not a command from God).
• Rather, he deserted to Arabia for three years (probably to ponder and study the scriptures to see if indeed his revelation was in line with God’s word). Interestingly, the 12 Apostles were also trained for 3 years by Jesus.

Then after three years, he went to Jerusalem to meet with Peter alone; for just 15 days (probably discussing some questions regarding his revelation and doctrine with him), and left for Syria and Cilicia (Gentile regions).

• You should remember that Peter (a prominent leader of the church) had earlier been directed by God to go to Cornelius’ house (Gentiles) and preach to them (in Acts 10).
• God had confirmed to Peter that the Gentiles (including you and me) were included in the Gospel of Jesus; by filling all the Gentiles with the Holy Spirit, with the evidence of speaking in tongues. 

"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God." - Acts 10:44-46.

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• It seems God orchestrated all this earlier, so that Peter could confirm Paul’s revelation and call. That it was indeed God’s will, God’s move and purpose that the Gospel be sent to the Gentiles.
• As such, Peter confirmed that Paul’s revelation was very sound, in line, and valid! Paul went for that confirmation, assurance, and accountability (from a trusted source or leader) before he left to start his work in the gentile regions.

This context now leads us to Galatians 2. After 14 years of running (working) with this revelation – preaching to gentiles, and establishing churches – Paul came back to Jerusalem also by ‘divine revelation’ (this simply means that God now directed Paul to go to Jerusalem and speak with the Apostles).

• This second time, it wasn’t about whether he should preach to Gentiles or not, but to clear any doubts on whether the Gospel he was preaching to them was the true Gospel.
• Beloved, I believe that God values community and accountability. He values putting us into a community of believers, families in the faith, churches, and groups; to ensure we have accountability, support, verification, clarification, guidance, confirmation, etc.
• This applies to all – no matter who you are or the wildness or newness of your divine revelation. No one called of God is an island!

"I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement, for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing." - Galatians 1:2 NLT

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• Paul said he needed this verification from the other Apostles because he was actually afraid of making a mistake and running his ministry in vain (which means preaching and establishing churches in vain).
• I believe this was a holy fear that Apostle Paul had; that he could be making a mistake and actually be leading God’s people into falsehood. If Paul thought this, then who are we to think we can’t be in error?
• I pray that you and I will have the same holy fear, and subject ourselves to God’s word and the Godly communities that God places us in or sends us to.

Besides knowing who you have been sent to, you must know what message you have been sent with, so that you can deliver the right message always. You see, the Apostles had been called by Jesus also and trained for 3 years (Mark 3:13-14).

• So they could assess if Paul’s message to the Gentiles was right. I believe God sent Paul to them for this reason and to clarify any doubts.
• Dear friend, no matter what revelations we have from God, we will never be above the need for community, accountability, verification, clarity, guidance, family, etc.
• Anyone who runs away or isolates from accountability, community, family, etc., in the name of higher spiritual insight or revelation is in deception and delusion.

May the Lord lead us by revelation into the spiritual family, church, community, group, etc., that He has ordained for us and may we submit ourselves to this accountability.

Let’s end today contemplating on the verses above. We’ll continue with this in tomorrow’s post.

Prayer: Dearest Father, place in us a holy fear that guards us in our walk with You. Lead us to the community and accountability You have ordained for us and help us to submit to them in Jesus’ name.

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