“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.
"My concern was because of the false brothers [those people masquerading as Christians] who had been secretly smuggled in [to the community of believers]. They had slipped in to spy on the freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us back into bondage [under the Law of Moses]." - Galatians 2:4 AMP
Paul expressed in his letter that another reason why he was not sure whether he was doing the right thing and why he decided to meet the Apostles in private, was because false brothers (and sisters) had secretly entered the community of believers.
- Paul describes them as masquerades or people who wear a mask of Christianity and enter in via stealth mode (like shadow ninjas – you can’t see them coming) to spy on actual believers, and bring them into bondage (v4).
- Dear friend, let us beware of false brethren. Previously, we spoke about the false Gospel and today we are learning that they mostly come from false brethren.
- We will not see them creep in; Paul did not see them creep in. And it seems that it is some people in the faith who smuggle in these false brethren (v4). What a shock!
As in, they are like top CIA or FBI agents who infiltrate a country by the help of citizens of that very country (Mercy; it is wild o… Lord have mercy on us).
And it seems their Gospel or message sounds right or makes sense that it can even cause someone like Paul to have some doubts about the actual Gospel.
- So they bring in confusion or they cause confusion by their presence, actions and speech. They stir up trouble and not peace.
- They are spies, critics, gossips, and reporters. They hinder the Gospel and resist sound doctrine!
- One of their aims is to take out the freedom in Christ and bind people by the law.
I love Paul’s response in verse 5. “But we did not yield to them even for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would continue to remain with you [in its purity].” Beloved, we must learn to defend and contend for the faith! Jude tells us a similar thing in Jude 1:3-4 (see images below).
- Dear friend, especially for the sake of the young ones, the new converts, the innocent children, etc., you and I must contend strongly for the faith! God is calling us to withstand false brethren and false teachings.
- How? By sharing and teaching the true Gospel! Don’t just have it and keep it to yourself. Share it like Paul did and teach it to these ones.
- That way, they will know the truth and also be able to identify falsehood.
Dear Christian, do not leave the raising of the next generation to chance. Do not leave the establishing of new converts and believers to chance.
- God is given you a responsibility; your apostolic assignment. If we don’t do it, false brothers and sisters will destroy the next generation.
- I wanted to share also on hypocrisy (which I believe is the most common sin amongst believers) and on verse 20 – being crucified with Christ – hopefully you can read them and share your lessons with us all.
So finally, the Apostles confirmed clearly that Paul’s message was the same as theirs and it came from the same source (Jesus, who is the Word). They also saw that the signs of an apostle was evident in both Peter and Paul (v7-8); one working amongst the Jews and the other working amongst the Gentiles.
- Dear friend, there are signs that show if someone is genuinely sent by God. Jesus said, by their fruits, ye shall know them (Watch out for fruits!)
- The Apostles didn’t change Paul’s message or his plan or his method to reach the Gentiles when they saw all the signs.
- Rather, they gave him their blessing, fellowship, backing, support, confidence, etc! Learn to give people support, fellowship, backing when God shows you or you see the signs via the fruits!
Do not withhold your love, open support, fellowship, etc., from genuine believers, messengers of God, churches, ministries, etc. May the Lord add His blessings to His word!
Prayer: Dear Lord, establish me firmly in You and help me to contend for the faith! Grant me boldness to do my part to fight falsehood by teaching and sharing your truth and supporting your work!
Hey, you're blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved!
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