Morning Moments

III. THE APPEAL FOR ATTENTION 2:1-2
Paul goes back to where it all began with this matter of legalism versus freedom in Christ. The matter of his ministry and message had been settled long ago but there were still those stubborn Jews who could not and would not let it be that salvation was by faith in Jesus Christ alone plus or minus nothing.

A. Return to Jerusalem 2:1-2
Some say as many as five different visits were made by Paul to Jerusalem, so we do not know precisely to which he is referring, but it may most likely be the Jerusalem Council visit of Acts 15 where the matter was supposed to have been settled. We know Barnabas was with him and the visit involved Peter and James. Titus was a Gentile and was not required to be circumcised. Timothy, on the other hand, whose mother was Jewish had been because of their ministry to the Jews.

B. Revelation from Jesus 2:2
Paul also wanted to make it perfectly clear that what he did was clearly by revelation and not by impulse or persuasion of man. The apostle knew that the Lord who had captured his heart could just as easily communicate to his head the direction he was to take. I do not believe Paul's response was from prophet at Antioch as some propose.
1. Publicly 2:2a
Obviously Paul addressed the Jerusalem Church and reported to them what great things the Lord had been doing among the Gentiles. Who could refute that? We know that they later sent a party to Galatia to see for themselves and that was when Paul rebuked Peter for his hypocrisy.

2. Privately 2:2b
The apostle had been with Jesus, so he was not seeking the leader approval for the gospel he preached, but he simply wanted them to understand that it was the same gospel, but for EVERYONE, Jew and Gentile.

BLESSINGS!