Yes, there has been a chapter break, specifically between Galatians 1 and Galatians 2. But Paul’s (inspired) “autobiography” continues.

“Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. 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.” Galatians 2:1-2

Paul’s early life story, as reported by Scripture, is punctuated with “time spans,” some long and some short. “Three days” he was blind, just after his conversion. “Three years” he was in Arabia. “Fourteen days” he was in Jerusalem, consulting with Peter and James. And now … “fourteen years” are specified here in Galatians 2:1.

(Geography note: In Scripture traveling to Jerusalem is always a “going up” to the City! And leaving? Always “going down!” This is true topographically and spiritually! The House of God being in that Capital City! See verse 1 again: “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem …”)

But “fourteen years” after what, after when?

Either after Paul was saved.

Or after Paul’s first visit to Jerusalem, that “fifteen day” span of time mentioned in Galatians 1:18. (Which we studied several days ago here on the Website.)

Any companions, on this trip?

Yes, with “Barnabas,” a Jew who had given much to the cause of Christ. And a dear friend of Paul’s, one who had vouched for his authenticity as a Believer in Christ. “And when Saul was come to Jerusalem, he assayed to join himself to the disciples: but they were all afraid of him, and believed not that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared unto them how he had seen the Lord in the way, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus. And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.” Acts 9:26-28

Later, Paul and Barnabas had a misunderstanding over John Mark, and split ways.

But there is another fellow traveler, an unlikely one indeed!

“Titus,” a saved young man who was a Greek, a Gentile! (To many of the Jews … a gentile “dog!”)

What a “mix,” a questionable (to these “precise” men at Jerusalem, some still clinging to the Law of Moses) maverick Preacher (Paul), a pure-blooded, very-generous-to-that-Church Jew (Barnabas) and then a dirty little Gentile, a Greek (Titus)!!!

Titus, who is claimed to have been “saved?”

A motley crew indeed!

Now we know the “where” of this trip.

And the “who” of this trip.

But …”Why?”

Because God TOLD Paul to go!

“And I went up by revelation …” Paul’s very words!

It’s our noun “apocalypse,” God somehow personally “displayed” to Paul the necessity of this journey to Jerusalem! (Literally, an “unveiling!”)

Once there, not by the insistence of the Apostles (the “big-wigs” to Paul right now, “big-shots”) and not because of some pragmatic need either (at least not mentioned here) … Paul “communicated” to certain leaders of the Jerusalem Church “his Gospel,” what he had been preaching those dozen plus years!

“Ana-tithemi” means “to place” something “in the midst” of a group of people, here translated “communicated.” Paul “laid it on them,” the Gospel God had given him to proclaim!

By the way, A Gospel of GRACE, not works!

Paul did this, not because he feared that crowd!

But to establish the authenticity, the reality, the power, of this truth: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

And  Romans 1:16 …”For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Get it?

Titus, a Greek!

Wow!

And do note this. Paul did not have this discussion with the whole Church at large. “I communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation.”

Again, the “heavy-hitters” among the apostles! The “big-guns!” Literally, “reputation” means “highly esteemed” by the brethren. “Well though of!”

Paul’s humility astounds me!

Paul would have died for the truth of the Gospel being a GIFT OF GOD … not a REWARD or a WAGE or anything DESERVED!

Tomorrow, Lord willing, more about this important trip!

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

Meanwhile, thank God today for the gift of salvation in your life! I want to do that as well! “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Corinthians 9:15, penned by Paul,of course!