To me that is a “catchy” clause, “added nothing,” today’s Lesson Title.
Paul has been to Jerusalem.
“In conference” with some of the Church “leaders” there.
Sharing with them the “Gospel” he had been preaching!
“Comparing notes,” so to speak!
And Paul deduces: “But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me.” Galatians 2:6
“These who seemed to be somewhat,” is a clause that basically means the “more popular and influential leaders” of the Jesus Movement. Men who have been saved, but still “cling” heavily to their Jewish heritage, particularly the some aspects of the Law of Moses!
And here in today’s Verse we see a little bit of what I would called “Paul’s sanctified sarcasm!” Our little hero, the Apostle Paul, did not feel he had to take a “backseat” to anyone, even those who “first” knew Jesus! Knew Him while He trod the pathways of earth.
He is comparing “notes” with them … not because he is unsure of the Gospel he preaches … but to further the Gospel he preaches! Frankly, to get them to stop fighting the Gospel he preaches! To get them to accept the fact that God saves men and women totally by His Grace! Meaning … without their being held to the standard of the Law, of the 613 commandments embedded in Moses’ Writings! (Or even the well-known Ten Commandments either, as a means of salvation!)
Watch Paul’s attitude … “of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person.”
Paul does not really “care” who they are! They carry no “weight” with him! They just “seem” to be somebodies! (No peer pressure here, not now anyway!) God does not have “favorites!”
Paul will not belittle his Call to the Ministry!
He will not demean his Standing in Christ!
He will not bow before some spiritual “boss!”
JESUS, Paul’s Best Friend, outshines them all!
All those who are “somewhat,” almost Church “bosses,” looks like!
Then Paul “drops the bomb!”
Hits the “knock-out punch!”
As Paul met “in conference” with these Church “heavy hitters” (these with “reputation”) … he adds: “for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me.”
Paul knew the Gospel … because he had experienced salvation personally (dramatically even) on the Damascus Road … that earth-shaking day a few years earlier. He knew the Gospel because it was given to him “by revelation,” during those 3 years in Arabia!
And none of the original Twelve (the remaining Disciples) … plus Jesus’ Brother James (half-brother, really) … could refute Paul’s Gospel either!
Nor add to it!
“Add to” is the Greek verb “pros+anti+tithemi!” Could not place one more thing on the list! Could not pile one more log to the fire! (Literally “to place up against.” Or “to place in front of!”)
Salvation is “by Grace through faith!”
With … nothing added!
Paul simply wants their agreement, maybe even the approval of these “key” Jerusalem men … if he can get it. Otherwise (which in reality might have been the better outcome) Paul would have walked away from Jerusalem permanently! TOTALLY giving his Ministry to reaching the lost Gentile multitudes in the whole wide world!
Paul is a little “feisty” here today!
And I love that!
The Lord willing, another lesson in the morning.
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
Hint: don’t let anyone “put you down,” or “make you feel inferior” either, my dear brother or sister in Christ! God has no “bosses, dictators” in His family! Just Jesus our Head! Yes … you (because of Jesus in you) are somebody!