Paul at Jerusalem, presenting the Gospel he preaches … to none other than the original Church “leaders!”
And on top of that, receiving their approval for his “mission” to the Gentiles!
A “whosoever will” Gospel, not a “law of Moses” Gospel! A Gospel emphasizing God’s Grace, not man’s works (even good works)!
And that leads me to today’s Lesson, our Text this morning: “And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” Galatians 2:9
“James” here is none other than the half-brother of Jesus! As in Mark 6:3, where the Jews asked about our Lord: “Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us?” By this posting, this listing, James may have been the oldest brother, except for Jesus, Who of necessity was Mary’s Firstborn! (James is virtually the same name as the Old Testament Jacob!)
“Cephas” is the Disciple named Peter, being an Aramaic word for “stone.” The equivalent of the Greek noun”petros,” still meaning a “stone, rock.”
And “John” is “the disciple whom Jesus loved,” the writer of the Gospel that bears his name, three short little New Testament Epistles, and the great Book of Revelation! His name means (its Hebrew base) “God is gracious!”
Three Jews … “pillars” Paul called them! “Stulos” means a column, likely of stone, that kind of “pillar.” Stabilizers in the Jerusalem Church! (At least Paul says they “seemed” to be! As if he doubts the need for any “human” pillars! Jesus Christ being the “Chief Cornerstone!”)
Anyway … these godly men “perceived” that Paul was right, had told the truth, was indeed called to preach the Grace of God to the heathen (Gentiles) of the earth! The verb is “ginosko,” meaning “to learn!” I think the Holy Spirit taught them that Paul was authentic!
The “three” consequently … “gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.”
Wow!
Though we use that phrase often, “the right hand of fellowship,” it is only found here in the whole Bible! It signifies “agreement, comradery, fellowship!” Sharing some things “in common,” spelled “koinonia” in Greek, “communion!”
And so now … “off go” Paul and Barnabas to preach to lost sinners the availability of Gods’ amazing Gift, soul Salvation through the shed Blood of Jesus!
Paul and his team to the lost Gentiles!
Peter and his team to the Jews!
John 3:16 is till true! “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
The world, Jews and Gentiles alike!
— Dr. Mike Bagwell
The “title” to today’s Lesson?
The Gospel originally was heavily (if not exclusively) preached to the Jews!
Nowadays (and for centuries past) the emphasis in evangelism has indeed “shifted!” To the Gentiles, a fact for which we may be glad.
But let us not forget about Israel, for some day (and it may be soon) the preponderance of Gospel preaching will again “shift” back to her!
Because, as Paul wrote (promised) in Romans 11:26-27, quoting Almighty God … “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: for this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.”
Wow!