Paul The Apostle Part 5

Paul The Apostle:

Part 5.

After Paul’s first missionary journey follows the Council at Jerusalem, Acts 15 and Galatians 2, which was to determine the relationship of Gentile believers to the Law of Moses. In following this portion of the history, we encounter two of the greater questions which Paul was to consider. One of these is historical; what were the relations between the Apostle Paul and the twelve apostles? The second is critical, how is Galatians 2 to be connected with the narrative in Acts?

The relations of Paul and the Twelve will best be set forth in the narrative. Paul’s statements in Galatians appear to be additional to the history found in Acts 15. The first impression of any reader might be they are referring to the same event. The one would at least bring the other to mind. On looking more closely into both, the second impression may be that there’s certain incapability between the two.

Another view remains that Paul did not refer to a visit not recorded in the Acts, this being a perfectly legitimate hypothesis. So than, where are we to place the visit? The only possible place for it is some short time before the visit of Acts 15. But it cannot be denied, the language of chapter 15 implies that the visit there was the first paid by Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalem, this after their great success in preaching the gospel among the Gentiles.

There are considerable differences, but are there any contradictions between the two narratives? No! There are no plain contradictions!

While Paul and Barnabas were staying at Antioch, “certain men from Judea” came there and taught the brethren that it was necessary for the Gentile converts to be circumcised. This doctrine was vigorously opposed by the two apostles, and it was determined that the question should be referred to the apostles and elders at Jerusalem. The two and certain others were selected for this mission Gal.2:2; Paul writing that he went up “by revelation.”

On their way to Jerusalem they announced to the brethren in Phoenicia and Samaria the conversion of the Gentiles; the news being received with great joy,

Acts 15:4. Paul adds that he communicated his views “privately to them which were of reputation,” the success of his work, Galatians 2:2. The apostles and the Church in general thought that the Gentile’s entry into the church would raise no difficulties. But certain believers who had been Pharisees thought it necessary to maintain the same doctrine which had caused the disturbance at Antioch. In either place Paul would not give way to such teaching, Galatians 2:5.

It was necessary that a formal decision should be made concerning the question. The apostles and elders came together, there being a great deal of disagreement. Arguments would come from both sides; but when those of highest authority spoke, they appealed to what was stronger than arguments, “the course of facts, through which the will of God had been manifestly shown.”

After they had finished, James with simplicity and wisdom, binds up the testimony of facts with the testimony of ancient prophecy, and gives a practical judgment upon the question. The judgment was a decisive one.

The injunction that the Gentiles should abstain from pollutions of idols and from fornication explained itself. The abstinence from things strangled and from blood is desired as a concession to the customs of the Jews, who were to be found in every city, and for whom it was still right, when they had believed in Jesus Christ, to observe the Law.

Paul had completely gained his point. The older apostles, James, Cephas, and John, perceiving the grace which had been given Paul gave to Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship,

Galatians 2:9; that they Paul and Barnabas  “should go unto the heathen (Gentiles,) and they (the apostles) unto the circumcision (the Jews.)”

Phillip LaSpino  www.seekfirstwisdom.com