Sunday, January 26, 2014

Galatians 2:1-14

Throughout the Pauline letters and the Book of Acts we see Paul having to prove or justify his credentials and his ministry. The theme of authority appears throughout today’s passage.

At the beginning of the passage he mentions a private meeting with the church based in Jerusalem, to discuss his mission. Note that in the account in Acts 15, which could be describing the same meeting, Paul is “appointed” to meet with the Jerusalem church leaders, whereas in this account, he goes of his own will, based on a revelation (whatever that might mean). I’m interested in how Paul, who more often than not comes across as extremely confident, is so forthright about needing confirmation that his ministry had not been in vain (v. 2).

In verse 4 he introduces us to the “false believers,” the “Judaizers” who were claiming that full entry into the church necessitated the observance of Jewish law. In our day are there some groups within denominations, dioceses, or congregations who seem to fixate on one or two issues, while ignoring the Good News that we have in Jesus? Are there some churches that like to project the image of friendliness, hipness, and innovation on the surface, while hiding a core that is self-interested or authoritarian?

Paul writes critically about those who “were supposed to be acknowledged leaders” of the church (v. 6). Do you feel comfortable expressing (hopefully constructive) criticism to your church leaders? Are they tuned in to the conversations happening in the pews or in the parking lot? Are they accessible to you? Or seemingly floating above all of us down here?

Although Paul is critical of the leaders in the church, he does acknowledge the significance of having his ministry to the Gentiles recognized by James, Cephas, and John (v. 9). The Jesus movement began as a community within Judaism, so it is somewhat understandable that some people may have been unsure about the admittance of Gentiles into their group (a BIG change to most of them). James, Peter, and John, though, bless the good work that Paul is doing. Maybe they knew the words of Jesus that we have in Luke 9:50: “for whoever is not against you is for you.” They just instruct Paul to do good for the poor. Can this portion of the text give us guidance on our relations with those church groups or denominations with whom we disagree on certain issues? Do differences on ecclesiology or Biblical interpretation mean that we need to disregard good work they are doing for the Kingdom?

The passage concludes with a story about Peter’s disappointing behaviour at table. Paul caught on to Peter’s unfaithfulness, and set him straight. It is easy to think oneself a saint when living in isolation or going with the flow, living with the privileged majority. It is important, though, to be held accountable by friends whose judgement we trust.

Our image of a pure and spotless early church is quickly wiped out by reading the letters of Paul. There was no shortage of tension. Through prayer, debate, and dialogue, the early Christians did their best. I hope we can do the same.

-Matthew Kieswetter