READ Galatians 2:1-10

This morning let’s take a moment and focus on Galatians 2:9, "...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."  

James was the brother of our Lord who wrote the epistle bearing his name. He was the senior pastor of the Jerusalem church. Cephas was the Aramaic name for Peter. And of course, John was the Apostle. Paul notes each of them as pillars in the church. They were the chief leadership of the church in Jerusalem.

Therefore, when they (James, Peter, and John) “perceived the grace that was given unto me,” that is, when they understood the special grace God had given to Paul and Barnabas to preach to the gentile world, they accepted them and their message. They therefore “gave unto me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship.” In so doing, they extended in their hands as a token of a covenant or agreement between them. They took them, as it were, into partnership with them. More than that, however, is implied is their whole-hearted concord with them. After much debate, the leadership of the Jerusalem church totally agreed with Paul. His ministry was to the gentiles; theirs was to the Jewish people. There was no difference in truth or message. The gospel was by grace and not any admixture with the Law of Moses.

Paul's message was clearly a message of God's grace demonstrated to the lost world through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Aren't you glad for the saving grace of God in your life?  I know I am!  I don't deserve to be forgiven and Heaven bound, but I am by the grace of God.  Are there people you know who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Why are some people in the world overlooked by the witness of the church?  What kind of role can you play as a solution?

2.  Do you have a burden for the lost?  What can you do to cultivate this in your life?

3.  Who are some of the hidden people—overlooked people—in the world?  In what ways does your church reach out to them?  What can you do to help your church reach out to them?