GALATIANS 2:1-10
GALATIANS 2:1-10
New International Version
2 Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. 2 I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. 3 Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek. 4 This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have in Christ Jesus and to make us slaves. 5 We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.
6 As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—they added nothing to my message. 7 On the contrary, they recognized that I had been entrusted with the task of preaching the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised. 8 For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9 James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. 10 All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.
GALATIANS 2:8
For God, who was at work in Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, was also at work in me as an apostle to the Gentiles.
REFLECTION
God doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Paul and Peter had very different audiences to reach—Peter was sent to the Jews, Paul to the Gentiles—but God was working powerfully through both to reach people for the Kingdom. The same is true for us. He works through each one of us, using our different gifts, backgrounds, strengths, and weaknesses to reach people. It’s easy to look at others and think, “I could never do what they do.” But the truth is, you don’t have to. God has a kingdom purpose for you. Discover what God had created you for and walk boldly in your calling!
RESPONSE
What are the gifts and talents God has given you?
Who has God given you influence with?
What are some ways you use your gifts, talents, and influence for the Kingdom?