Being Accepted by the Big Boys Galatians 2:1-10 Peter Fitch, St. Croix Vineyard Sunday, October 21, 2012

Galatians 2: Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. 2 It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain. 3 But not even Titus, who was with me, though he was a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised.

Galatians 2: But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. 5 But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

Galatians 2: But from those who were of high reputation (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—well, those who were of reputation contributed nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, seeing that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised

Galatians 2: (for He who effectually worked for Peter in his apostleship to the circumcised effectually worked for me also to the Gentiles), 9 and recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Cephas and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.

Galatians 2: They only asked us to remember the poor—the very thing I also was eager to do.

What’s Happening? 14 years later (from last trip to Jerusalem when he only stayed 2 weeks) Paul comes in from the remote districts where he has been working with Gentiles He has been accepting people that Jews, and early Jewish Christians would not have accepted

What’s Happening? He’s concerned that the recognized apostles will tell him he’s been on the wrong track But he also believes in what he has been doing Fortunately, they accept him Although there was a blip... (incident with Titus)

Young Sidney Crosby

Stanley Cup, 2009

Olympic Golden Goal, 2010

Right Hand of Fellowship

Several Tensions Present Respect & frustration with Apostles Humility & confidence in himself

Respect & Frustration Check out v. 2, v. 6, v. 8-9 Mounting expressions of anger at an ancient form of Christian hero worship?

Humility & Confidence in Himself See v. 2 & v. 5 Willing to consider that he has been wrong, but still willing to fight on another’s behalf

Clement of Rome, AD 96 “Self-assertion, self-assurance, and a bold manner are the marks of men accursed of God; it is those who show consideration for others and are unassuming and quiet who win his blessing.” First Epistle to the Corinthians

St. Augustine (AD ) “Our use of words is generally inaccurate and seldom completely correct, but our meaning is recognized none the less.” Confessions

St. Augustine (AD ) “When so many meanings, all of them acceptable as true, can be extracted from the words that Moses wrote, do you not see how foolish it is to make a bold assertion that one in particular is the one he had in mind? Do you not see how foolish it is to enter into mischievous arguments which are an offense against that very charity for the sake of which he wrote every one of the words that we are trying to explain?”

James 3, Wisdom from Above 13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.

James 3, Wisdom from Above 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18 And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.