Daily Devotional for Thursday 22nd February
Defence in Jerusalem
Paul here continues to explain to the Galatians the events at the meeting he had with the church leaders in Jerusalem when the key issue was the demand from the Jewish Christians that the Gentile converts must conform to the traditions of Judaism. Paul’s defence is that acceptance of Jesus as Lord and Saviour is sufficient.
In today’s passage, we read that Paul’s view prevailed with the pillars of the fellowship (v 9). These disciples – Peter (Cephas), James, and John – recognised the grace that God had given Paul and therefore sent him back to his mission to preach the gospel to the Gentiles, the uncircumcised, with their support. This decision would surely have given Paul fresh confidence in his work, so (as we shall see later) it would disturb him when he learned subsequently, that, in some people’s minds, the issue was not fully sorted. Today, as then, divisions can linger and fester – all undermining the unity of the church.
In v 10, Paul’s assertion that he was keen to remember the poor was no hollow statement. A large part of Paul’s ministry comprised collecting money from his churches in Macedonia and Achaia for the impoverished church in Jerusalem (see Romans 15: 25-28). For Paul, proclaiming the gospel, planting churches, and providing for the poor and needy all went together.
Time to reflect…
‘Remember the poor’ Paul urges in v 10. How prominent is this concern in our church? How might this bring us into closer fellowship with Christians of other traditions?
Pause to pray…
Father, forgive us when our disunity undermines our mission to proclaim the gospel, grow your church, and provide for the poor and needy. Amen
