Quote:
Originally Posted by Peter Debelak
By the middle of Galatians 2, Paul seems to have quite a boldness in his stance concerning the gospel to the Gentiles.
However, Galatians 2:2 is a really odd verse. I'm not sure how to understand it:
2It 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.
He was not self-confident of the gospel he was preaching among the Gentiles. I don't know how to read this differently. He needed the confirmation of the Jerusalem brothers. Sure, after meeting them, being inwardly confirmed and seeing their vascillations, he had more boldness to talk about them as ones who were "purportedly of repute." But at the time reported in Galatians 2:2, his self-confidence in the very gospel he was preaching was contingent on the approval of the Jerusalem "pillars." No? This bit of self-doubt by Paul in Galatians 2:1 is really remarkable to me. What caused this? 14 years of preaching to the Gentiles and he feared that he "had run in vain"? What to make of this?
Peter
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Another puzzle piece.
That "had run in vain" thing is something else that has always troubled me but never busted through my concepts. I think you're right, Peter. Or else it seems like maybe a false modesty.
I think I need to read Galatians again right now.
First, I'll check a couple or three commentaries I've got around here.
Someone want to see what Matthew Henry says about this one?