Galatians 2:1-2

Then after fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along with me. I went up because of a revelation and set before them (though privately before those who seemed influential) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure I was not running or had not run in vain.

Paul is continuing to establish his authority as an Apostle of Jesus Christ…and one who had been given direct revelation by God in order to understand and then preach the Good News. In the face of opposition and doubts about his credibility, Paul decided to address it head-on and face-to-face. Unity was essential for the young church and Paul was zealous for that. A unified church of Jews and Gentiles (and others) would fulfill the prayers of Jesus in John 17 and unleash the full power of their Gospel witness. Disunity would fracture the body and could cause irreparable harm to her witness in Jerusalem and throughout the lands.

We are having the same problems today.

The Church in America has been struggling with unity since the birth of the nation. Protestants against Catholics and denomination against denomination. There are some Gospel “hills” to die on in terms of doctrine, but many other areas should allow for liberty amongst the saints.  Yes, there are individual churches and now even entire denominations that have jettisoned the preaching of the pure Gospel, and they are to be anathema, or cast aside. That is more God’s business than ours and surely, they will be judged. But amongst the churches and denominations that still hold to the Gospel of Grace, there is much work to be done.

We can learn a thing or two from Paul.

Paul knew that he had received the pure Gospel from God but did not shy away from engaging those who had a hard time believing it—especially those who knew his past. Instead of avoiding the potential conflict, he chose to walk into it, not to stir up trouble, but to seek peace (Ps 34:14) as well as unity. Additionally, when it came to the more prominent people he would engage (“privately before those who seemed influential”), he chose to do that behind closed doors. Today, because of social media, we tend to do these things in plain sight for all to see…people both inside and outside of the Church. Again, there are some issues that should be addressed openly (but with grace), while other conversations should take place in private. We all need discernment and wisdom to know the difference.

Finally, Paul wanted to make sure that he was “not running or had not run in vain.” Martin Luther noted that, “Not that Paul himself ever thought he had run in vain. However, many did think that Paul had preached the Gospel in vain, because he kept the Gentiles free from the yoke of the Law. The opinion that obedience to the Law was mandatory unto salvation was gaining ground. Paul meant to remedy this evil.” The true Gospel of Jesus Christ was at stake—Law versus Grace—and that was a “fight” worth having. Paul did it courageously and properly…and we should, as well.