Festive Feasting in Community is Impossible Apart from Faithfulness to God.

In Zechariah 8, I have divided the oracles into two halves: A message of restoration (1-17); and a message of rejoicing (18-23).  I have laid out the intent of the chapter in previous Blogs.  Today in verses 18-23 we note the message of hope and joy:

“The word of the Lord Almighty came to me. This is what the Lord Almighty says: “The fasts of the fourth, fifth, seventh and tenth months will become joyful and glad occasions and happy festivals for Judah. Therefore love truth and peace.” This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Many peoples and the inhabitants of many cities will yet come, and the inhabitants of one city will go to another and say, ‘Let us go at once to entreat the Lord and seek the Lord Almighty. I myself am going.’ And many peoples and powerful nations will come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord Almighty and to entreat him.” This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’ ”” (Zechariah 8:18–23, NIV).

This response of the LORD of hosts is in response to the question posed in Chapter 7:2-3.  These fasts had never been directed by the Lord.  He was not pleased by any of them.  But God promises to turn these fasts into joy and happiness. "They are to discontinue these empty expressions of false piety and to replace them with demonstrations of the true joy that springs from a right relationship to God." [1]   "Therefore love truth and peace," God says.  God always loves moral behavior instead of empty and useless ritual. 

"The manifestation of the kingdom will be attended by such a fullness of salvation that Judah will forget to commemorate the former mournful events and will only have occasion to rejoice in the benefits of grace bestowed by God" (Unger, Zechariah, p. 148)." [2]

This joy and blessing will not be contained in Judah but extend around the world to even the Gentiles. Many nations will come and embrace this joy. “This is what the Lord Almighty says: “In those days ten people from all languages and nations will take firm hold of one Jew by the hem of his robe and say, ‘Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you.’ ”” (Zechariah 8:23, NIV)

"Ten men represents a complete group from the nations of every tongue who recognize that God is with his people and therefore who come to Jerusalem to seek the Lord." [3]  "The universalism with which the first part of the book ends is therefore not one of expediency, brought about by dialogue or conference. It is the work of God, initiated by him and mediated through his people."  [2]

"This reminds us of God’s priorities for the new Jerusalem, the church. The community blessed with God’s presence is the one that takes seriously their covenant obligations to one another and the culture in which they dwell. The blessing of the nations typified by feasting is not possible if we do not “love truth and peace” (Zech. 8: 19)." [4]

Father, we are so bent on being together.  We exalt the notion of being together.  It's not a bad idea, in fact, I think You have placed that in us.  From united nations to united churches we somehow believe that togetherness -- unity -- is great no matter what the cost.  We are so deceived.  We are like Israel engaging in self-imposed fasts that accomplish nothing.  But I see in this text that when God's people are faithful to Him -- in word and deed, there is great joy.  And great joy attracts people, not because of the idealism of unification, but because within joy, You exist.  May our gatherings be greatly desired because people from all walks of life will say, "God is in this place."  Even today, Father, in my life, may I reflect a winsome holiness that reflects to others, that I have been with Jesus.  For it is in His Name that I pray.

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1. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1821). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.  

2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/IV. The Problem of Fasting and the Promise of the Future (7:1-8:23)/E. Kingdom Joy and Jewish Favor (8:18-23), Book Version: 4.0.2

3. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (1761). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

4. Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 7920-7923). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. 

BeHold The Man! BeHold Your King!

Zechariah symbolically places a royal crown on Joshua, the High Priest's head.  This event is found in Zechariah 6:9-15.  The points to the promise of a coming king who will flourish and branch out and build the temple of the LORD.  The details are commented on in this Blog.  But in this article we want to examine further this notion of the Branch.  In Zechariah 6:12 (NIV), we read:

¹² Tell him this is what the Lord Almighty says: ‘Here is the man whose name is the Branch, and he will branch out from his place and build the temple of the Lord.

These words spoken to Joshua cause our eyes to look away beyond him, to a coming "Man" whose name is "The Branch".  It is He who will build the Temple.  

1. The Branch appears as Joshua's antitype. (v12).  So immediately we are looking beyond Joshua and beyond this time frame.
2. He will have a humble and lowly beginning but "branch out" with great significance. (cf: Micah 5:2).
3. He will build the final Temple.  “Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.” They replied, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and you are going to raise it in three days?” But the temple he had spoken of was his body.” (John 2:19–21, NIV).  (cf: Matthew 16:18)
4. He will come in majesty & glory. “and he will be clothed with majesty.” (Zechariah 6:13, NIV).  “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14, NIV).
5. He will be king. “It is he who ... will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne.” (Zechariah 6:13, NIV). "At the present He sits at the right hand of the Father’s throne (cf. Ps 110:1; Heb 1:3; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2; Rev 3:21), but then He will be installed by the Father upon His own throne; and He will be a King-Priest forever, in keeping with the promise made earlier to David (cf. 2 Sam 7:8–16)." [1]
6. He will combine two offices: priest and king. “And there will be harmony between the two.’” (Zechariah 6:13, NIV)  "Except for Melchizedek (cf. Gen 14:18), the concept of a King-Priest was unknown in Israel and the Old Testament." [1]
7. The Branch will unite both Jew and Gentile. “Those who are far away will come and help to build the temple of the Lord” (Zechariah 6:15, NIV). In Romans 15:12, Paul connects Jesus descending from Jesse to the hope of the Gentiles: "And again, Isaiah [11:10] says: 'There shall be a root of Jesse; and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall hope.'"
8. It is the obedient who will share in the blessings of the Branch's priestly reign. “This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God.”” (Zechariah 6:15, NIV).
9. The Branch is human. ““ ‘In those days and at that time I will make a righteous Branch sprout from David’s line; he will do what is just and right in the land.” (Jeremiah 33:15, NIV). “A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” (Isaiah 11:1, NIV) 

A form of Christian thought and theory known as "premillenialism" considers the kingdom of this Branch, the Priest-King futuristically. The Bible disputes that.  The New Testament passages quoted above show its fulfillment -- its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.  Paul referencing Isaiah 10 in Romans 15 shows that he believed it was fulfilled in Christ.  The peace described in Isaiah 11:6ff is shown complete in Ephesians 2:14-16.  The Gospel that went to the Gentiles is also seen as evidence of fulfillment in Acts 15:15-17.  The Branch, the Priest-King sits today on the Throne of David and is building His Temple and all nations are coming to bow before Him.

• Psalm 2:7–8 (NIV), ⁷ I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. ⁸ Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession.  
• Psalm 110:1–2 (NIV) ¹ The Lord says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” ² The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of your enemies!”
• Revelation 3:21 (NIV) ²¹ To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Father, Your Son and my Savior, Redeemer is at Your right hand.  He reigns today.  His kingdom is inaugurated.  His rule is sure.  He is building His Church and nothing can stop Him.  He brings intercession and  peace to all who love and obey Him.  Thank You for such grace.  I thank You that Jesus reigns in glory and power-- even in the midst of His enemies.  You set before us a table of grace and mercy -- even in the midst of His enemies.  You are indescribable in Your beauty and incomprehensible in your mercy.   How great is our God.  Rule today in my life.  Bring peace and harmony to my relationships.  And Lord I ask for this not for my own selfish pleasure, but that others might see You, in me.   Amen. 

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1. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1814–1815). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

The Branch. The Priest. The King. The Temple.

The Crown and the Temple- Part 1

This event serves as a climax to the Eight Visions.  It is found in Zechariah 6:9-15.  God tells Zechariah to have three men who have just come back from Babylon (Heldai, Tobijah, and Jedaiah)to make a crown of silver and gold and put it on the head of Joshua the high priest.

"Joshua is to be crowned as a symbol of the reality to come, the Branch, a reference to Jeremiah 33:15. Zechariah reiterates Jeremiah’s promise of a coming king who will flourish and branch out and build the temple of the LORD and will bear royal honor, reflecting the authority and legitimacy of the king’s rule." [1]   "... Joshua, who was never a priest-king, was a type of the messianic Branch ... the Branch would be a priest on his throne." [2]    “It is he who will build the temple of the Lord, and he will be clothed with majesty and will sit and rule on his throne. And he will be a priest on his throne. And there will be harmony between the two.’” (Zechariah 6:13, NIV).

The Zechariah is told that a group "those who are far away" will come and help build the Temple. Who are they?  Some think this is about returning Jews, but most would see that God is speaking about the Gentiles, "a common expression used for Gentiles who were viewed as being far off from God." [3] "Zechariah’s oracle addresses the immediate situation of the exiles while also looking ahead to Yahweh’s ultimate eschatological fulfillment through the Messiah and the inauguration of His earthly kingdom." [4]

This will happen if you diligently obey the Lord your God.”” (Zechariah 6:15b, NIV).  This is not to suggest that the coming inauguration of the Priest/King is conditional.  It is conditional upon obedience of individuals if they want to share in the blessings of the new Temple. It will not commence until people obey. " In the new covenant (Jer 31:33-34; Ezek 36:26-27), God personally guarantees that the people will ultimately obey; his Spirit will enable them to do so." [5]

In Acts 15, the Church debated the inclusion of the Gentiles within the People of God. The Apostle James stood and spoke: “The words of the prophets are in agreement with this, as it is written: “ ‘After this I will return and rebuild David’s fallen tent. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it, that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord, even all the Gentiles who bear my name, says the Lord, who does these things’—” (Acts 15:15–17, NIV)

Clearly Joshua the high priest is a type of Christ.  The ultimate Temple in view is the Church that will be made up of Jews and Gentiles -- all in one Body.  The Branch, the Priest/King is a significant designation to Christ which I will discuss in the next Blog.

"The early church was well aware of its role in extending the reign of God. They saw themselves as God’s temple (1 Cor. 3: 16– 17; Eph. 2: 22), bringing God’s rule into everyday life. As they met opposition, they equated it with opposition against the reign of God and his Messiah described in Psalm 2 (Acts 4: 23– 31)." [6]  It is as we participate in the Biblical vision and mandate of Christ's Church that His reign is manifest.

Father, Your Son is my Priest and my King, united in rule and intercession. Father Jesus is building His Temple, and as I participate in the preaching and the life of the Gospel, the Kingdom of God, now inaugurated day-by-day finds it's fulfillment in the hearts of men and women. Grant faithfulness today to Your call.  I bow before the Branch, the Priest-King, who reigns and rules.  Your Church is being built.  Your Church is being established.  Your Name is being honored.  May it be so in my life today.  Amen.

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1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (1758–1759). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

2. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/III. The Symbolic Crowning of Joshua the High Priest (6:9-15), Book Version: 4.0.2.

3. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (1815). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

4. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Zec 6:15). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

5. Expositor's Bible Commentary, The, Pradis CD-ROM:Zechariah/Exposition of Zechariah/III. The Symbolic Crowning of Joshua the High Priest (6:9-15), Book Version: 4.0.2

6. Boda, Mark J. (2009-05-26). Haggai, Zechariah (The NIV Application Commentary) (Kindle Locations 6793-6797). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. 

Check Out Your Experience

Galatians 3:2–5 (NIV),

² I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? ³ Are you so foolish? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh? ⁴ Have you experienced so much in vain—if it really was in vain? ⁵ So again I ask, does God give you his Spirit and work miracles among you by the works of the law, or by your believing what you heard?

Paul asks several questions here, all intended to show the foolishness of these people in seeking to revert back to the Law.  Whereas Paul rests his case upon doctrinal matters, in this part of his argument he causes them to look to their experience.

1. When you were saved (when you received the Spirit) was it because of adherence to the Law or by faith in Christ?  

2. Do you think that you start your Christian journey by faith in Christ but perfect it by obedience, making it certain?

3. Having believed the Gospel and already experiencing suffering because of that, will you count that as nothing and now reject it?

4. When you see the people changed, transformed and healed, is that because they obey the Law or believe in Christ?

Luther allows no middle ground on salvation.  "If by the law, then not by the preaching of faith; if by the preaching of faith, then not by the law. There is no mean betwixt these two. For all that is not the Holy Ghost or the preaching of faith, is the law . . . For they which are ignorant of the righteousness of God, and go about to establish their own righteousness (as Paul saith in another place) do not submit themselves unto the righteousness of God (Rom. x. 3)." [1]  In his commentary, Luther walks the reader through the Book of Acts and even into the Old Testament account of Gentiles that were saved -- all by looking to Christ and not to the Law.

"For as God gave the Holy Ghost to the Gentiles which lived without the law, by the preaching of the Gospel, so did he give the same to the Jews; yet not by the law, nor by the ceremonies and sacrifices commanded in the law, but by the only preaching of faith." [1] 

This matter of how the Old Testament saints were saved is important.  In summary we find that they too were saved by faith in the promised Messiah.  Click HERE to read more.

When Paul uses the word flesh here to suggest that these Christians thought they could be perfected by the flesh.  "Flesh therefore is here taken for the very righteousness and wisdom of the flesh, and the judgment of reason, which seeketh to be justified by the law. Whatsoever then is most excellent in man, the same here Paul calleth flesh, to wit, the highest wisdom of reason, and the righteousness of the law itself." [1]   There is nothing I can do so perfectly to complete my salvation apart from faith in the righteousness of Christ imputed to me by grace.  Every good and worthy deed is still riddled by sin and cannot save.  Only Christ's perfect merit can save.

As to the suffering, how silly to suffer for a Gospel that can't save. "Now, what a miserable thing is it, so suddenly to lose such inestimable glory and assurance of conscience towards God? Also to endure so many grievous afflictions and perils of goods, wife, children, body and life, and yet notwithstanding to sustain all these things in vain?" [1]

Paul was aware of the miracles that had been accomplished by the Spirit among these believers -- none of which could have happened by law-keeping. "Ye have not only received the Spirit by the hearing of faith, but whatsoever ye have either known or done, it came by the hearing of faith. As though he would say: It was not enough that God gave you once the Spirit; but the same God hath also enriched you with the gifts of the Spirit, and increased the same in you, to the end that when ye have once received the Spirit, it might always grow and be more and more effectual in you." [1]

"Therefore (saith the Apostle) your experience, O ye Galatians, ought to teach you, that these excellent virtues proceeded not of the works of the law: for as ye had them not before the hearing of faith, so ye have them not now, when the false apostles reign in the midst of you." [1]

Father I am amazed at how Your Word helps shape our thinking.  Many of us have been told that our experience is of little value.  I know that experience doesn't replace faith.  I know that experience doesn't usurp faith.  But I learn in this passage that there is an appropriate time to look to our experience.  Of all the times I tried to change and become better, I could accomplish nothing until You saved me and gave me Your Spirit.  Even today we who are Christians know that we can do nothing apart from Your grace.  Yes we are called to obey having received the Good News, but even our obedience cannot take place apart from You in us granting us the desire and the ability.  It is You alone, Father, that makes New Creations of sinners.  The part that is so easy yet so hard to believe is that it all happens by faith -- by faith alone in Christ alone -- but that faith doesn't stand alone.  There is evidence of justification that accompanies salvation.  There is an experience to look too.  Father, by Your Spirit, and through Your Son, may my experience give credence to the Gospel, today.  May my experience give glory to You through Your Son; and may my experience bring everlasting joy to Your redeemed.  Amen!

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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 3:2). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

To Obey Is To Believe. To Believe Is To Obey

"This is the true meaning of becoming a Christian, even to be justified by faith in Jesus Christ, and not by the works of the law." [1]

“We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” (Galatians 2:15–16, NIV)

This affirmation of the Gospel does not reject good works, but it places them in the proper order and sequence.  Luther tells a parable:

"This bridegroom must be alone with the bride in his secret chamber, all the servants and family being put apart. But afterwards,. when he openeth the door and cometh forth, then let the servants and handmaidens return, to fulfil their ministry. There let charity do her office, and let good works be done." [1]

Now Paul writes,"So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus" that we might be saved.  The ESV translates this “. . . so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ . . . ”  The Greek text is καὶ ἡμεῖς εἰς Χριστὸν Ἰησοῦν ἐπιστεύσαμεν; or also we on Christ Jesus believed.   This is the essence of Christianity.  “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”” (John 3:14–15, NIV)

The question raised by this text is, "What does it mean to believe?" John writes in the 3rd chapter of his Gospel:   ³⁶ Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.

True to Hebrew literature, John’s Gospel is structured a lot in parallelisms. This helps us understand his meaning; and more importantly, the meaning of the Holy Spirit.  Note the parallel ideas:

(+) Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life;

(-) Whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life . . ..

John equates belief with obedience.  Some translations use the word reject instead of obey, but that is an inaccurate interpretation of the Greek.  The word is ἀπειθέω and is clearly used in terms of refusing to comply or obey. Notice how Jesus makes this plain in this encounter:

“While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.” He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”” (Matthew 12:46–50, NIV).

To become a Christian and live as a Christian is defined by Jesus who said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27, NIV).

 Father I love You.  Today I desire You more than I normally do.  I thank You for that passion.  I wish I always had such a preeminent affection for You.  I know part of the reason is that "the things of this earth are growing strangely dim." There is a sadness and a struggle in this life that propels me more and more to see my Savior, face-to-face.  You have saved me by Your grace.  You have given to me as a gift a precious faith purchased by Your Son on Calvary.  You have set before me a purpose and ministry in this life.  I thank you for all that because it provides on the horizon an inheritance that will never fade or grow old.  To be with Christ is far better.  But to serve and obey You is also awesome.  Help me today to magnify Jesus in my life.   May my walk of obedience confirm Your calling and choice of me.  For the glory of Christ and the joy of all who love You.  Amen.

Faith is trusting God's goodness sufficiently that it is evidenced by obedience.

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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Gospel Living

There is a radical shift in tone in verse 11.  “When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” (Galatians 2:11, NIV).  Previously Peter, James and John had given their agreement with the Gospel going to the Gentiles.  This implies, by the way, that it was the Gospel plus nothing -- no circumcision. Now Paul testifies to a conflict with Peter.

Prior to this tête-à-tête with Peter, he had been participating when both Jews and Gentiles were eating together.  Then someone(s) showed up and Peter acquiesced and separated himself for the Gentiles. Peter's actions were contrary to the Gospel making the Gentiles feel marginalized "unless they followed Jewish ceremonial laws (such as dietary laws [vv. 12–14], circumcision [v. 3; 5:2–12; 6:12–15], and holidays and festivals [4:10]). [1]

This hypocritical action of Peter drew in other Jews  “. . . so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.” (Galatians 2:13, NIV).  Even Barnabas the encourager.  Even Barnabas who befriended Paul the converted murderer, succumbed to this hypocrisy. "Here then ye see Peter’s offence, as Paul plainly setteth it forth. Paul accuseth him not of malice or ignorance, but of dissimulation and infirmity, in that he abstained from meats forbidden in the law, fearing lest the Jews which came from James should be offended thereby, and had more respect to the Jews than to the Gentiles. Hereby he gave occasion, as much as in him was, to overthrow Christian liberty and the truth of the Gospel." [2]

Luther notes that one might abstain or to not abstain from eating meats for the sake of a brother, but to abstain or not abstain because one thought the act to merit greater righteousness and credit is wrong.  "And this is a wonderful matter, that God preserved the Church, being yet but young, and the Gospel itself, by one only person. Paul alone standeth to the truth; for he had lost Barnabas his companion, and Peter was against him. So sometimes one man is able to do more in a council than the whole council besides." [2]

Paul rightly discerned that Peter's actions were not in concert with the Gospel and thereby stood his ground.  Peter's hypocrisy is clear: he was a Jew living with a free conscience among Gentiles; why would he not allow the Gentiles to live freely among the Jews?  Luther brilliantly points out that Peter's profession of faith was Gospel, but he was living by Law. "Here I say again, that to live as the Jew, is not evil of itself; for it is a thing indifferent, either to eat swine’s flesh, or any other meats. But so to play the Jew, that for conscience sake thou abstainest from certain meats, this is to deny Christ, and to overthrow the Gospel." [2]

Father I wonder if in my life I draw a demarcation line between myself and other Christian brothers and sisters on matters that are not Gospel matters?  Do I by my estrangement from others pull away on issues of Law instead of Gospel? When I separate myself on matters of Law I must surely not only be hypocritical but I surely am living contra-Gospel.   May I live in such a way that I would enjoy the open and bold rebuke of a brother who sees me act is such reprehensible ways.  Lord grant me the grace this day to live worthy of the Gospel, for the sake of the One who saved me, fully by grace through faith -- and all of His abundant mercy.

 

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1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2247). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

2. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 2:12). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

No Lone Ranger!

Galatians 2:7–8 (NIV),

"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."

Here Paul is showing the Church that he is preaching with the consent and blessing of the Apostles. "For the Apostles, when they saw the Gospel of the uncircumcision to be committed to me, and knew of the grace that to me was given, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, approving my ministry and giving thanks unto God for the gifts which I had received. Thus he returneth the argument of the false apostles upon themselves." [1]  

This is an interesting text.  Luther points out that although Paul was commissioned to preach to the Gentiles, the record will show that he almost always went to the Jews; and as for Peter, vice versa. The situation is that the commission to the Gentiles has more to do with geography than people. "Now were the Jews dispersed almost throughout the whole world, and dwelt here and there in cities and other places among the Gentiles. Paul coming thither, was wont to go into the synagogues of the Jews, and by this occasion he first brought unto them, as the children of the kingdom, this glad tidings, that the promises made unto the fathers were accomplished by Jesus Christ." [1]  But of course when the Jews would have nothing to do with the Gospel, Paul went to the Gentiles.

Paul was not operating as a 'lone ranger'.  “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. 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.” (Galatians 2:8–9, NIV). "Wherefore he concludeth that they which are esteemed for the chief pillars among the Apostles, are wholly with him, and not against him." [1]

"After the preaching of the Gospel, the office and charge of a true and faithful pastor is, to be mindful of the poor. For where the Church is, there must needs be poor; who for the most part are the only true disciples of the Gospel, as Christ saith: “The poor have the glad tidings of the Gospel preached unto them” (Matt. xi. 5)." [1]

Father we simply have to gaze with honor at the glory of Your Trinity to see that working in distinction and harmony is neither demeaning nor right. Paul was accused of doing his own thing, yet he showed us how carefully he ensured that the church leaders were solidly behind his Gospel ministry.  The very people that accused him otherwise were the ones found guilty.  It is very easy in this day to forget that You have given a leaders, comrades, and a community to serve You, to Your glory.  As this day unfolds I pray that I might be found in respectful obedience to those You have placed over me.  May I be found to enjoy the interaction of iron, sharpening iron.  And Father, I pray that I may be found serving hand-in-hand with those who embrace the Gospel as it is truly taught in God's Word.   Amen.

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1. Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 2:7). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.

Consultation Without Veneration

Galatians 2:6–7 (NIV),

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.

Paul taught that the Gentiles too could be saved apart from merit, only by faith in Christ.  This was the issue of dissension after his conversion.  “Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also.” (Galatians 2:1, NIV).  Likely 14 years after his Damascus experience Paul went to Jerusalem to deal with these things.  "Nay rather, I glory that in going up to Jerusalem by the revelation of God, and not at the commandment of the Apostles, and there conferring my Gospel with them, I brought to pass the contrary, that is to say, obtained that the Apostles did approve me, and not those which were against me." [1]

Paul, wisely discussed the matter with the Apostles so that he would be sure "was not running or had not run in vain."  Peter, James and John all agreed that Paul's message was from God.  Paul was on good ground to preach the Gospel to the Gentiles. “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I had been eager to do all along.” (Galatians 2:10, NIV).

Paul now gives the reason why he went to Jerusalem and consulted the Apostles. “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.” (Galatians 2:4, NIV)

"Now, where he speaketh of the truth of the Gospel, he sheweth that there be two gospels, a true and a false gospel. Indeed, the Gospel of itself is one, simple, true, and sincere: but by the malice of Satan’s ministers it is corrupt and defaced . . . Now the truth of the Gospel is, that our righteousness cometh by faith alone, without the works of the law. The corruption or falsehood of the Gospel is, that we are justified by faith, but not without the works of the law. With this condition annexed, the false apostles preached the Gospel." [1]

“We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel might be preserved for you.” (Galatians 2:5, NIV). Assurance, hope and confidence only come from the true Gospel. "For faith, if it is to be sure and steadfast, must lay hold upon nothing else but Christ alone, and in the conflict and terrors of conscience it hath nothing else to lean unto, but this precious pearl Christ Jesus." [1]

Luther will not be backward about disagreeing and even disobeying those who pervert the Gospel. For to do so would not only bring harm to the Gospel.  But to do so would also endanger our liberty in Christ and indeed our faith.

Paul shows us in this passage of the Churches responsibility to others in authority or ministry.  To those that subvert the Gospel, he has no time or patience.  To true Apostles he offers esteem and respect without idolizing them.

Father, today I give you thanks for the men and women that have shaped and influenced my life. I thank you that many times my soul has been refreshed and my heart established by their instruction and teaching.  These dear brothers and sisters are a gift from You.  Thank you, Father.  There have been some of high office and influence in the world.  Keep me from man-worship.  For they too are people who have feet of clay.   Father there are also men that have surrounded me that I highly regard and often seek their counsel.  But they too are fellow-plodders.   In all my relationships, Father, I pray that you will grant me holy insight and courageous boldness to discern and disregard those that are false.  They intend to steal, rob and destroy.  Preserve Your Gospel in the Church, for the sake of Christ and the freedom of Your people.  Amen.

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1.  Luther, M. (1997). Commentary on Galatians (Ga 2:2). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.