Galatians 2 10

Galatians 2:10 kjv

Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

Galatians 2:10 nkjv

They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do.

Galatians 2:10 niv

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 esv

Only, they asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

Galatians 2:10 nlt

Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do.

Galatians 2 verses

Galatians 2 10 Meaning

Galatians 2:10 conveys the single, specific request made by the Jerusalem apostles (James, Cephas/Peter, and John) to Paul and Barnabas after affirming their distinct Gentile ministry: that they should "remember the poor." Paul emphatically states his already fervent commitment and eagerness to do precisely this. This verse underscores that the unity between Jewish and Gentile Christian leadership, centered on the core gospel of salvation by grace, did not neglect the vital Christian responsibility of caring for those in need, particularly within the suffering community in Jerusalem.

Galatians 2 10 Context

Galatians 2:10 concludes Paul's account of his significant meeting in Jerusalem with the "pillar" apostles (James, Peter, and John). This meeting, occurring fourteen years after Paul's conversion (Gal 2:1), was crucial for establishing the legitimacy of his Gentile ministry and his gospel message of salvation by faith apart from the Mosaic Law. In the preceding verses (Gal 2:1-9), Paul recounts how the Jerusalem leaders, upon recognizing the grace given to him and his effective ministry among the uncircumcised, gave him and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship. They agreed that Paul would continue preaching to Gentiles, while they would focus on Jews. This agreement meant full recognition and doctrinal unity, with no requirements imposed on Gentiles regarding circumcision or other Mosaic laws. Within this momentous accord, verse 10 stands as the sole, singular request made by the Jerusalem leaders. It underscores that despite the freedom from legalism, Christian ethical and social responsibility, particularly care for the impoverished, remained paramount and a point of shared concern between both Jewish and Gentile branches of the early church.

Galatians 2 10 Word analysis

• Only: μόνον (monon). This Greek word acts as an adverb, emphasizing exclusivity. It highlights that out of all possible demands or conditions, this was the single stipulation from the Jerusalem apostles. It underscores the profound unity reached on the gospel's core, meaning there were no other theological requirements (like circumcision or keeping Jewish dietary laws) imposed on Gentile believers.
• they asked us: This refers to James, Peter, and John. Their request signifies shared concern and partnership rather than a command, reflecting their fraternal recognition of Paul's ministry. It shows the early church's leaders collaborating across different missionary spheres.
• to remember: μνημονεύωμεν (mnēmoneuōmen). This is an aorist subjunctive, implying a call to active and intentional memory leading to action. It's not just passive recollection but an active, ongoing concern and care for. It suggests sustained effort and provision for the poor, reflecting a continuous commitment to their well-being.
• the poor: τῶν πτωχῶν (tōn ptōchōn). This noun, in its plural genitive form, signifies those who are in abject poverty, often dependent on others for their survival, possibly beggars. This would primarily refer to the poor Jewish Christians in Jerusalem who were experiencing severe hardship due to factors like famine (Acts 11:28), persecution, and the general economic conditions of the region, possibly exacerbated by their conversion leading to loss of traditional support networks. This demonstrates a deep practical concern within the early church for its vulnerable members.
• the very thing: ὃ καὶ αὐτὸ τοῦτο (ho kai auto touto). A strong emphatic expression, "that which even this very thing." It reiterates and powerfully affirms the content of the request.
• I also: ἐσπούδασα (espoudasa) implies "I, for my part," stressing Paul's personal eagerness and existing commitment.
• was eager to do: ἐσπούδασα (espoudasa). This aorist verb means "I was diligent," "I made every effort," "I was earnest/eager." It denotes a past action completed with intensity and enthusiasm. Paul asserts that this concern for the poor was not a new imposition upon him, but an intrinsic aspect of his own understanding and practice of the gospel, highlighting his complete agreement with this aspect of their mission and values.

Galatians 2 10 Bonus section

• The term "poor" in this context specifically referred to the Jewish Christian community in Judea. They likely faced increased economic hardship due to famine and ostracism from the broader Jewish community for their faith. Gentile believers' support for them reinforced unity across ethnic and theological lines in the nascent church, embodying the truth that "there is neither Jew nor Greek" (Gal 3:28) in Christ through practical, financial partnership.
• Paul’s deep involvement in collecting for the Jerusalem poor, even risking his life to deliver the aid, speaks volumes about the sincerity of his statement in this verse (cf. Acts 24:17). This practical charity was integral to his mission strategy, demonstrating solidarity and showing the practical outcome of the grace of God on Gentile hearts.
• This verse counters a common misinterpretation of "faith alone" that might lead to neglecting good works. It vividly illustrates that justification by faith produces a lifestyle of love, mercy, and generosity, confirming that the gospel of grace does not diminish social responsibility but invigorates it.

Galatians 2 10 Commentary

Galatians 2:10 is a profoundly significant verse that closes Paul's critical account of his meeting with the Jerusalem pillars. Its primary implication is that while salvation is by grace through faith alone, authentic Christian living, born out of this gospel, necessarily includes tangible care for the poor and vulnerable. This single request demonstrates a beautiful balance: unity in essential doctrine (the gospel) alongside unity in ethical responsibility (charity). It underscores that the Jerusalem leaders, far from burdening the Gentiles with ceremonial law, focused on a universally accepted principle of the Christian life. Paul's emphatic assertion of his pre-existing eagerness to "remember the poor" reinforces his integrity and commitment, debunking any potential charges that his gospel of freedom was antinomian or devoid of social compassion. He did not need to be convinced; it was already central to his ministry, as evidenced by his extensive efforts to collect funds for the impoverished saints in Jerusalem (Rom 15:25-27; 1 Cor 16:1-4; 2 Cor 8-9). This verse serves as a reminder that the true faith not only transforms beliefs but also manifests in active love and service, especially towards the family of God in need.