Galatians 2 2

Galatians 2:2 kjv

And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.

Galatians 2:2 nkjv

And I went up by revelation, and communicated to them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I might run, or had run, in vain.

Galatians 2:2 niv

I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.

Galatians 2:2 esv

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.

Galatians 2:2 nlt

I went there because God revealed to me that I should go. While I was there I met privately with those considered to be leaders of the church and shared with them the message I had been preaching to the Gentiles. I wanted to make sure that we were in agreement, for fear that all my efforts had been wasted and I was running the race for nothing.

Galatians 2 verses

Galatians 2 2 Meaning

Galatians 2:2 describes Paul's visit to Jerusalem, which was prompted by a direct divine revelation. His purpose was to privately present the specific gospel message he had been proclaiming to the Gentiles to the prominent apostles and leaders in Jerusalem. This crucial meeting aimed to ensure that his tireless missionary efforts and the content of his gospel, which emphasized salvation by grace through faith apart from the Mosaic Law, would not be rendered ineffectual or declared void by those recognized as authorities in the early church.

Galatians 2 2 Context

Galatians 2:2 falls within Paul's strong defense of his apostleship and the true gospel of justification by faith alone, apart from the works of the Mosaic Law. Chapter 1 establishes that Paul received his gospel directly from Jesus Christ, not from any human source, thereby asserting his independence from the Jerusalem apostles. Chapter 2 recounts his meeting in Jerusalem, which historically appears to be distinct from, though closely related to or preceding, the public Jerusalem Council described in Acts 15. This private meeting with "those of reputation" (James, Peter, John) was strategically important. It aimed to secure affirmation for Paul's Gentile mission and the gospel he preached, which liberated Gentile converts from the obligation to be circumcised and follow the Jewish Law. The historical context includes the emerging tension within the early church between Jewish Christians, who struggled to let go of their Law-observant traditions, and Gentile believers who were converting directly from paganism. The rise of "Judaizers," who insisted on circumcision for Gentile converts, threatened the purity of the gospel and the unity of the church. Paul's proactive step in verse 2 demonstrates his commitment to defending the authentic gospel and ensuring the future legitimacy of his work among the Gentiles.

Galatians 2 2 Word analysis

• I went up (ἀνῆλθον, anēlthon): Signifies an intentional journey upwards, typically to a place of greater authority or spiritual significance, in this case, Jerusalem. It implies Paul’s initiative, yet prompted by divine command.
• because of a revelation (κατ’ ἀποκάλυψιν, kat’ apokalypsin): "Revelation" (apokalypsis) means an uncovering or disclosure, especially of divine truth. This highlights that Paul's decision to go was not his own human strategy or out of a sense of submission to human authority, but a direct command and guidance from God. This divinely ordered action strengthens Paul's argument for the legitimacy and independence of his gospel.
• set before them (ἀνεθέμην, anethemēn): The verb means "to lay out," "to explain fully," or "to present for consideration." It doesn't imply seeking their approval of the gospel's truth (as if he doubted it), but rather to verify their agreement with his understanding and proclamation of it, and to establish unity in the face of divergent practices. He presented his practice, not a thesis for review.
• (though privately to those of reputation) (κατ’ ἰδίαν δὲ τοῖς δοκοῦσιν, kat’ idian de tois dokousin):
  • privately (kat’ idian): This was a closed-door meeting, not a public declaration to the entire church assembly. This was a shrewd move by Paul to address key issues with influential leaders discreetly, avoiding premature conflict or misinterpretations that a public forum might entail, before things escalated.
  • to those of reputation (tois dokousin): Refers to those widely acknowledged as leaders and pillars in the Jerusalem church—specifically James, Cephas (Peter), and John (mentioned in Gal 2:9). Paul uses a nuanced term (appearing or seeming to be such), not diminishing their status, but underscoring that their authority, though respected, ultimately derived from God.
• the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον ὃ κηρύσσω ἐν τοῖς ἔθνεσιν, to euangelion ho kēryssō en tois ethnesin): Paul is specific about his gospel, which included salvation for Gentiles without circumcision or full adherence to Mosaic Law, a point of contention with the Judaizers. "Proclaim" (kēryssō) implies authoritative preaching.
• in order that I might not be running or had not run in vain (μή πως εἰς κενὸν δράμω ἢ ἔδραμον, mē pōs eis kenon dramō ē edramon):
  • running (dramō): Paul uses an athletic metaphor for his apostolic labor, his tireless efforts in ministry and missionary work (cf. 1 Cor 9:24; Phil 2:16).
  • in vain (eis kenon): Literally "into emptiness." Paul feared that if the Jerusalem apostles were to contradict or reject his gospel, all his past and future efforts among the Gentiles would be discredited and fruitless. His concern was not for his personal salvation but for the integrity of the gospel and the effectiveness of his mission. He sought endorsement, not alteration.

Galatians 2 2 Bonus section

The seemingly redundant "running or had not run" (a present and a past tense, "might not be running" and "had not run") emphasizes both the potential future futility and the retrospective nullification of his apostolic endeavors. It shows Paul's deep concern not just for what he might do but also for what he had already done. This private discussion set the precedent for the broader public resolution at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15), illustrating the crucial balance of divine leading and collaborative human leadership in the early church. Paul's act demonstrates a vital principle: maintaining gospel unity and truth can sometimes necessitate a face-to-face alignment among leaders, not to re-evaluate the gospel itself, but to confirm shared understanding and avoid fragmentation of the Body of Christ.

Galatians 2 2 Commentary

Galatians 2:2 reveals Paul's strategic wisdom and unwavering commitment to the integrity of the gospel. Despite having received his gospel directly from Christ (Gal 1:11-12), Paul, under divine direction, chose to present it to the recognized apostles in Jerusalem. This was not an act of submission to human authority to have his gospel vetted for truth, but a calculated move to prevent future opposition from invalidating his established ministry and message to the Gentiles. By obtaining their private affirmation of his gospel—which required no circumcision for Gentile converts—Paul aimed to forge unity around the essential truth of salvation by grace through faith, thus preserving the purity and efficacy of the good news. His concern "lest I run in vain" underscores his zealous desire for his ministry's eternal fruitfulness, a testimony to his commitment to the one true gospel. This pivotal meeting laid the groundwork for the unified church's stand against the false teachers who sought to add requirements to salvation.