In Galatians 2:2, Paul mentions going to Jerusalem because of a revelation from God. He was not summoned to defend his actions; he was sent by God to help the church in Jerusalem. He describes an important meeting in Jerusalem, which may have occurred around AD 45.
Paul’s Gospel of the Christ
Paul’s Gospel had not changed between the time of the meeting and the time that he wrote the second chapter of his letter to the Galatians. With the words “which I preach,” we can surmise that his preaching did not undergo any changes in its essential features, especially in the one doctrine which he was most anxious to impress upon the Galatians — the doctrine of justification by faith.
He did not go to receive instructions from the apostles, or to be confirmed by them in his apostolic office, but he went to submit an important question pertaining to the church at large. While in Jerusalem, Paul decided to approach the three leaders of the church (James the Just, who was brother of Jesus, Peter, and John) in private.
He explained the gospel of Jesus that he had been preaching to Gentiles — to non-Jewish people. This Gospel indicated that Christ’s death on the cross was entirely sufficient to forgive our sins. In other words, the Gentiles need not follow the law of Moses in order to be saved.
Paul Lambaste the Church
Paul blasted them for allowing false brothers to declare that the converted Gentiles had to follow the laws of Moses and be circumcised. As he stormed out, he shouted, “Fine, I’ll just quit and form my own separate denomination.”
No! God would not have called Paul to break up his house any further. They all agree that Gentiles should not be made to follow the law, and they endorse Paul’s God-given calling to preach to the Gentiles. They knew that God offers forgiveness as a gift, and we receive that gift through faith – not by doing good works.
The Unity of the Church
Now, notice that the earliest followers of Jesus were a sect of apocalyptic Jewish Christians within the realm of Second Temple Judaism. The early Christian groups were strictly Jewish, such as the Ebionites, and the early Christian community in Jerusalem, led by James the Just, brother of Jesus. The Apostles knew from Peter’s vision (Acts 10:9-48) that the Gospel should be taken to the gentiles.
The Church Splits and Divides
Then Christianity became broadly split into three branches: Catholic, Protestant and (Eastern) Orthodox. Christianity is now divided between Eastern and Western theology. As believers debated the scriptures and sacraments, churches formed and split based on myriad biblical interpretations, ways of worship and organizational structures. Estimations show there are more than 200 Christian denominations in the U.S. and a staggering 45,000 globally.
The Bigger Question
Do we still need yet another denomination or sect? Especially given that Jesus said there was only one single requirement for salvation (John 3:16).
In conclusion, the Daily Bread email message sent on 10/5/2022 says,
Galatians 2:2 – It 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. (NASB)
Paul went to Jerusalem, because of a revelation from God, to state fully the principles on which he preached; the nature of the gospel which he taught; and address the issue about the exemption of the Gentiles from the obligations of the Law of Moses.
Paul did not go to protest and divide the church. No! God would not have sent Paul to break up His house any further.
The council of Jerusalem agree that Gentiles should not be made to follow the law of Moses. They endorse Paul’s God-given calling to preach to the Gentiles. They knew that God offers forgiveness as a gift, and we receive that gift through faith – not by doing good works.
The earliest followers of Jesus were a sect of apocalyptic Jewish Christians within the realm of Second Temple Judaism. Christianity is now divided between Eastern and Western theology. As believers debate the scriptures and sacraments, churches form and split based on myriad biblical interpretations, ways of worship and organizational structures. Estimations show there are more than 200 Christian denominations in the U.S. and a staggering 45,000 globally.
Do we still need yet another denomination or sect? Especially given that Jesus said there was only one single requirement for salvation (John 3:16).
Further note (or p.s.); I am ordained in a church that does not require me to tend to the church’s physical duties. In my commission, I can establish my own church, if I want to or am driven to. But God has called me to preach and teach to lay people of all kinds of denominations. Many believers and non-believers follow my Daily Bread ministry and listen to me preach from differing pulpits. I will never form, or encourage, a yet-another denomination or church. But I will support those who have left a church and still have faith in Jesus Christ.
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