Gal 2:6-9 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Gal 2:6-10: 2:6-10 Paul’s message was in harmony with the Jerusalem apostles, but their affirmation was not the source of Paul’s authority (1:12 , 16-20 ). 2:6 The Jerusalem apostles’ reputation as great leaders was probably derived from their personal acquaintance with Jesus’ earthly ministry, which did not give them greater apostolic authority than Paul had. What mattered most was Christ’s personal commission (see 1 Cor 9:1 ; cp. 2 Cor 12:11-12 ). • God has no favorites: The Judaizers probably regarded the Jerusalem apostles’ earthly relationship with Jesus as an advantage. Paul argues that such favoritism is inconsistent with God’s character (cp. Lev 19:15-16 ; Deut 1:17 ; 2 Chr 19:7 ; Job 13:10 ; Ps 82:1-2 ; Prov 18:5 ; Mal 2:8-9 ).

Summary for Gal 2:6-10: 2:6-10 ^a Paul’s message was in harmony with the Jerusalem apostles, but their affirmation was not the source of Paul’s authority (1:12 ^b, 16-20 ^c). 2:6 ^d The Jerusalem apostles’ reputation as great leaders was probably derived from their personal acquaintance with Jesus’ earthly ministry, which did not give them greater apostolic authority than Paul had. What mattered most was Christ’s personal commission (see 1 Cor 9:1 ^e; cp. 2 Cor 12:11-12 ^f).

• God has no favorites: The Judaizers probably regarded the Jerusalem apostles’ earthly relationship with Jesus as an advantage. Paul argues that such favoritism is inconsistent with God’s character (cp. Lev 19:15-16 ^g; Deut 1:17 ^h; 2 Chr 19:7 ⁱ; Job 13:10 ^j; Ps 82:1-2 ^k; Prov 18:5 ^l; Mal 2:8-9 ^m).
Summary for Gal 2:7-8: 2:7-8 ⁿ The apostles in Jerusalem saw that Paul and Peter had different scopes of ministry (for Peter’s, see Acts 1:1–5:42 ^o; 9:1–10:48 ^p; for Paul’s, see Acts 13:1–28:31 ^q), but they both preached the same gospel.
2:9 ^r James: See profile for James, Brother of Jesus at end of chapter.

• they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers (literally they gave me and Barnabas a right hand of fellowship): This symbolic handshake showed full acceptance for Paul and Barnabas, their ministry, and their message.