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Expanded Comments | Additional Comments |
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| 1 Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. |
Fourteen years – After Paul's conversion; at the time mentioned in Acts 15:2. R1472:3, 551:2
Thirteen years after Paul's three years in Arabia (Gals. 1:17, 18) Barnabas hunted him ureaching for a year at Antioch. (Acts 11:25-30) Q697:4
Paul made a specialty of his Jewish brethren at least seventeen years after he was converted. (See Gal. 1:18) R116:6*
To Jerusalem – A distance of about 300 miles. R1472:3
Long considered the center of the Christian religion, the largest number and oldest believers and apostles living there. R972:2
With Barnabas – Barnabas did much to encourage St. Paul and to start his activities, and once started there was no keeping him back. Q697:4
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| 2 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. |
I went up – On the occasion mentioned in Acts 15:4; to communicate the fuller, R973:1, 1728:3
By revelation – The Lord sent me. R551:2
Paul had visions and revelations more abundant than they all. R365:1, 5941:6
Special revelations from the Lord. R435:2, 1719:6
In visions and revelations the Lord more than made up to Paul what he lacked to make him a competent and reliable witness to us. R1523:1
See also comments on Gals. 1:12.
Communicated – Not to learn of them, but to communicate to them. R551:2
Gospel I preach among the Gentiles – The subject had been left for some years for gradual development and enlargement of heart and mind on the part of the believers. R3018:5
The other apostles, fettered in a measure by the Judaizing influences around them, and not making sufficient progress in the knowledge of the truth, Paul was sent by the Lord to strengthen and assist them. R551:2
Privately – Secret conferences explaining the perfect law of liberty--the will and plan of God regarding the gospel among the Gentiles. R3018:5
Lest their reputation should hinder them from receiving the truth. R973:1, 1728:3
Paul did not go about it boastfully. R551:2
An example of Paul's course in first presenting a matter privately to the more prominent brethren. R3825:3
To them – Unto the other apostles. A27
Of reputation – The apostles and chief brethren. R3018:5
Run in vain – Lest I should fail to have them see the depth and fullness of the gospel revealed to me. R551:2
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| 3 But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: |
But neither Titus – Because he was not a Jew, but a full-blooded Greek. F227; R1526:5
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| 4 And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage: |
False brethren – To reestablish confidence in the Gospel message, he had delivered it was necessary for Paul to refer again to false brethren. R3820:6
Thus the unconverted additions hindered the true seed, as always. R973:1
Their teachings served as siftings to draw off those who were not Israelites indeed, and who had not received the perfect law of liberty through Christ. R2206:2
Who claimed to be of the same body and who yet, in opposition to the truth, brought again upon God's children the bondage of errors already escaped from. R3820:6
Giving occasion for Paul's writing to counteract these errors, which has proven a blessing and a great help to the Lord's people for the eighteen centuries since. R2206:3
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| 5 To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. |
Not for an hour – Paul was ready to go any length in defense of principle and could not be budged an inch. R2119:2
His steadfast resistance on the subject of circumcision, when some misconceived the matter. F227; R1526:5
The truth of the gospel – The strong foundation of the hope of the gospel--the entire freedom of both Jews and Gentiles from the bondage of the Law Covenant, and the glorious liberty and peculiar privileges of the sons of God. R1657:3, 868:5
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| 6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: |
No man's person – The Church is sanctified, not because of their own merit, but because of their relationship to Christ. R69:2
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| 7 But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter;
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When they saw – Paul's selection and peculiar course in preaching to the Gentiles. R551:2
The uncircumcision – The Gentiles. R1526:4, 1725:6; F226
Was committed unto me – Paul was preeminently the Apostle to the Gentiles, and the others more particularly to the Jews. R1523:2
Paul was the pushing pioneer; and his work among the Gentiles of his day was by no means a light, nor an honorable task, in the estimation of men. R1523:2
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| 8 (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) |
The circumcision – The Jews. F216, F226; R1526:4, 1523:2
Paul approved of circumcision for the Hebrews to whom it was given as a symbol and rite before the Law Covenant. R1725:6
Mighty in me – Paul testified to his worthiness to rank as an equal of any Apostle. F216; R1657:3
Toward the Gentiles – Paul has by far the more to say to us through his numerous epistles, than the other eleven apostles. R1523:2
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| 9 And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. |
Seemed to be pillars – In their day, the eleven were more prominent in the Church, than Paul. R1523:2
Hannah refers to the establishment of the saints as "pillars" of the new order of things, "the new heavens and new earth." (1 Sam. 2:8) R1813:2
Perceived the grace – Recognizing in Paul the spirit of the Master, and hearing how he had been owned and blessed; and of his devotion, zeal and self-sacrifice. R551:2
Right hands of fellowship – Paul was cordially received, though the apostles had one of their own choosing to fill the place of Judas. R551:2
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| 10 Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. |
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| 11 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. |
I withstood him – Reproved him for dissimulation. R4510:2, 973:1
Paul's righteous indignation was aroused. R551:4, 4510:2
He was ready to go to any length in defense of principles of divine revelation. R4928:4, 5056:6, 3022:3, 2119:2
This was done in the spirit of love. R439:2
Peter's error was promptly corrected by God through Paul. That Peter quite overcame this weakness in respect to preference for the Jews is abundantly witnessed by his two epistles. F225; R1526:3
Evidently the rebuke was received in the spirit of meekness. (See 2 Pet. 3:15) R416:1*, 664:2*
It is evident that the different apostles had different degrees of insight into God's plan. A26
Among the apostles there were differences, hence we need not be surprised if such should be the case in this day. R397:2
Was to be blamed – For acting deceitfully. R551:4
For giving way to the old nature. R416:1*, 664:2*
For vacillation on the question of the Law. R973:1
Peter dissembled--was guilty of double dealing. F224; R1526:3
Paul judged according to God's Word. R416:4*, 3124:4, 664:4*
Paul got clear views earliest on the recognition of Gentiles and had to oppose others less strong and spiritually clear-sighted. R972:2, 2118:3, 1728:1
These weaknesses of the flesh are among the sins which may be repented of, reformed from, and forgiven. (1 John 2:1) R4908:5, 1962:2
Human weaknessees were not permitted to mar the work or usefulness of the apostles. F224; R1526:3
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| 12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. |
Separated himself – Not wishing to offend, he ate with those who still adhered to their Jewish customs, for under the Law a Jew might not eat with Gentiles. R551:4
Peter was refusing to eat with Gentile brethren when Jewish brethren were in the company--through deference to the Law Covenant which somehow all Jews felt must be recognized and subscribed to. R4510:2
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| 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. |
Dissembled – Guilty of double dealing. F224
Acting in a two-faced manner. R1526:3
Barnabas also – Peter's example had its effect on Barnabas. R551:4
Carried away – From the fixed statements of the divine Word--through the influence of someone held in respect or esteem. R2219:4
Their dissimulation – They had before been led to see that there is no difference between Jew and Gentile, but that all are one in Christ Jesus. R551:4
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| 14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? |
I said unto Peter – Peter's uncertainty was in marked contrast with Paul's assurance, inspired by the words of the prophets, God's past dealings and the direct revelations made to himself. A27
Them all – It was some time after Pentecost before the disciples got a clear, full understanding of the work being done, and its relation to the original Covenant. A80
If thou – Paul exposed Peter's deception. R551:4
Livest after – Eating with them, etc. R551:4
The Gentiles – Who were not under the Law Covenant, but under the Grace Covenant. R4510:3
For them to perform circumcision would indicate that they were seeking for divine favor by becoming Jews--and not trusting fully to Christ. R2175:5
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| 15 We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, |
We who are Jews – Under the Law. R973:1
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| 16 Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. |
Justified – Made right. E444
By the faith – On account of faith in Christ. R973:1
Only believers are justified during this Gospel age. R199:3
The obedience of each should be judged, not by his actual works, but by his intentions and efforts. HG307:3
Of Jesus Christ – Everywhere throughout the Scriptures the power of justification on the part of the Redeemer is attributed to his sacrifice on our behalf. E444
By the faith of Christ – By faith in Christ. R973:1
Not by – The Jews were like all other people of the world, fallen-sinners. NS18:4
Our own works could not justify us, or make us acceptable, before God. E444
Works of the law – Not by obedience to the Law. R973:1
After trying for 1500 years, Israel was unable to keep the Law. R5774:3
"Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the Law." (Rom. 3:28) E444
Why should we attempt to fetter others, or bind ourselves longer by that which has served its purpose and has ceased as a Covenant--passed away? R973:1
Be justified – In God's sight. R5774:3
We are merely reckoned right or perfect because of our faith in and acceptance of the righteousness of Christ and his sacrifice on our behalf. E444
Although Paul does not quote words of Jesus, the germ of Paul's doctrine of justification is to be found in the teachings of Jesus himself. R3481:5*
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| 17 But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid. |
Justified by Christ – "Who was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification." (Rom. 4:25) E445
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| 18 For if I build again the things which I destroyed, I make myself a transgressor. |
Which I destroyed – Why then should we attempt to fetter others, or bind ourselves longer by that which has served its purpose. R973:1
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| 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God. |
Dead to the law – Only refers to believers. R1729:6
We must be dead to the world, then we shall not love the world or worldly things. R127:3*
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| 20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. |
Crucified with Christ – I am delivered up to death. My will and self-control, my talents and powers, my rights and lawful ambitions as a man--all these are pinioned and bound by my consecration vow. SM645:2, 648:3; R961:5, 960:6
Our good human wills, our good intentions and our good plans--not actually perfect as our Lord's but reckonedly so through his imputed merit--are to be delivered up to death and to share in his sacrifice. SM648:2; R961:5
The old body is dead because it has been devoted to God in connection with the sin-offering. R5101:3
Since actual, literal crucifixion, signifies a torturing, slow but sure death, the figurative crucifixion must closely resemble it; otherwise the figure would have no value. SM642:2
From the beginning of our consecrated life we are reckoned as being fully crucified with Christ, but the actual crucifixion is a slow, painful, lingering process, and ends only with the completion of our sacrifice in death. R5855:4, 80:1
If Christ's crucifixion was not the crucifixion of a sinful will and sinful desires, neither was Paul's, nor are ours as followers of the spotless Lamb of God. SM648:1; R961:4
The Apostle did not mean the crucifying of a sinful will or sinful desires, plans etc. SM648:1; R961:4
The nearer a person is to perfection, the stronger is his will and the more difficult to crucify. As followers in our Lord's footsteps we have neither such strong wills nor strength of character to overcome them. SM647:2; R961:2
Paul was not literally crucified, but ended his course by being beheaded--as became a Roman citizen. SM645:2; R960:6
Nevertheless I live – I, the new creature. T65
Yet not I – The old creature, represented in the consecrated goat--being consumed with the reproach and contempt of the world, outside the camp. T65
The former; not the old any longer. R962:6, 960:2
I am dead. R95:5
But Christ – The Christ mind. T65
Christ, to whose service you give yourselves; agrees to cancel all your debts. R804:6, 80:1
His will being fully mine I can call myself his and feel confidence before him. R962:6
Liveth in me – Crucifying and keeping under my depraved and justified human nature and its will. T65
His will being fully mine, I can call myself his and feel confidence before him. He can own me as a member of his Body and use me as such now and forever. R962:6
"Christ in you" is the only actuating and controlling principle. R80:1, 1456:4
The new nature. R237:2*
The spirit of truth manifested in the Church is Christ's representative, and is termed Christ in us. R160:2*, 237:2*
I live by the faith – By faith Paul had become reckonedly a new creature, to whom belonged the exceeding great and precious promises of the divine nature, if faithful. T65
While actually in the world, he was not of it. T65
Gave himself – God did require and accept the death of Christ as man's ransom sacrifice. E450
For me – Christ's special love for his Church, clearly distinguished from the world. R1254:5
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| 21 I do not set aside the grace of God: for if righteousness be through the law, then the death of Christ was for nothing. |
Dead in vain – If the Law could have been kept, Christ would not have died. R105:2
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While this verse is not bad in the KJV, we did examine it in several other translations as well as trace word definitions and usages in Strong's. We therefore feel this verse might be better translated:
I do not set aside the grace of God: for if righteousness is obtained by obedience to the law, then the death of Christ was for nothing. |