What can we learn from Paul's 15-day stay with Peter? The Verse in Focus “Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to confer with Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days.” (Galatians 1:18) Why This Brief Visit Matters • It was Paul’s first trip to Jerusalem after his conversion (Galatians 1:15-17). • He came voluntarily, not under compulsion, demonstrating that his gospel was received “by revelation of Jesus Christ” (Galatians 1:12), yet he still valued fellowship with the leading apostle. • Fifteen days—just over two weeks—was long enough for deep conversation yet short enough to underline Paul’s independent commissioning. What Likely Filled Those Fifteen Days • Sharing personal testimonies: – Paul recounted his Damascus-road encounter (Acts 9:1-6). – Peter reviewed firsthand memories of Jesus’ ministry, death, and resurrection. • Comparing gospel content: – Paul later wrote, “I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received” (1 Corinthians 15:3-5); much of that creed dovetails with Peter’s preaching in Acts 2:22-36. • Discussing mission fields: – Peter’s focus: Jews (Galatians 2:7-8). – Paul’s upcoming call: Gentiles (Acts 9:15). • Building trust: Barnabas had already vouched for Paul (Acts 9:27); this visit cemented that credibility. Lessons About Humility and Unity • Independent calling does not cancel interdependence in the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-5). • Both apostles modeled teachability—Paul listened to Peter’s eyewitness account; Peter listened to Paul’s revelation. • Early agreement prevented future schism; doctrine was synchronized before ministries diverged geographically. Lessons About Doctrine and Testimony • A gospel that agrees across separate witnesses reinforces its divine origin (2 Corinthians 13:1). • Personal encounters still submit to scriptural truth; neither apostle altered the message for convenience. • Sound doctrine thrives in honest, face-to-face dialogue, not isolation. Lessons About Accountability and Fellowship • Paul’s stay shows that even the most gifted leaders benefit from peer review (Proverbs 27:17). • Fifteen days of shared meals, prayers, and stories knit hearts together far more than letters alone. • Genuine fellowship equips believers to confront later issues—Peter and Paul’s later interaction at Antioch (Galatians 2:11-14) was possible because a relationship already existed. Takeaways for Us Today • Seek out mature believers for intentional, focused time; truth is sharpened in relationship. • Hold fast to a gospel received from Scripture while remaining open to godly counsel. • Short seasons of concentrated fellowship can yield lifelong impact for unity, mission, and doctrinal clarity. |
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