Why did Paul visit Peter in Jerusalem according to Galatians 1:18? Setting the scene • Paul’s conversion on the Damascus Road (Acts 9:3-6) launched him into immediate ministry, but for three full years he deliberately avoided Jerusalem, the center of apostolic authority (Galatians 1:15-17). • By withholding the visit, Paul showed that his gospel came directly “by a revelation of Jesus Christ” and not from human instruction (Galatians 1:12). The text itself Galatians 1:18: “Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to get acquainted with Cephas, and I stayed with him fifteen days.” Key word: “get acquainted” The Greek verb historeō carries the idea of becoming personally familiar, exchanging stories, and investigating firsthand. Paul was not seeking authorization; he wanted relationship and mutual understanding. Why Paul went • To build personal fellowship with Peter – Peter had been the most public eyewitness of the risen Christ (1 Corinthians 15:5). – Spending fifteen days gave ample time for testimony sharing, prayer, and bonding. • To confirm shared gospel facts – Both men preached the same core message: justification by faith in Christ alone (compare Acts 10:43 with Galatians 2:16). – A private review safeguarded unity before wider ministry conflicts arose (cf. Galatians 2:2). • To demonstrate independence yet harmony – By waiting three years, Paul preserved the proof that he received his commission from Christ, not from Jerusalem leaders (Galatians 1:1). – By finally visiting, he also showed he was not a lone ranger; true apostles stand in fellowship (Ephesians 2:20). • To prepare for future cooperative mission – Peter would later extend the “right hand of fellowship” to Paul and Barnabas (Galatians 2:9). – Early rapport laid groundwork for the church-wide acceptance of Gentile evangelism (Acts 15:7-11). What the visit did NOT mean • Paul did not seek ordination or doctrinal correction; his gospel was already complete (Galatians 1:11-12). • Peter did not serve as Paul’s superior; they were equals with distinct callings (Galatians 2:7-8). Related passages for a fuller picture • Acts 9:26-30 describes Barnabas introducing Paul to the apostles and the fifteen-day stay in Jerusalem’s dangerous climate. • 2 Corinthians 12:11-12 underscores that Paul possessed “the marks of a true apostle,” confirming he needed no human endorsement. • Galatians 2:11-14 shows their relationship was strong enough for Paul to confront Peter later—a sign of mutual accountability, not hierarchy. Take-home reflections • Authentic ministry seeks both divine commissioning and genuine fellowship with fellow believers. • Unity in the gospel grows stronger when leaders invest time in face-to-face relationship, even for just “fifteen days.” • Delayed but deliberate connection guarded the church from accusations that Paul invented a novel message—truth and transparency walked hand in hand. |
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