Galatians 2:6 But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatever they were, it makes no matter to me… I. SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE AND NOT THE ACCIDENTS OF EXTERNAL CONDITION ALONE AVAILS WITH GOD. Take some illustrations. 1. From Scripture: the choice of Abraham and Moses. 2. From providence. (1) Wealth and power are administered impartially. (2) Health on the whole is equally shared by rich and poor. (3) Genius is confined to no class. (4) So with the blessings of happiness, life, and age. 3. From the administration of redemption. Wilberforce in parliament, Bunyan in his cottage. 4. From the day of judgment and its results. II. WHY GOD HAS NO RESPECT OF PERSONS EXCEPT IN RELATION TO MORAL GOODNESS. 1. Accidents in condition, seemingly great to us, bear no such relation to Him. 2. They are not the essential and true elements of our being. III. WHY DOES GOD SUPREMELY VALUE SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE? 1. It is the true basis of worth in every intelligent creature. (1) Angels; (2) man as man. 2. It is God's own spiritual reflection, and therefore the true basis of friendship with Him. (J. Foster, B. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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: |
    |