Galatians 2:1-3
Then after fourteen years, I went up again to Jerusalem, this time with Barnabas. I took Titus along also. I went in response to a revelation and, meeting privately with those esteemed as leaders, I presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain. Yet not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, even though he was a Greek.
Day 6 of Galatians
Paul tells his story from the start beginning with his conversion on the way to Damascus. It was many years after that time before Paul began his missionary journeys. Moses spent 40 years tending sheep before his journey began. David spent years as a fugitive before becoming king. How many years did Abraham wander before he had the promised son? God’s call on their life is there from the beginning, but it can take years before it comes to pass.
After Paul’s conversion and being healed of his blindness in Damascus, he went to Arabia and then returned to Damascus 1:17 After being in Damascus for 3 years, he goes to Jerusalem. 1:18 On leaving Jerusalem he went to Syria and Cilicia. 1:21 He spent 14 years there before returning to Jerusalem 2:1 This is what we have so far in Paul’s early travels.
When reading the Bible it’s easy to mentally skip over the time involved. It was around 20 years after his conversion that Paul would become a missionary. He shared the gospel during this time, but he has yet to start his first missionary journey. Twenty years is a long time.
Paul’s had a revelation that compels him to visit Jerusalem. Barnabas is with him in Jerusalem. We know that these two split up so the time is likely when the Holy Spirit called them to be set aside. They’ve met with the apostles and Paul is convinced that the gospel he shares agrees with them. The freedom that’s found in Jesus is confirmed by them all. Circumcision; the sign of the old covenant, is no longer needed. Now its about the heart.
Your turn…