1 Then after an interval of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus along also. 2 It was because of a revelation that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.
Considerable time passed before Paul re-visited Jerusalem. He was not summoned by the church leaders, but was prompted by a revelation directly from God. His traveling companions were Barnabas and Titus. Barnabas was Paul’s early mentor, from shortly after his conversion through his first missionary tour. In preparation for the second tour, the two had a falling out and went their separate ways (Acts 15:39-40). So, Paul refers here in our text to a time between the 1st and 2nd tours, which places this event at the time of Acts 15, the Jerusalem council, when the two were still together. Although we know little of Titus’ background or how he came to associate with Paul, we do know he was a faithful and frequent companion of Paul and the latter wrote him a letter which is included in the New Testament writings
After fourteen years of Paul preaching the gospel and after some conflict had ensued over Gentile converts to the faith, it was important to establish solidarity in the gospel, that what he was preaching and teaching, though authorized independently of the other apostles, was consistent and cohesive with their teachings. The unity of the church was at stake, there was not to be two separate movements, a true Jewish church and a lesser Gentile church. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians focused on that very issue. “For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups [Jews and Gentiles] into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall, by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances, so that in Himself He might make the two into one new man, thus establishing peace…” (Eph 2:14-15).
Paul approached the other apostles “privately” lest the work of the gospel in establishing a unified, new community of believers would be thwarted at such an early stage. Further he did not want any “skirmish” with the apostles to go public until he had opportunity to talk with the Jerusalem leaders first. His referring to them as being “those who were of reputation” emphasizes that he was concerned about avoiding public conflict that could diminish their stature. Solidarity and the purity of the gospel were the main issues. Paul was a man of truth and grace. What an example for us to follow.
Lord, I pray for the unity of the church. Despite all the different doctrinal persuasions, help us to rally around the pure gospel of grace.
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