2:7 On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ga 2:7). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Galatians 2:7 contains powerful clues and challenges to the modern day Christian life. He leads with, “When they saw”. In the previous verses Paul has mentioned the false accusers, Judaizers, and spectators around the Jerusalem Council. Clearly the consistency of his message and the conviction of his position has been observed by eye witnesses. He delivered an unshakeable message in the face of opposition. Undoubtedly they wanted to find loop holes in his message, but were unable to do so. For us today, we must admit that many work to undermine the Gospel message. From recent political attempts to restrict military from evangelistic efforts, to criticism of traditional views on marriage; there is a deliberate and strategic movement to undermine the Christian Gospel message of hope in Christ alone.
We can learn from Paul in his consistent message pointed to Christ as the Source and Strength of the Gospel. What others observed in him was that he “had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised”. Paul had been given a specific mission, which expanded the traditional audience. This came with great tension. Paul was faithful to reinforce the Gospel was from God and given with authority from God. For us today, we must be guarded against relying solely on logic and reason. Granted we should use sound logic and reason, but the ultimate authority on which we stand is Christ, the Hope of Glory. He has mandated that we share the Gospel message, in the face of persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12, Matthew 28:18-20, John 15:18-20). The challenge is that we communicate the unshakeable message of the Gospel with conviction, in spite of our criticism.
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