I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain.
Summary: Paul’s journey to Jerusalem was inspired by a revelation from God. Paul’s motivation included wanting to be assured that his gospel message rang true with the other apostles.
Paul’s letters reveal a person who is deeply passionate about their faith in God, yet here in this passage, Paul seems to have had doubts. If he wanted to be sure he was not “running my race in vain,” doesn’t that mean he had questions?
I don’t mean that he was questioning Jesus. I am certain Paul was confident in his relationship with the Lord. What I suspect he questioned was his gospel message. Was he getting that right?
Keep in mind that going to visit the church leaders in Jerusalem wasn’t Paul’s idea. He went in response to a “revelation.” (Galatians 2:2) In effect, Jesus told him to go.
There is a thin line between cockiness and confidence. Paul’s confidence in the gospel message might have begun to rely on Paul’s self-confidence more than relying on Jesus. By having Paul check in with the church leaders in Jerusalem, Jesus accomplished three things.
First, Paul’s obedience to the revelation from Jesus was an act of humility. The revelation was more than just an instruction to travel to Jerusalem. If Paul was concerned that he might have been running his race in vain, then that means he understood that the people he would be meeting in Jerusalem had the final say on what the gospel message was.
Second, Paul’s visit helped unify the church. It is important to note that Paul never saw himself as the leader of the church. He never attempted to claim that he was Jesus’ primary representative on Earth. The truth was quite the opposite. Paul saw himself as “the worst of sinners.” By traveling to Jerusalem, Paul acknowledged the leadership of the other apostles and their leadership in the church.
Third, when Paul submitted his gospel to the leaders in Jerusalem, it wasn’t only Paul whose message was verified. Everyone there was challenged in some way. The result would have been a stronger, more unified gospel message.
All three blessings that resulted from this meeting are important. Humility, unity, and consistency of the gospel message laid a foundation a healthy church.
Application: Don’t get cocky.
Food for Thought: What questions might Paul have had about the race he was running?
What questions might Paul have had about the race he was running?
Was he going to be accepted by other believers, Leaders, how to keep people from doubting the message because of hispast.
Well said, Tim!
I think those questions apply to all of us if we are trying to share the gospel with those who do not yet know Jesus.
In politics candidates often looked to be endorsed by others in high standing in the public arena. Why do they do this? It appears that it helps others to have confidence in their campaign. The legitimacy it brings is not necessarily due to their own personal confidence, but enables others to share that confidence in them and their platform.
I think that Paul understood that by the other respected leaders in the church endorsing his gospel message, it removed obstacles and doubts in others and smoothed the road for others to see the truth of what he was proclaiming.
I think it is possible that the question Paul had was: How do I help others to see that my message is in alignment with the truth that other respected leaders were proclaiming? It would pave the way for further effectiveness and receptivity.
Rich,
Thank you! Removing obstacles and doubts is a great foundation for faith!
I like T’s and R’s response. When I think about Paul saying “I wanted to be sure I was not running and had not been running my race in vain” Mark 4:1-41 (Parable of the sower) come to mind; what kind of soil would he be casting the seeds on?
Thanks Chris!
You make an interesting point!
01-22-2024, What questions might Paul have had about the race he was running, in the Bible, Galatians 2:2c?
I believe Paul was possibly concerned regarding the potential for divisions between the Jewish believers and the Gentile Believers within the church.
Galatians 2:4, My concern was because of the false brothers [those people masquerading as Christians] who had been secretly smuggled in [to the community of believers]. They had slipped in to spy on the freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us back into bondage [under the Law of Moses].
1 Corinthians 1:10, I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction.
Also, Philippians 2:1-5, Acts 2:6-8
Thanks Ron!
Good verses! And yes, division is the enemy of unity.