As for those who were held in high esteem —whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—
Summary: As Paul recounts his second visit to Jerusalem as a follower of Jesus, he reminds us that God does not show favoritism, and neither should we.
The Good News Translation of the Bible renders the first part of this passage this way: “But those who seemed to be the leaders …” Later in this passage, Paul mentions James, Cephas (Peter), and John by name (Gal 2:9). Paul then adds these words, “… whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism …”
One of the more serious failings of our modern churches is the failure to honor the truth Paul mentions here; “God does not show favoritism.” Instead, we seem to be constantly comparing ourselves to others and weighing our respective importance.
Jesus warned us, “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets.” (Luke 20:46) James, one of the people Paul mentions as being held in “high esteem,” taught that we “must not show favoritism.” (James 2:1)
So what do we do?
Do we treat each other in our churches as equals, or do we tend to put some people on “pedestals?”
The answer to this question is different for everyone. In my personal journey of faith, I have traveled from a childhood church experience where pastors are supposed to be better than everyone else, to a place where I see all of us alike; children in need of a loving God.
In Galatians 2:4, Paul writes about “false believers.” One of the ways we can distinguish between a true believer and a false believer is by whether or not a person insists that some people are more important than others.
It seems like a small thing and a very human thing for people to fall into a “pecking order.” But if someone insists that one person is more important than another, they are adding to Paul’s gospel. If we are asked to believe that a pastor or teacher is somehow better than you or I, then I think Paul would have a problem with that.
Perhaps you think Paul is being a hypocrite? Doesn’t he consider himself more important than other Christians of his day?
The answer to that is a firm “No.” Paul was fully aware of his shortcomings (1 Timothy 1:15). What he elevates above all else is not himself or any other person. Rather, he elevates the gospel message that “the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age,” is the one we need to worship (Galatians 1: 3-4).
Application: You heard the man. Do not show favoritism!
Food for Thought: What does it mean to be held in “high esteem” in a godly way?
Recognizing someone else’s dedication and devotion to Christ. A feeling of being proud of them (not prideful though). It even dips into being happy for them. Also, if we find ourselves thanking the Lord for putting someone in our life, chances are we we hold them in high esteem in a Godly way.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
Nicely said, Chris!
Thank you!
Daniel 10: 10 – 11 might be an example of using this in an appropriate manner – especially since it comes from a heavenly messenger:
A hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood up trembling.
Daniel was a man highly esteemed by God. Personally, I think all our sincere fellow believers are highly esteemed by God, demonstrated at the cross. This truth might be good to remember.
I do not think Daniel was held in high esteem due to his title or secular status, but rather for his faith, dependence upon the Lord, integrity and character. Godly traits that reflect Christ are worth esteeming because we are really esteeming Christ in the person.
Thank you, Rich!
I love the example of Daniel. It is doubly good because of who esteemed him. He was reviled by those who were jealous of him and envied his position. They were the ones who plotted to have him thrown into the lion’s den. He was esteemed by those who valued wisdom, which is a godly trait. Of course that wisdom came from God because Daniel was obedient to God and humble before him.
As a deacon in my church, I am to serve all. I have always seen my position as a lowly role. On the humorous side, as the saying goes, “Pastors are paid to be good and the deacons are good for nothing.”
LOL!
Brother, you just made my day! Thank you for sharing today, and thank you for your fellowship in the Lord! 🙂
I really like the previous comments. Another facet to this jewel might be the following.
The work the Lord does in our lives will only be finished when we kneel before Him on His Throne. Our salvation, was just the beginning, and the majority of the work remains. Through the cross, God is continually working to break the old and build the new. The degree we allow ourselves to be broken, is the degree we shall experience a true oneness with God as we become humbled to the degree, we hold all others in high esteem, walking humbly, in service to others by the power of God, as we allow Jesus Christ to minister to others through us.
Isaiah 57:15 says: For thus says the High and Lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ‘I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.
Isaiah 66:2 God says, This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word.
Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Galatians 2:20, I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Thanks Ron!
Great point about the continual process of becoming “new” in Christ. Great verses, too! Especially Isaiah 66:2.
Thank you!