Galatians, Philippians, and Philemon Power Quotes

How we cite our quotes:

Quote #4

After three years I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and stayed with him fifteen days; but I did not see any other apostle except James the Lord's brother[…] I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea that are in Christ; they only heard it said, "The one who formerly was persecuting us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God because of me. (Galatians 1:18-19, 23-24, NRSV)

After three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother[…] But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. And they glorified God in me. (Galatians 1:18-19, 23-24, KJV)

Paul barely even conferred with the original disciples—that's how sure he was of his mission. In fact, even though no one knew what he looked like in Jerusalem, they had all heard about his conversion and were in awe of him.

Quote #5

After fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem […] in response to a revelation. Then I laid before them (though only in a private meeting with the acknowledged leaders) the gospel that I proclaim among the Gentiles, in order to make sure that I was not running, or had not run, in vain. But even Titus, who was with me, was not compelled to be circumcised, though he was a Greek. (Galatians 2:1-3, NRSV)

Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. (Galatians 2:1-3, KJV)

Again, Paul doesn't need human guidance to confirm his authority from God. He goes to Jerusalem because God tells him to. He also reminds us that he's not looking for approval; he just wants the church in Jerusalem to know what he's up to so they won't step in the way of his mission.

Quote #6

From those who were supposed to be acknowledged leaders (what they actually were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those leaders contributed nothing to me. On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel for the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel for the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter making him an apostle to the circumcised also worked through me in sending me to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who were acknowledged pillars, recognized the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hand of fellowship, agreeing that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. (Galatians 2:6-9, NRSV)

But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me: But contrariwise, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles:) And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision. (Galatians 2:6-9, KJV)

Paul is pretty disdainful of human power here. Sure, some of these guys were "acknowledged leaders," but he and God don't care about that kind of thing. In fact, the smartest thing these guys ever did was realizing Paul's true grace and power. Kudos to them.