Galatians 2:10

KJV

Only [they would] that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

KJV (with Strong's)

Only {G3440} they would that {G2443} we should remember {G3421} the poor {G4434}; the same {G846}{G5124} which {G3739} I {G4704} also {G2532} was forward {G4704} to do {G4160}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their only request was that we should remember the poor — which very thing I have spared no pains to do.

Berean Standard Bible

They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.

American Standard Version

only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 2:10 concludes Paul's account of his pivotal meeting with the Jerusalem apostles, James, Cephas, and John, affirming the legitimacy of his Gentile ministry. This verse reveals their singular request: that Paul and Barnabas would "remember the poor," a charge Paul readily accepted and was already committed to fulfilling, underscoring the intrinsic connection between authentic gospel proclamation and practical compassion for the needy within the early Christian community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of Paul's detailed recounting of his second visit to Jerusalem, described in [Galatians 2:1-10](/galatians/2-1-10 "Paul's Jerusalem Visit and Apostolic Affirmation"). Following fourteen years after his conversion, this trip was undertaken "by revelation" to present his Gentile gospel to the "pillars" of the church, ensuring his apostolic work was not "in vain." The preceding verses ([Galatians 2:7-9](/galatians/2-7-9 "Paul's Apostleship to the Gentiles Affirmed")) highlight the mutual recognition between Paul and the Jerusalem leaders: they acknowledged God's grace upon Paul for his Gentile ministry, just as Peter was called to the Jews, and extended to him and Barnabas "the right hand of fellowship." Verse 10, therefore, acts as the sole practical stipulation or request arising from this crucial theological and relational affirmation, demonstrating a unity of purpose despite differing spheres of ministry.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The meeting described in Galatians 2 likely corresponds to the Jerusalem Council recounted in [Acts 15](/acts/15 "The Jerusalem Council"). This was a critical juncture for the early church, grappling with the inclusion of Gentiles and the extent to which they needed to adhere to Mosaic Law, particularly circumcision, to be considered true followers of Christ. The Jerusalem church, being the mother church, was primarily Jewish Christian, and many of its members likely faced economic hardship due to various factors, including persecution, famine (as mentioned in [Acts 11:27-30](/acts/11-27-30 "Prophecy of Famine and Relief Efforts")), and the general economic conditions of the Roman Empire. The request to "remember the poor" reflects a deeply ingrained Jewish tradition of charity and social responsibility, now carried over into the nascent Christian community, emphasizing that genuine faith expresses itself in tangible care for fellow believers, especially the most vulnerable.
* **Key Themes:** Galatians 2:10 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Galatians and broader Pauline theology. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Gospel Unity and Apostolic Authority**. Despite the intense theological debates surrounding justification by faith apart from the law, the leaders found common ground, affirming Paul's gospel and his unique call. Their only request was practical, not doctrinal, solidifying the unity of the Spirit. Secondly, it highlights **Practical Compassion as an Outflow of Faith**. The request to remember the poor underscores that genuine faith is never merely intellectual but always active, expressing itself in love and care for others. This aligns with Jesus' teachings on mercy and charity, as seen in passages like [Matthew 25:31-46](/matthew/25-31-46 "The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats"). Lastly, the verse showcases **Paul's Consistent Commitment to Christian Benevolence**. Paul's immediate agreement, stating he was "forward to do" this, demonstrates that caring for the poor was not a new concept for him but an established priority in his ministry, a commitment further evidenced by his extensive efforts to organize collections for the Jerusalem saints in his other epistles, such as [1 Corinthians 16:1-4](/1_corinthians/16-1-4 "Instructions for the Collection") and [2 Corinthians 8-9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Paul's Teaching on Generous Giving").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **mnēmoneúō (Greek, _mnēmoneúō'_):** Translated as "remember," this verb (G3421) implies more than a mere mental recall. It signifies an active, continuous mindfulness that leads to practical action. In this context, it means to keep the poor in mind with a view to providing for their needs, indicating a sustained commitment to their welfare, not just a fleeting thought.
* **ptōchós (Greek, _ptōchós'_):** This word (G4434), translated "poor," denotes someone who is truly destitute, often a beggar, utterly dependent on others for survival. It describes a state of absolute poverty, emphasizing the deep and urgent need of those the Jerusalem apostles were concerned about. It is a stronger term than _penēs_, which refers to one who is merely in straitened circumstances.
* **spoudázō (Greek, _spoudázō'_):** Rendered "was forward" or "to do diligence" (G4704), this verb conveys the idea of using speed, making earnest effort, or being prompt and diligent. Paul's use of this word indicates his eager and proactive commitment to the task of remembering the poor, suggesting it was already a significant part of his ministry ethos.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Only [they would] that we should remember the poor":** This clause presents the sole request made by James, Cephas, and John to Paul and Barnabas following their affirmation of Paul's Gentile gospel. The word "only" (Greek: _mónon_) emphasizes the singular nature of this request, highlighting that no other stipulations regarding the Mosaic Law were imposed upon the Gentile mission. The phrase "remember the poor" signifies a deep, ongoing concern for the material well-being of the impoverished members of the Christian community, likely referring specifically to the struggling Jewish Christians in Jerusalem. This was not a minor afterthought but a significant and practical expression of Christian love and solidarity.
* **"the same which I also was forward to do":** This second clause is Paul's immediate and enthusiastic affirmation of the request. Paul's response indicates that this concern for the poor was not a new concept for him, nor was it a burden. Rather, it was a principle and practice he was already diligently engaged in and eager to continue. This demonstrates his genuine compassion and the consistency of his ministry, which always combined theological purity with practical acts of charity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs **Conciseness** to deliver a powerful message. Despite the weighty theological discussions preceding it, the practical outcome is distilled into a single, direct request. The use of **Emphasis** is evident in the word "only" (_mónon_), which highlights the singular nature of the Jerusalem leaders' concern, contrasting it with the absence of legalistic demands. Furthermore, Paul's immediate and affirmative response, "the same which I also was forward to do," functions as a form of **Self-Attestation**, reinforcing his integrity and consistent commitment to practical Christian living, thereby bolstering his apostolic authority in the eyes of the Galatian readers.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 2:10 powerfully illustrates that while salvation is by grace through faith alone, authentic faith invariably expresses itself in tangible acts of love and compassion. The Jerusalem apostles' singular request to "remember the poor" underscores the early church's deep commitment to social responsibility and mutual aid, demonstrating that the gospel, while liberating from legalism, simultaneously binds believers in a community of care. This practical concern for the marginalized was not an optional add-on but an integral outworking of their shared faith, reflecting the very heart of Christ's ministry. It serves as a timeless reminder that true spiritual unity is often solidified by shared practical burdens and compassionate service, bridging theological differences with the unifying force of love.

* [Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Paul's collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem")
* [2 Corinthians 9:7-9](/2_corinthians/9-7-9 "God loves a cheerful giver")
* [James 2:15-17](/james/2-15-17 "Faith without works is dead")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 2:10 serves as a profound reminder that the theological truths we embrace must always find expression in practical, compassionate action. For the early church, and for us today, the purity of the gospel is not divorced from the plight of the poor. Our faith in Christ, which frees us from the burden of legalism, simultaneously compels us to bear the burdens of others, especially those in need. This verse challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to the gospel and to actively participate in ministries of mercy, generosity, and justice. It calls us to cultivate a heart that "remembers the poor" not just in thought, but in deed, recognizing that our tangible acts of love are a powerful testimony to the transforming power of the gospel.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my understanding of "salvation by grace through faith" translate into practical care for the poor and marginalized in my community?**
* **In what specific ways can I be "forward to do" good works, particularly in remembering and assisting those in need?**
* **How can my local church better integrate a concern for the poor into its core mission and activities, reflecting the unity and compassion seen in the early church?**

### FAQ

**Why was "remembering the poor" the *only* request made by the Jerusalem apostles?**

Answer: The significance of this being the *only* request lies in its contrast with the contentious issues surrounding the inclusion of Gentiles into the church. The main debate at the time was whether Gentile converts needed to be circumcised and adhere to the Mosaic Law to be saved. By making no demands on these theological or ceremonial points, and instead focusing solely on remembering the poor, the Jerusalem apostles affirmed Paul's gospel of grace to the Gentiles, establishing unity on the core message of salvation. Their request for practical charity highlighted that while ceremonial law was not essential for salvation, genuine faith inherently expresses itself in love and care for the vulnerable, particularly within the community of believers. This demonstrated a shared commitment to the ethical implications of the gospel, even as they agreed to differ on evangelistic methods and target audiences, as seen in [Galatians 2:7-9](/galatians/2-7-9 "Paul and Peter's respective ministries").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 2:10, though a practical directive, finds its ultimate fulfillment and motivation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The command to "remember the poor" directly echoes Christ's own ministry, which was characterized by profound compassion for the marginalized, the sick, and the economically disadvantaged. Jesus consistently identified with the poor, teaching that true righteousness includes caring for "the least of these" ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Jesus identifies with the least of these")). Furthermore, Christ himself, "though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "Christ's Incarnation as an Act of Self-Impoverishment")). His incarnation and sacrificial death on the cross represent the ultimate act of divine self-impoverishment and generosity, providing spiritual riches to those who were spiritually destitute. Thus, when Paul eagerly commits to remembering the poor, he is not merely fulfilling a human request but embodying the very heart of the gospel—a gospel of grace that transforms individuals and compels them to reflect the self-giving love of Christ to a broken world, particularly to those in greatest need. This ongoing work of compassion is a tangible expression of the new creation in Christ, where love for God is inextricably linked to love for neighbor ([1 John 4:7-12](/1_john/4-7-12 "God is Love")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 24:17

Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.

Hebrews 13:16

But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

1 John 3:17

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels [of compassion] from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

2 Corinthians 8:1

¶ Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 Corinthians 8:9

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

Acts 11:29

Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:

Acts 11:30

Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.