Galatians 2:2

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.

And {G1161} I went up {G305} by {G2596} revelation {G602}, and {G2532} communicated {G394} unto them {G846} that gospel {G2098} which {G3739} I preach {G2784} among {G1722} the Gentiles {G1484}, but {G1161} privately {G2596}{G2398} to them which were of reputation {G1380}, lest by any means {G3381}{G4458} I should run {G5143}, or {G2228} had run {G5143}, in {G1519} vain {G2756}.

I went up in obedience to a revelation, and I explained to them the Good News as I proclaim it among the Gentiles — but privately, to the acknowledged leaders. I did this out of concern that my current or previous work might have been in vain.

I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain.

And I went up by revelation; and I laid before them the gospel which I preach among the Gentiles but privately before them who were of repute, lest by any means I should be running, or had run, in vain.

Commentary

Galatians 2:2 provides crucial insight into the apostle Paul’s early ministry and his relationship with the established leadership in Jerusalem. This verse sets the stage for Paul's defense of his gospel message and apostolic authority, particularly concerning the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian faith without requiring circumcision.

Context

Following his conversion and initial years of ministry, Paul felt compelled by divine guidance to visit Jerusalem. This visit, often identified with the event in Acts 15, was not merely a social call but a strategic meeting to ensure unity within the nascent Christian movement. Paul had been preaching the gospel to the Gentiles, emphasizing salvation by grace through faith, a message that diverged from some Jewish Christian traditions that insisted on adherence to Mosaic Law, including circumcision.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance: Paul states he "went up by revelation," indicating that his journey and subsequent actions were not based on personal ambition but on God's direct instruction. This reinforces the divine origin and authority of his mission.
  • Validation of the Gentile Gospel: Paul sought affirmation from the Jerusalem apostles regarding the legitimacy of his message to the uncircumcised. This was critical to prevent future doctrinal disputes that could fragment the church or invalidate his past and future efforts.
  • Strategic Diplomacy: By communicating "privately to them which were of reputation" (referring to key leaders like Peter, James, and John, as mentioned in Galatians 2:9), Paul aimed to build consensus and avoid public confrontation that could lead to unnecessary division. This private discussion allowed for frank exchange and understanding.
  • Preventing Futility: The phrase "lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain" highlights Paul's deep concern that his extensive labor among the Gentiles might be undermined if the Jerusalem church did not acknowledge the validity of his gospel. He wanted his efforts to be recognized as truly building God's kingdom, not as futile or misdirected.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "revelation" here is apokalypsis (ἀποκάλυψις), emphasizing a divine unveiling or disclosure, underscoring the spiritual impetus behind Paul's journey. The phrase "of reputation" translates from hoi dokountes (οἱ δοκοῦντες), literally "those who seemed (to be something)," referring to those acknowledged as leaders or pillars in the Jerusalem church. This isn't a derogatory term but acknowledges their recognized standing and influence.

Practical Application

This verse reminds believers of the importance of seeking divine guidance in significant decisions and ministry. It also teaches the value of unity within the body of Christ, even amidst diverse ministry approaches. Paul's willingness to submit his work for review by established leaders, despite his direct revelation from Christ, serves as a model for accountability and humble collaboration within the church. It underscores the necessity of ensuring that our efforts align with the core truths of the gospel, so that our "running" in faith is never "in vain," but fruitfully contributes to God's eternal purposes, as Paul also emphasizes in Philippians 2:16.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Galatians 2:6

    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:

  • Philippians 2:16

    Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:5

    For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

  • Galatians 2:9

    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.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:23

    But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

  • 1 Corinthians 9:26

    I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

  • 1 Corinthians 9:24

    ¶ Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
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