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:

But {G1161} of {G575} these who seemed {G1380} to be {G1511} somewhat {G5100},(whatsoever {G3697}{G4218} they were {G2258}, it maketh {G1308} no {G3762} matter {G1308} to me {G3427}: God {G2316} accepteth {G2983} no {G3756} man's {G444} person {G4383}:) for {G1063} they who seemed {G1380} to be somewhat in conference added {G4323} nothing {G3762} to me {G1698}:

Moreover, those who were the acknowledged leaders — what they were makes no difference to me; God does not judge by outward appearances — these leaders added nothing to me.

But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me.

But from those who were reputed to be somewhat (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth not man’s person)—they, I say, who were of repute imparted nothing to me:

Galatians 2:6 is a pivotal verse where the Apostle Paul asserts the divine origin and authority of his gospel message, independent of human endorsement, even from highly esteemed church leaders.

Context

This verse comes from a crucial section in Paul's letter to the Galatians, where he is defending the authenticity of his apostleship and the purity of the gospel of grace against Judaizers who insisted Gentile Christians must observe Jewish law, including circumcision. Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem, fourteen years after his conversion, to meet with the prominent apostles (James, Peter, and John, mentioned in Galatians 2:9). He presented his gospel, which emphasized salvation by faith in Christ alone, without works of the law.

Key Themes

  • Apostolic Authority: Paul emphasizes that his commission and the gospel he preaches were not derived from or dependent upon human authority. His message was directly revealed by Jesus Christ, as he states in Galatians 1:12.
  • God's Impartiality: The profound statement, "God accepteth no man's person," highlights God's absolute fairness and lack of favoritism. God does not judge based on human status, reputation, or social standing. This principle is fundamental to Christian theology, affirming that all are equal before Him, whether esteemed leaders or humble believers. This resonates with other scriptures on God's impartiality, such as Romans 2:11.
  • The Sufficiency of the Gospel: Paul's declaration that "they who seemed [to be somewhat] in conference added nothing to me" underscores the completeness and truth of the gospel he already possessed. The Jerusalem leaders did not need to correct or supplement his understanding of salvation; rather, they affirmed it.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "God accepteth no man's person" is a robust translation of the Greek prosōpolēmptēs (πρόσωπολημπτής) or prosōpolēmpsia (πρόσωπολημψία), meaning "respecter of persons" or "partiality." It refers to showing favoritism based on external appearances or status. Paul uses this concept to assert that the truth of the gospel stands independent of any human's perceived importance or influence. God's truth is not validated by human credentials but by its divine origin.

Practical Application

Galatians 2:6 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Focus on Divine Truth: It reminds believers to ground their faith and understanding in God's revealed truth, rather than relying solely on human opinions or traditions, no matter how esteemed the source.
  • Humility and Equality: The verse powerfully reinforces the idea that in God's eyes, all people are equal. Reputation, wealth, social standing, or even religious titles do not grant special favor or superior insight into God's truth. This encourages humility and reminds us to treat others with equal respect and dignity, as God does.
  • Confidence in the Gospel: For those who preach or teach, it provides confidence that the core message of salvation through Christ is sufficient and needs no human embellishment or alteration.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • Acts 10:34

    ¶ Then Peter opened [his] mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:

  • 2 Corinthians 12:11

    ¶ I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.

  • Romans 2:11

    For there is no respect of persons with God.

  • Galatians 6:3

    For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:5

    ¶ For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.

  • 1 Peter 1:17

    And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning [here] in fear:

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