Galatians 2:6

KJV

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:

KJV (with Strong's)

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}:

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Galatians 2:6 is a foundational declaration of the Apostle Paul's independent apostolic authority and the divine origin of the gospel he preached. Paul asserts that the esteemed leaders in Jerusalem, despite their reputation, neither added to nor diminished the truth of his message, emphasizing that God shows no partiality based on human status or position. This verse powerfully underscores the sufficiency and divine validation of the gospel of grace, independent of human endorsement or credentials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's fervent defense of his apostleship and the purity of the gospel of grace against the Judaizers in Galatia. In the preceding verses of [Galatians 2](/galatians/2 "Galatians 2 - Paul's Defense of the Gospel"), Paul recounts his journey to Jerusalem fourteen years after his conversion, a visit undertaken "by revelation" ([Galatians 2:2](/galatians/2-2 "Galatians 2:2 - Paul's Visit to Jerusalem by Revelation")). His purpose was to lay out the gospel he preached among the Gentiles before the "pillars" of the Jerusalem church—James, Cephas (Peter), and John ([Galatians 2:9](/galatians/2-9 "Galatians 2:9 - Pillars of the Church")). This meeting was crucial to ensure that his missionary efforts were not in vain, confirming the unity of the gospel message across both Jewish and Gentile believers. Verse 6 specifically addresses the perceived status of these leaders and Paul's unwavering conviction that their human reputation did not validate or invalidate his divinely given message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early church was grappling with significant theological and practical tensions, particularly concerning the inclusion of Gentiles and the role of the Mosaic Law. Judaizers insisted that Gentile converts must be circumcised and adhere to Jewish customs to be truly saved, challenging Paul's gospel of salvation by faith alone. The Jerusalem leaders, while respected, represented the Jewish-Christian establishment. In the Greco-Roman world, status and patronage were paramount, and individuals' authority often derived from their association with prominent figures. Paul's statement "God accepteth no man's person" directly challenges this cultural norm, asserting a divine impartiality that transcends human hierarchies. This principle was revolutionary, dismantling social and religious barriers that often dictated respect and influence.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Galatians. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Apostolic Authority**, highlighting that Paul's commission and the gospel he proclaimed were not derived from human instruction or approval but from direct divine revelation, as he forcefully argued in [Galatians 1:11-12](/galatians/1-11-12 "Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul's Divinely Revealed Gospel"). Secondly, the declaration "God accepteth no man's person" establishes the profound theme of **God's Impartiality**. This concept is central to Christian theology, affirming that God judges and relates to humanity based on righteousness and faith, not on external status, social standing, or religious pedigree. This divine impartiality is echoed throughout Scripture, notably in [Romans 2:11](/romans/2-11 "Romans 2:11 - God Shows No Partiality") and [Acts 10:34](/acts/10-34 "Acts 10:34 - Peter's Realization of God's Impartiality"). Finally, Paul's assertion that the Jerusalem leaders "added nothing to me" underscores the **Sufficiency and Completeness of the Gospel** he already possessed. It needed no human embellishment, correction, or validation, standing firm on its divine truth.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **seemed (Greek, _dokéō'_):** This verb, used twice in the verse, means "to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)." Paul uses it here with a subtle irony or detachment. It refers to those who "were reputed" or "were thought to be" important. Paul acknowledges their perceived status without necessarily endorsing it as the ultimate measure of spiritual authority, emphasizing that human reputation is secondary to divine truth.
* **maketh no matter (Greek, _diaphérō'_):** Derived from "to bear through" or "to bear apart," this word means "to differ" or "to surpass." In this context, with the negative particle, it conveys "it makes no difference" or "it is of no consequence." Paul asserts that the human status or perceived importance of the Jerusalem leaders had absolutely no bearing on the truth or validity of his gospel message. The gospel's authority is intrinsic, not derived from human endorsement.
* **added nothing (Greek, _prosanatíthēmi'_):** This compound verb means "to lay up in addition," or in the middle voice, "to impart" or "to consult." Here, with the negative "nothing," it signifies that the Jerusalem leaders did not impart any new information, correction, or supplementary teaching to Paul's understanding of the gospel. Their conference did not result in Paul gaining any new insight or changing his message; rather, it affirmed what he already knew by revelation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But of these who seemed to be somewhat,"**: Paul introduces the prominent figures of the Jerusalem church, acknowledging their reputation and perceived importance within the early Christian community. The phrase "seemed to be somewhat" (or "were reputed to be something") subtly hints at a distinction between perceived status and actual spiritual authority, which Paul will elaborate on.
* **"(whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me:"**: This is a powerful parenthetical statement revealing Paul's perspective. He emphatically declares that the specific identity, status, or past actions of these esteemed leaders are irrelevant to him. His authority and the truth of his gospel are not contingent upon their approval or disapproval. This highlights Paul's profound conviction in the divine source of his message.
* **"God accepteth no man's person:)"**: This crucial theological principle, enclosed within the parenthetical, provides the divine justification for Paul's stance. It means God does not show favoritism or partiality based on external appearance, social standing, or human reputation. God evaluates individuals based on their heart and faith, not their perceived status or influence. This truth undergirds Paul's refusal to be swayed by human authority.
* **"for they who seemed [to be somewhat] in conference added nothing to me:"**: Paul returns to the main point, reiterating that the esteemed leaders, despite their reputation and the conference held, did not contribute any new teaching or insight to his understanding of the gospel. This confirms that Paul's gospel was complete and true as he received it directly from Christ, needing no human supplementation or validation.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several effective literary devices in Galatians 2:6. The most prominent is **Parenthesis**, where the phrase "(whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person:)" interrupts the flow of the sentence to insert a crucial theological and personal declaration. This allows Paul to immediately qualify his acknowledgment of the leaders' status with a powerful statement of his independence and God's impartiality. This parenthetical statement also functions as a **Theological Assertion**, providing the divine rationale for Paul's stance—God's non-respect of persons. Furthermore, Paul uses **Understatement** or **Litotes** in "added nothing to me." By stating what they *didn't* do, he powerfully implies the completeness and sufficiency of the gospel he already possessed, emphasizing that it required no supplementation from even the most respected human authorities.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Galatians 2:6 serves as a powerful theological anchor, asserting the divine origin and self-sufficiency of the gospel message, independent of human validation. It underscores that spiritual truth is not conferred by human reputation, ecclesiastical hierarchy, or social standing, but by God's direct revelation and impartial judgment. This principle challenges any system that places human authority above divine truth, reminding believers that the ultimate source of their faith is God Himself, who does not play favorites. It also speaks to the profound unity of the gospel, where different apostles, though ministering in diverse contexts, preach the same essential truth because it originates from the one true God.

* [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God Shows No Partiality")
* [Job 34:19](/job/34-19 "Job 34:19 - God Regards Not Persons")
* [Acts 10:34-35](/acts/10-34-35 "Acts 10:34-35 - God is No Respecter of Persons")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Galatians 2:6 offers profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to re-evaluate where we place our ultimate trust and source of truth. In an age saturated with opinions, influencers, and competing narratives, Paul's unwavering stance reminds us to ground our faith firmly in God's revealed Word, rather than relying on human credentials, popularity, or institutional endorsement. This verse calls us to a radical humility, recognizing that no human, regardless of their perceived status or spiritual giftedness, holds a privileged position before God that grants them superior access to truth or makes their opinion paramount. It encourages us to discern truth critically, testing all teachings against the unchanging standard of Scripture, knowing that God's truth stands independent of human approval. Moreover, it fosters a spirit of equality within the body of Christ, reminding us that all believers, from the most renowned leader to the newest convert, stand equally before God, accepted not by their "person" or accomplishments, but by grace through faith in Christ. This should inspire us to treat every individual with dignity and respect, recognizing their inherent worth in God's eyes.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or faith do I unconsciously give more weight to human opinion or reputation than to God's revealed truth?**
* **How does the principle "God accepteth no man's person" challenge my own biases or tendencies to show favoritism based on external factors?**
* **What confidence does Paul's assertion that the Jerusalem leaders "added nothing to me" give me about the sufficiency and completeness of the gospel message?**

### FAQ

**Did Paul disrespect the Jerusalem apostles by saying they "added nothing to me"?**

Answer: No, Paul was not disrespecting the Jerusalem apostles. Instead, he was asserting the divine origin and independence of his gospel message. His point was not that the apostles were unimportant, but that their human authority, however great, did not *validate* or *supplement* the gospel he had already received directly from Jesus Christ ([Galatians 1:11-12](/galatians/1-11-12 "Galatians 1:11-12 - Paul's Gospel Not From Man")). The fact that they "added nothing" actually affirmed that their understanding of the gospel was consistent with his, demonstrating a unity of truth, not a deficiency on their part or a disrespect from Paul. He acknowledged their perceived status while simultaneously elevating the divine source of truth above any human endorsement.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Galatians 2:6 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is the very embodiment of God's impartial truth and the sole source of genuine spiritual authority. Paul's assertion that "God accepteth no man's person" directly reflects the character of Christ, who consistently welcomed and ministered to all, regardless of their social standing, religious background, or perceived importance ([Luke 19:1-10](/luke/19-1-10 "Luke 19:1-10 - Jesus and Zacchaeus") illustrates His disregard for social status, and [John 4:7-26](/john/4-7-26 "John 4:7-26 - Jesus and the Samaritan Woman") shows His breaking of religious and ethnic barriers). Jesus Himself declared that His authority came directly from the Father, not from human institutions or traditions ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus' Authority from the Father")). The gospel Paul preached, which needed no human addition, is the good news of salvation through Christ alone, a message complete and perfect in its divine origin and efficacy. Christ is the ultimate revelation of God ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1-3 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")), and His finished work on the cross is the full and final provision for salvation, requiring no supplement from human works or traditions ([Colossians 2:9-10](/colossians/2-9-10 "Colossians 2:9-10 - Fullness in Christ")). Thus, Paul's defense of the gospel's divine independence and God's impartiality ultimately points to Christ as the one in whom all truth resides and through whom all are equally accepted by God.

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

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: