Influence -- Galatians 2

There may be few stranger coupling of words in the English language than “circumcision party”. Physically it doesn’t seem like a party for anyone involved. And according to Paul in Galatians 2, theologically it is no better.

The circumcision party of Paul’s day was clutching to empty forms of failed religious efforts. And worse they were requiring that everyone else join them in this futility. The Gentiles were now being asked to do what the Jews had found they could never do.

Even those who knew better were susceptible to this error. The appearance of circumcision party caused Peter to change his practice, along with the rest of the Jews. Even that great friend of the Gentiles, Barnabas was pulled off course.

Influence may be one of our most precious commodities. In chapter one we marveled about the kind of influence Peter and James might have had on Paul, how they contributed to his growth and maturity.

But that influence cuts both ways. When we get it wrong, in tone or spirit or effort or doctrine, it can have terrible effects.

I pray that I would recognize and remove anything in my life that is having a negative influence on the work of God.

Wondering about Closed Doors Conversations

Every once in a while, my wife and I will have a closed door conversation. We will stay in the car for a while or sit on the back porch or send the kids to the other side of the house. Usually it is no big deal, just stuff that doesn't really pertain at that moment to anyone else but my wife and I.

In Galatians chapter one Paul hints at some closed door conversations. His emphasis in this opening chapter is that the Gospel that he preaches came from God, not from man. It is not a human philosophy or mortal theology, but the revelation of Jesus Christ. Who he spoke to and what he spoke about does not pertain to the subjects at hand.

But he does mention two people he did have conversations with...Peter and James the brother of Jesus. But he does not say what they spoke about.

Closed doors or not, this inquiring mind wants to know. Oh, to have been a fly on the wall.

With James, he may have asked, "what was it like to grow up with the only sinless person in history...and not notice!" Paul, devout student of the Scriptures, who so vigorously persecuted the church and sought to destroy the name of Jesus must have commiserated with another who really should have known better.

And with Peter he must have certainly wanted to know the inside scoop of Jesus earthly ministry. What was it like to be with Him on the Mount, in the sea and on the road? What was it like to hear Him teach, to see Him heal, to have Him wash your feet?

Most importantly, what was it like to be forgiven for your greatest failures?

We obviously cannot know what they discussed, nor are we supposed to. It doesn’t really pertain to us. But it did to Paul. As much as he relied on the intimacy of his walk with Jesus, he turned to these two to grow him and encourage him.

To whom do you turn to in order to be sharpened in your faith these days?

May you have a brother, may you be a brother with whom you can close the doors and have your faith and ministry strengthened.