Galatians 2: The One Who Entrusted Me with a Task

Verse 6: As for those who were held in high esteem (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism) they added nothing to my message.

◇ In any gathering of people, there is always something that can be found. According to Paul's expression, these are influential people. The gathering is formed, maintained, and moved around these individuals.

To become an influential person in a gathering, one must possess something that many people recognize. It could be wealth, good education, outstanding leadership, good connections, a special relationship with the person who created the gathering, a respected character, and so on.

Influential people become the center of the gathering and have the power to move it. Therefore, those who belong to the gathering want to be close to influential people and rely on their authority and power to speak and act, wanting to appear like them.

However, Paul is different. He does not rely on the authority and power of influential people, those who are most influential and powerful among those who follow the way of Christ. This is because they did not impose any duties on Paul. The one who gave him the mission to preach the gospel to the Gentiles was not influential people but God, who raised Jesus Christ from the dead.

Influential people like Peter and John also rely on and obey the one who entrusted them with their duties: "Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied, 'Which is right in God's eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges!'" (Acts 4:18-19). This is the response of Peter and John, who heard the command of the influential priests of Judaism at the time. They, too, rely on and obey only the Lord God who entrusted them with their duties.

♧ God, please make it clear who has entrusted me with my duties and help me to follow only that person! Help me to know who I should put my hope in! Holy Spirit, lead me in truth!