Remember the Poor

"They asked only one thing, that we remember the poor, which was actually what I was eager to do." (Galatians 2:10 - New Revised Standard Version)

Throughout his ministry, Paul was active in helping the poor saints at Jerusalem. He did this when in Antioch. He did this later in his ministry in Macedonia. This attitude of charity helped keep the Jewish and Gentile communities within Christianity united during the first century.

In summary, the first half of chapter 2 has some important lessons.

The other Apostles accepted Paul and his message. They did not try to change his message. They did not try to change his ministry. They rejoiced in both.

Titus, an uncircumcised Gentile believer, was openly welcomed and accepted by the Apostles as a brother in Christ. They did not seek to enslave him to the Old Testament law. This was an important precedent in support of Paul’s argument that Gentile Christians did not have to become Jewish.

We, like Titus, are free in Christ from the obligation of keeping the law. We are not bound by any form of legalism. We have liberty.

We also should learn from this passage not to be jealous when God blesses the ministry of others. The Apostles were not jealous of one another but supportive. This is our example.