We have run into the same battle we have seen through the first chapter of Galatians. It is Paul defending not only his right as an apostle, but his right and calling to preach to the gentiles. There were still many people who believe that Paul didn't belong in the same boat with Peter, James, and John. To be an apostle meant you had to see Jesus and many people didn't believe Paul did. They also believe that the message of Jesus Christ was only for the Jews. It was huge for Peter, James, and John to accept Paul, believe his call was from God, and in a way say we are all on the same team even though we may not fully agree and have different missions and calls.
I think that is a great example for all of us. There are so many different churches, denominations, etc., but too many times we see only disagreements between each other, not the common bond of Jesus Christ. Even though we may have different missions and calls, we still answer to Jesus Christ. How can you create a spirit of unity within our youth group? How can you create a spirit of unity between the different Christian Churches you know? We can disagree with SOME things and still realize we are all in this together. I think one of the sad things is that the church of Jesus Christ is so fragmented and argues with itself so much instead of doing what Paul suggests in this passage. That is to bring the Gospel to people who don't know Jesus. Notice what they were also concerned about: the poor! How concerned are you about the poor?
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