Galatians 2:2

by revelation In the Acts no mention is made of this divine intimation. It would seem to have been concurrent with the externalcommission from the Church. The account of this visit is not contradictory to, or even inconsistent with St Luke's narrative in Acts 15. They supplement one another. "The account of the Acts is fuller; that of the Galatians only brings out the chief points. Luke, in keeping with the documentary character of the Acts, gives us the publictransactions of the Council at Jerusalem; Paul taking a knowledge of these for granted, shortly alludes to his privateconference and agreement with the Apostles. Both together give us a complete history of that remarkable convention". Schaff.

The phrase -by revelation" is used by St Paul (Ephesians 3:3) of the means by which the will and purpose of God in the Gospel were communicated to him. Howthis revelation is effected we know not. It consists in the temporary uplifting of the veil which hides "the things not seen", and always implies the sure conviction of its realityand Divine originon the part of the recipient. Comp. Galatians 1:12.

communicated not as a would-be disciple, but as one on a footing of equality.

to them i.e. the Church at Jerusalem.

that Gospel which I preach St Paul was still preaching the same Gospel among the Gentiles. It was the same in principle and substance, however varying in its application to the diverse characters and circumstances of those to whom it came.

privately Privately, not secretly. There is here no hint of any suppression of the truth. The object of this private consultation was to prepare for the public conference, and was alike an act of respectful courtesy towards the officers of the Church, and a wise precaution to ensure orderly proceedings at the Council.

to them which were of reputation Better, -to those of high reputation", the leaders, pillars of the Church. The same expression occurs with slight additions Galatians 2:6; Galatians 2:9.

lest … in vain It was very important that there should be unanimity at the Council. If at the first synod of the Church, it should appear that St Paul was preaching a different Gospel among the Gentiles from that which was taught by the Apostles in Judæa, the result could not fail to be distrust of the former (so prone are men to test truth by the numbers and position of its advocates), and thus the success of his labours would be impaired.

Most commentators suppose the Apostle to fear lest his work for the future should be hindered, and that in the past undone. The construction of the original is peculiar and difficult. The particle rendered -or", may mean -than" or -more than". And so the sense would be, -Lest I should run less successfully than heretofore". The metaphor of a -race" as descriptive of a courseof life or of labour is a familiar one with St Paul. Acts 20:24; 2 Timothy 4:7.