I took a few days off (from blogging, not from journaling ) for Easter. Today's reading is Galatians 2:1-10. Paul records his return to Jerusalem after 14 years of preaching. He goes to "those who are of repute" (that is, the apostles, and the leaders of the Christian community in Jerusalem) and lays out what he has been teaching to the Gentiles, lest he had "run in vain" (that is, in case he is getting something wrong). As it turns out, those who are considered to be of repute added nothing to Paul's teaching and he learned nothing from them (there's Paul's arrogance again! 🙂 I can (somewhat!) relate!); they encourage him to keep preaching to the uncircumcised, they just ask that he also remember the poor. During this meeting, there were some "false brethren" who came in as spies in order to betray the Christians and bring them "into bondage" (that is, subject to the secular and Jewish authorities). Paul was certain not to give them anything, so the truth of the gospel was preserved.

Paul's been teaching what has been revealed to him for 14 years before this. Now, he goes to the leaders to ask if he got anything wrong. He does not have anything wrong, but he is told to remember the poor. This is instructive. When we are truly receiving revelation, it will not be wrong, we can test it against the teachings of the Church and it will stand. If it does not stand, then it is our ego, not God's word. Paul is right to ask, despite his certainty. We should always check ourselves. Here, when he does check himself, while he is correct, he also receives a reminder not to forget the poor. When we are wrapped up in weighty theological questions, this can be easy to do. So this is a good reminder for Paul, and for us.

I also appreciate the reminder that there are "false brethren" who will sell us out or dilute the faith. Do not give them anything! Trust those you know you can trust, but don't trust all who present themselves as seeking the truth.