Galatians 2:7-10 - Entrusted with the gospel

2:7,8

So Paul was not dependent upon the other apostles, but nor was he in disagreement with them. They recognised that God had given Paul a different task, namely taking the gospel to the Gentiles, to the uncircumcised. So Paul’s ministry was entirely consistent with that of the other apostles. They were all part of the same plan. God was at work in Peter in reaching the circumcised. Though remember that it was Peter who preached to Cornelius and was used by God in the first major Gentile breakthrough. God was at work in Peter, and He was at work in Paul in reaching the Gentiles.

2:9,10

Paul met with James, Peter (Cephas) and John and they gave both Paul and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship. So Paul is stressing further that he, along with Barnabas, was fully accepted by the Jerusalem apostles. Paul is countering any attempt by the Judaisers to try and separate Paul off from the Jerusalem apostles. There was agreement that they would preach the gospel to the circumcised, while Paul and Barnabas would preach to the Gentiles. The only aspect of “Jewish religion” that they were asked to observe was giving to the poor. It is worth noting that in some of Paul’s letters there is mention of collections, in particular for the Jewish Christians. We also see here a distinction between the ceremonial/ritual aspects of the Law, and the ethical/moral aspects. Caring for the poor had and always will be fundamental.