What
is the delicate balancing act Paul is undertaking on his second trip to Jerusalem?
What is at stake for him in meeting with these 'elders'?
It’s been about seventeen years since
Paul’s “great light” experience on the road to Damascus. Paul has been largely on his own during this
time, carrying out his God-given mission in Syria and Cilicia. Except for one brief visit to Jerusalem
fourteen years earlier, when he met with Peter (and briefly seeing James) for
just over a fortnight, he’s carried out his mission completely separate from
those in Jerusalem.
So, when it comes time to actually show up
in person, he needs to be aware that the attitude of those “elders” toward him
may be one of suspicion, perhaps jealousy, perhaps “who does he think he
is” personal offence. Thus he needs to
speak carefully so they are not offended.
On the other hand, Paul KNOWS he has been
divinely commissioned. His authority to
work among the Gentiles has not come about by any personal agenda or human planning. It is Christ-grounded and impelled. He needs to let those in Jerusalem know that
he knows his place and stands tall in carrying it out.
What was at stake is a peaceful and
supportive relationship with fellow Christians.
Would there be animosity, derision, non-acceptance? Or could they forge a relationship that was
exalted above the human and see that the work would be a blessing for humanity
if they could accept and appreciate each others’ individual contributions.
Julie Swannell
No comments:
Post a Comment