Galatians 2:10
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
They only asked us to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
remember the poor--of the Jewish Christians in Judea, then distressed. Paul and Barnabas had already done so (Act 11:23-30). the same--the very thing. I . . . was forward--or "zealous" (Act 24:17; Rom 15:25; Co1 16:1; 2Co. 8:1-9:15). Paul was zealous for good works, while denying justification by them.
Open source ↗The apostle, in this chapter, continues the relation of his past life and conduct, which he had begun in the former; and, by some further instances of what had passed between him and the other apostles, makes it appear that he was not beholden to them either for his knowledge of the gospel or his authority as an apostle, as his adversaries would insinuate; but, on the contrary, that he was owned and approved even by them, as having an equal commission with them to this office. I. He particularly informs them of another journey which he took to Jerusalem many years after the former, and how he behaved himself at that time (Gal 2:1-10). And, II. Gives them an account of another interview he had with the apostle Peter at Antioch, and how he was obliged to behave himself towards him there. From the subject-matter of that conversation, he proceeds to discourse on the great doctrine of justification by faith in Christ, without the works of the law, which it was the main design of this epistle to establish, and which he enlarges more upon in the two following chapters.
Open source ↗2:10 The mention of helping the poor connects this narrative with Acts 11:30; 12:25. The Christians in Judea suffered years of deep poverty, and Paul was eager to have the Gentile churches alleviate some of that difficulty and build unity with the Jewish church (see Rom 15:25-27; 1 Cor 16:1-4; 2 Cor 8:1–9:15).
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.
After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?