Definition: And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Galatians 2:2. It’s a really interesting and complex passage about Paul’s ministry and his relationship with the early Christians. Here’s what it essentially means, explained simply: The Basic Idea: Paul is explaining that he’s sharing a crucial message – the Gospel (the good news of Jesus Christ) – with a specific group of people who were respected and trusted. He’s not going to reveal everything all at once, but rather, he’ll share it cautiously and strategically. Let's unpack it word by word: “And I went up by revelation…” - This means Paul received guidance or insight from God about what to do. It wasn't a spontaneous decision; it was guided by divine wisdom. “…and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles…” – This is the core of the message: He’s preaching the good news of Jesus Christ to people who are not Jewish, specifically in the area of Greece (the Roman Empire). This is a significant shift for Paul – he was previously focused on sharing the Gospel with Jews. “…but privately to them which were of reputation…” - This is key! He’s revealing this message only to a select few people who were already known and respected in the community. He's choosing carefully who to share it with. “…lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.” – This is where it gets really profound. Paul acknowledges that he might have been too eager or impulsive in his sharing. He’s worried about wasting time and effort if he doesn't proceed carefully. He's saying, "I don't want to waste my energy trying to get this message out when I'm not sure it will be effective." In simpler terms: Paul is saying that he’s sharing the good news of Jesus with a group of trusted and respected people, but he's being very cautious and strategic about how and when he does so. He understands that spreading the Gospel requires careful consideration and doesn't want to rush into things without thinking it through. Why is this important? This passage highlights Paul’s understanding of leadership and responsibility. It shows him prioritizing a thoughtful, deliberate approach rather than simply pushing his message forward. It speaks to the importance of discernment – being wise and discerning in how we share our beliefs and knowledge. --- Do you want me to: Explain any part of this verse in more detail? Connect it to a specific theme in the Bible (like faith, trust, or wisdom)?