Galatians 2:6–And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.

One of the strongest confirmations that the world uses to establish self-confidence or value, is to be validated by influential people.  Generally when someone very credentialed recognizes our talents, gifts, etc. we feel very important, versus someone without credentials recognizes us, we question whether we are truly gifted…

This way of looking at ourselves and other people is what the apostle Paul did not do, as it pertained to his life and call before God.  Because a mentality that doesn’t derive it’s confidence from God’s grace, but people’s status, is to be partial and eliminate grace as the common denominator between us all.  Much like the world, we then find value from certain people and look down on others, making grace and the gospel irrelevant.

As a “new” apostle being among “influential apostles” like Peter, Paul knew he couldn’t look down on himself and be intimidated by Peter’s status, because he was a product of grace, just as Paul was a product of God’s grace.  The same grace but different callings.  Peter to the Jews, and Paul to the Gentiles, both empowered by God’s grace to be effective.

It isn’t until we recognize that influential people are products of grace, just as much as unrecognized people.  We shouldn’t be so enamored by people that we become partial and judge value, because that influence is from grace!  So all glory should be given to God.  That is why Paul wasn’t “moved” by Peter’s influence, because he knew they shared the same value, the grace and love of Jesus Christ!

In His Love, Ld