When we consider the obstinacy with which Romanists cling to their traditions,
we can very well understand the zealous devotion of the Jews for the Law.
After all, they had received the Law from God. We can understand how
impossible it was for recent converts from Judaism suddenly to break with the
Law. For that matter, God did bear with them, as He bore with the infirmity of
Israel when the people halted between two religions. Was not God patient with
us also while we were blindfolded by the papacy? God is longsuffering and full
of mercy. But we dare not abuse the patience of the Lord. We dare no longer
continue in error now that the truth has been revealed in the Gospel.
The opponents of Paul had his own example to prefer against him. Paul had
circumcised Timothy. Paul defended his action on the ground that he had
circumcised Timothy, not from compulsion, but from Christian love, lest the
weak in faith should be offended. His opponents would not accept Paul's
explanation.

When Paul saw that the quarrel was getting out of hand he obeyed the
direction of God and left for Jerusalem, there to confer with the other
apostles. He did this not for his own sake, but for the sake of the people.


VERSE 1. With Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

Paul chose two witnesses, Barnabas and Titus. Barnabas had been Paul's
preaching companion to the Gentiles. Barnabas was an eye-witness of the fact
that the Holy Ghost had come upon the Gentiles in response to the simple
preaching of faith in Jesus Christ. Barnabas stuck to Paul on this point, that
it was not necessary for the Gentiles to be bothered with the Law as long as
they believed in Christ.

Titus was superintendent of the churches in Crete, having been placed in