Confirmation from the Jerusalem Apostles

2:1 Then after fourteen years I went up to Jerusalem1 again with Barnabas, taking Titus along too. 2:2 I went there2 because of3 a revelation and presented4 to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so5 only in a private meeting with the influential people,6 to make sure that I was not running—or had not run7—in vain. 2:3 Yet8 not even Titus, who was with me, was compelled to be circumcised, although he was a Greek. 2:4 Now this matter arose9 because of the false brothers with false pretenses10 who slipped in unnoticed to spy on11 our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus, to make us slaves.12 2:5 But13 we did not surrender to them14 even for a moment,15 in order that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.16

2:6 But from those who were influential17 (whatever they were makes no difference to me; God shows no favoritism between people18)—those influential leaders19 added20 nothing to my message.21 2:7 On the contrary, when they saw22 that I was entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised23 just as Peter was to the circumcised24 2:8 (for he who empowered25 Peter for his apostleship26 to the circumcised27 also empowered me for my apostleship to the Gentiles)28 2:9 and when James, Cephas,29 and John, who had a reputation as30 pillars,31 recognized32 the grace that had been given to me, they gave to Barnabas and me33 the right hand of fellowship, agreeing34 that we would go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.35 2:10 They requested36 only that we remember the poor, the very thing I also was eager to do.