In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church, recognized the gift God had given me, and they accepted Barnabas and me as their co-workers. They encouraged us to keep preaching to the Gentiles, while they continued their work with the Jews.

Their only suggestion was that we keep on helping the poor, which I have always been eager to do. 

Galatians 2:9-10 NLT

Paul gives some more of his CV, adds some more credibility to his position in this letter to the churches.

And then there's this little add on from James, Peter & John to Paul to keep on helping the poor.

From the very beginning this has been at the heart of the activity that Christians were doing, calling each other to, encouraging one another in.

The word Paul uses here is "mnemoneuo" which means to remember, to call to mind, to be mindful.

In all the preaching and teaching and good things that might be going on, James, Peter & John are reminding Paul it's easy to forget the heart of the Gospel - those at the margins, the least, the neglected, the left out, the left behind, the powerless...

As we head into today, this might be encouraging, or a wee bit challenging...who would Peter James & John ask me to hold front of mind today?

#letters

#Galatians

#theheartoftheGospel