The Gospel Defended in Jerusalem
Fourteen years later Paul went to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus. Titus becomes a living test case: although he was Greek, he was not compelled to be circumcised. Paul says pressure came from “false brethren” who wanted to spy out Christian liberty and bring believers into bondage, but the recognized Jerusalem leaders added nothing to his gospel and instead acknowledged distinct missions to Gentiles and Jews. The right hand of fellowship and the shared concern for the poor show agreement in the gospel without erasing different fields of ministry.