Continuing in Galatians 2:2, we read about influential people and the idea of running in vain.

“I went there because of a revelation and presented to them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I did so only in a private meeting with the influential people, to make sure that I was not running—or had not run—in vain.“

After 14 years, Paul went to Jerusalem with the purpose of meeting a few influential people, to validate his mission to preach the gospel of Christ to the gentiles. These influential people (also translated, important or prominent people) were the leaders of the Jerusalem Church.

We know from other contexts, that these influential people, were in fact James, Peter and John. These three are from the inner circle of Jesus’s disciples. They were present when Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus (Mark 5:37). They were the only ones with Jesus when he was transfigured on the mountain (Matthew 17:1).

While Paul was off meeting with these men, the Chrisitian churches of Galatia were under attack of the Judiazers. This group wanted to sway the gospel away from faith alone, to faith plus works. They believed and taught they Christians must be circumcised to have fellowship with the Jewish converts.

Paul and the other leaders of the Church had different approaches, and even at times argued (one such case, in 2:11-14). Even so, Paul humbled himself and met with the Jewish leadership- of the largest ethnically Jewish christian church – in Jerusalem of all places!

Paul taught a gospel received first hand from Christ, and it was a salvation done not by the works of humans, or by any human ability, but by grace alone, in faith alone. Paul strove to bring this message to the pagan gentiles. He did so with extreme urgency (again, running).

Have you ever ran with a purpose? Maybe a race? Or for a fundraiser? Have you ever had to chase after something, even metaphorically? Have you ever had to run away from something all the same? What if it was all for nothing? Or as Paul is concerned, all for himself? For his pride and achievements, in his vanity.

How do we check ourselves? How do we make sure we aren’t working vainly?

I have Colossians 3:23 inscribed on my desk: “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people…”

I want to make sure that I am always working as to the Lord, for his glory, not mine.

Practically, I think we can model Paul’s behavior here. If we aim to meet with other leaders, and submit in humility, we can be united in truth. Its very dangerous to go alone. You can begin to exist in an echo chamber, and believe everything you are saying and doing is correct. Worst, you can become prideful and fall into the trap of the enemy, completing derailing the glory you should be offering unto God.

We can assume they all discussed what Paul had been up to, while they offered their criticisms and exhortation. We can assume they didn’t agree on everything, and that they came to terms on many things. We know that Paul wants to demonstrate the importance of humility and unity, especially in the face of adversity. We demonstrated the importance of standing firm – together- against the enemies of the church, against the truth and power of Christ.

So, who is influential in your life? Who are you working with and what for? What is your mission?