“Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother. Now the things which I write unto you, behold, before God, I lie not.” (Galatians 1:18–20, KJV)
In military operations, espionage is often used to combat the opposition. In World War II the German army dressed soldiers in United States Army uniforms to confuse and disrupt the allied forces operations in combat. In many cases, this disruption worked. When I served in the mid-seventies, we had various codes and passwords that came down from higher headquarters to prevent such a possibility. Every person was given the appropriate information so there would be no confusion.
On one exercise during the Army Ranger training, I had an experience that demonstrated the importance of this. We were given a challenge and password and I was on the watch in a night defensive position. All of a sudden, I heard the rustling of brush in front of my position. I gave the challenge, “Halt who goes there,” before I could get out the password, I heard a response, “Awe (expletive deleted).” I discovered it was our platoon leader who somehow had walked through our defensive line into the hostile side of our line. If I hadn’t recognized him, I was to open fire, which would have been a disaster, if it was a real combat situation.
In a similar way it was vital for Paul to be recognized as one who was a minister bring the truth to the churches. The churches in Galatia had been inundated with impostors who claimed to be from Jerusalem and who claimed the apostolic authority of the leaders there. Here Paul put himself under oath that he had met both Peter and James, two prominent leaders in the Jerusalem church. This claim would mean several things to those receiving the letter. First that he had the connection and affirmation of the apostolic leaders. Second, by having this affirmation, they would know that his theology was in agreement with the Jerusalem leaders.
This is a major point. Paul was combatting a group of false teachers who were infiltrating the churches. They were claiming that works were necessary for salvation. This was clearly an unorthodox theological view. To combat this Paul indicated that he received his theological understanding from the Lord directly and that his relationship with the Jerusalem leaders validated the orthodoxy of his teaching.
Historically there have been myriads of teachers who have come on the scene with new revelations of theological truth. They come stating that the Lord had revealed this or that to them. The problem is this. How do we know if their new revelation is true? We must be very careful regarding such teachers. One of the marks of a cult is that the cult will present a new teaching that contrasts historical orthodox theology and divides believers. Such a teacher will declare that he is the only one who has correctly understood a critical point of theology. Moreover, he will indicate that anyone who disagrees is missing the mark with God.
How do we combat such a problem? First, as believers we must be cautious when hearing something that departs from the orthodox views held throughout the centuries. Second, we must seek the truth from Scripture, the only reliable source of theological truth. Third, we should discuss these new ideas with credible pastors and theologians. In short, do not be quick to chase opinions of teachers who bring new unorthodox ideas to the table. The church needs to maintain a united front. That is that professing Christians stand together on the truth of the gospel.
Renewing the Heart 