What does 'they added nothing to me' mean in Galatians 2:6 according to Les?
The Jerusalem leaders contributed nothing to Paul's message or ministry. When they examined his ministry to Gentiles, their conference added nothing to him. Paul had to stand on his own two feet, showing that their meeting did not enhance or alter what God had already given him.
Les explains that Paul is rehearsing an event around 51 A.D., about 22 years after Pentecost. Paul was brought from Antioch back down to Jerusalem to confront Jewish believers about his ministry to Gentiles. In Galatians 2:6, the “somewhat” refers to the leaders, the disciples, and probably others. They who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to Paul. Les says they literally put Paul on the carpet as to his ministry to these Gentiles, and he had to stand on his own two feet. So “they added nothing to me” means the Jerusalem leaders contributed nothing to Paul’s message or ministry; their conference did not add to him. This is what the Holy Spirit had him write.
But of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:
More Questions
Why did the Jerusalem apostles add nothing to Paul's gospel?
The leaders who 'seemed to be somewhat' added nothing to Paul because they had no comprehension of the revelations Paul had been receiving from the Ascended Lord.