What did the twelve apostles at Jerusalem fail to realize?
The twelve apostles in Jerusalem failed to realize that their program was slipping through the cracks. They were trying to refute Paul and subject him to pressure, not understanding that their efforts to stop his ministry among the Gentiles would have eliminated salvation for Gentiles.
Les explains that the twelve apostles and other elders at Jerusalem were still trying to refute Paul and subject him to pressure, hoping to stop his ministry among the Gentiles. Paul says he gave place by subjection not for an hour, refusing to give in for even a minute, so that the truth of the Gospel might continue with the Gentiles. If they had succeeded in putting Paul down, the Gentiles would have no chance for salvation. But they failed to realize that their own program was slipping through the cracks.
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 message?
The Jerusalem leaders added nothing to Paul because they had no comprehension of the revelations Paul had received from the Ascended Lord.
Why did the Jerusalem leaders still think they were 'somewhat' about 22 years after Pentecost when they no longer were?
About 22 years after Pentecost, Paul writes by inspiration that these men still thought they were the 'somewhat,' but they weren't, because their power base was slipping away.