How did Paul communicate his gospel to the leadership in Jerusalem?
Paul communicated his gospel to the leadership in Jerusalem by sitting down with them and explaining it point by point, line upon line, rather than flippantly stating a belief. He carefully communicated the revelations given to him, which were above and beyond Judaism, so they could understand his position.
Les teaches that Paul and Barnabas, coming from Antioch, sought to prove to the Jerusalem leadership that nothing could be added to the believer's relationship with Christ except faith alone in Paul's gospel. Paul did not flippantly state his beliefs; instead, they sat down and examined the message point by point, line upon line. Les explains this careful approach was necessary because the revelations given through Paul were so above and beyond Judaism that it took time for his audience to understand his position. Les also connects this to Romans 1:16, where Paul declares the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, encompassing justification, sanctification, forgiveness, redemption, baptism into the Body of Christ, and the indwelling Holy Spirit.
And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.
Was the gospel Paul preached among the Gentiles the same as the gospel the Jerusalem believers knew?
No. Paul communicated to Jerusalem leaders the gospel he preached among the Gentiles, and it was described as something totally different from what the Jews in Jerusalem knew, an advance they could not comprehend: God reconciling Gentile, pagan, idolatrous people to Himself outside Judaism.
Was Paul's gospel revealed from the ascended Lord or from the twelve apostles?
Paul's gospel was revealed from the ascended Lord in glory, not from the twelve apostles. He did not receive it through contact with the twelve at Jerusalem. Later he went up by revelation to communicate that gospel, confirming it was not connected with Judaism or Christ's earthly ministry.
More Questions
What does Paul mean when he says he 'communicated' his gospel to the Jerusalem leaders?
When Paul says in Galatians 2:2 that they 'communicated,' he means they did not flippantly state their beliefs, but sat down and went over the matter point by point, line upon line.
What gospel did Paul communicate to the Jerusalem leaders?
Paul communicated to the Jerusalem leaders the same gospel he preached among the heathen (Gentiles).