(For He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. Galatians 2:8–9 NKJV
Although Paul appeared on the scene later than the first apostles of the Lord Jesus, yet his ministry was unreservedly approved by James, Peter, and John, who were recognized as pillars in the assembly. There is no suggestion of jealousy and no thought of limiting, qualifying, or adding to Paul’s distinctive ministry. They recognized its marks of distinctness as God’s marks, and the result was a thorough and wholehearted fellowship expressed in no uncertain terms. Sweet indeed is this unity, which, in holy subjection under the hand of God, can be manifested in such diversity! Nothing of the flesh can enter here, or all would be thrown into confusion. It is a good example for us to see the liberty of the Spirit of God active, not only in Paul’s ministry, but in the attitude of the other apostles—a liberty which produces the utmost unity.
Let us take this to heart in our day of ungodly decline, when the profession of truth and claims of being sent by God are often accompanied by a spirit of pride and independence. All who make such high claims must be tested by the truth. It often is a difficult thing to discern between claims and truth, for the enemy has multiplied his devices of mischief.
The foundations stand. Nothing could destroy the beauty of that liberty and unity known among the apostles. It remains recorded in the Word of God. We have no excuse if this is not manifested today. Although we have miserably failed, the truth has not failed, and it stands firm forever.