But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord’s brother.
This verse belongs to Paul's first visit to Jerusalem after his conversion, three years afterward and after time in Arabia, following his escape from Damascus, and the visit lasted only fifteen days. He came to become acquainted with the apostles there, especially Peter, with anxious and yearning desire to meet the chief of the apostles and the Galilean fishermen who had lived and prayed and conversed and spoken with Christ on earth. As he entered Jerusalem he looked on the city and the temple with changed views, knowing that the retributive judgment of God was hanging over them.
At that time Peter and James were the only apostles present in Jerusalem, so James the Lord's brother was the only apostle besides Peter whom Paul saw, with James distinguished as the brother of the Lord from the other apostles. In meeting James, Paul showed reverence for him as well as for the apostles who had been with Christ. In giving this account Paul presents his gospel as received from Christ, not learned from people.
Peter and James welcomed Paul into fellowship after hearing of his conversion and ministry, giving the once fierce persecutor the right hand of fellowship as a fellow believer and worker, so that he who had formerly been feared and avoided became beloved and respected. The meeting brought together Peter, a chosen companion who had accompanied Jesus during His earthly life, with Paul, who since the ascension had met the risen Jesus face to face, talked with Him, seen Him in vision, and been shown the nature of His work in heaven.
Paul's first interview with the apostles at Jerusalem was of great consequence to both him and them, but it was short because he was eager to get about his Master's business. Immediately afterward Paul spoke in the same synagogue where he had disputed with Stephen, fearlessly proclaiming that the crucified Jesus was the Son of God, relating his own wonderful experience and, with yearning for his brethren and former associates, presenting evidences from prophecy as Stephen had done.
This verse belongs to Paul's first visit to Jerusalem after his conversion, three years afterward and after time in Arabia, following his escape from Damascus, and the visit lasted only fifteen days. He came to become acquainted with the apostles there, especially Peter, with anxious and yearning desire to meet the chief of the apostles and the Galilean fishermen who had lived and prayed and conversed and spoken with Christ on earth. As he entered Jerusalem he looked on the city and the temple with changed views, knowing that the retributive judgment of God was hanging over them.
At that time Peter and James were the only apostles present in Jerusalem, so James the Lord's brother was the only apostle besides Peter whom Paul saw, with James distinguished as the brother of the Lord from the other apostles. In meeting James, Paul showed reverence for him as well as for the apostles who had been with Christ. In giving this account Paul presents his gospel as received from Christ, not learned from people.
Peter and James welcomed Paul into fellowship after hearing of his conversion and ministry, giving the once fierce persecutor the right hand of fellowship as a fellow believer and worker, so that he who had formerly been feared and avoided became beloved and respected. The meeting brought together Peter, a chosen companion who had accompanied Jesus during His earthly life, with Paul, who since the ascension had met the risen Jesus face to face, talked with Him, seen Him in vision, and been shown the nature of His work in heaven.
Paul's first interview with the apostles at Jerusalem was of great consequence to both him and them, but it was short because he was eager to get about his Master's business. Immediately afterward Paul spoke in the same synagogue where he had disputed with Stephen, fearlessly proclaiming that the crucified Jesus was the Son of God, relating his own wonderful experience and, with yearning for his brethren and former associates, presenting evidences from prophecy as Stephen had done.