And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is subtly highlighting that his authority and message didn't come from the influence of the "super-apostles." The phrase "added nothing to me" isn't about them withholding information, but about them affirming that his gospel was already complete and valid without their endorsement.
And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is recounting his visit to Jerusalem to meet with the other apostles, especially Peter, James, and John, who were seen as pillars of the early church. He emphasizes that even though these leaders were highly regarded, they contributed nothing new or essential to his own understanding or authority, as his gospel came directly from God. This encounter sets the stage for Paul to explain the agreement reached about him ministering to the Gentiles and the others to the Jews.
Why did Paul so strongly emphasize that 'God shows no partiality'? Was he just stating a fact, or was this the key to his confidence?
Paul declares, 'God shows no partiality.' This isn't just a theological nice-to-have; it's foundational to his argument.
No Favoritism
Paul asserts that the 'influential' added nothing to him. What does this reveal about the source of his apostleship and his gospel?
Paul's declaration that the leading apostles 'added nothing to me' is a bold statement about the unique and direct source of his apostolic authority.
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The Gospel's Source
Understand the original words
prosōpolēmpsia · Greek Noun
A theological term describing God as not favoring one person or group over another based on external characteristics like status, wealth, or ethnicity; He judges justly and impartially.
This passage highlights the tension between the authority of the original apostles in Jerusalem and Paul's independent apostolic authority, which he received directly from God. The Jerusalem Council was a pivotal moment where these authorities met, seeking unity but revealing underlying differences in emphasis and approach.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
The foundational events of Christianity occur in Jerusalem, leading to the formation of the early church and the initial group of apostles.
c. AD 33-36
Paul's Conversion and Early Ministry
Saul of Tarsus is converted to Christianity and begins his ministry, initially in Damascus and Arabia, independently of the Jerusalem apostles.
c. AD 36-40
Paul's First Visit to Jerusalem
Paul travels to Jerusalem to meet with Peter and James, the brother of Jesus, for the first time since his conversion. He stays for fifteen days.
c. AD 48-49— this verse
The Jerusalem Council
A significant meeting in Jerusalem addresses the issue of Gentile inclusion and the necessity of circumcision for converts. Paul, Barnabas, Peter, and James are key figures.
c. AD 50-55
Paul's Letter to the Galatians
Written likely during or after the Jerusalem Council, this letter addresses the continued pressure on Gentile believers to adopt Jewish customs, particularly circumcision.
This passage directly states 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality,' echoing Paul's assertion in Galatians 2:6 that 'God shows no partiality.' It reinforces the idea that divine favor is not based on human status or reputation.
Romans 2:11Similar to Galatians 2:6, this verse explicitly states 'for God shows no partiality.' It emphasizes that God's judgment is impartial, meaning human influence or perceived status, as mentioned by Paul regarding the 'influential' apostles, does not sway God's evaluation.
1 Corinthians 15:9Paul's self-description here as 'the least of the apostles' highlights a humility that complements his assertion in Galatians 2:6. Even while stating the influential added nothing to him, he acknowledges his own lower standing in a human sense, underscoring that his authority comes from God, not human ranking.
Ephesians 6:9This verse reiterates the theme of impartiality: 'do the same to them, and stop threatening, knowing that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no partiality with him.' This reinforces Paul's point that neither he nor the other apostles should be judged or elevated based on human favor, but on their standing with God.
James 2:1The book of James also addresses favoritism, stating, 'My brothers, show no favoritism as you hold faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ.' This parallel emphasizes the danger of partiality within the church and supports Paul's stance against elevating certain individuals based on perceived influence.
ellicottGalatians 2:6: "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:"
(6) The Apostle returns from his digression on the case of Titus to give the result of his experience with the elder Apostles, in continuation of Galatians 2:3 . “I did indeed hold conference with them privately; but with all their advantages, real or assumed, I learnt nothing from them th…
cambridgeGalatians 2:6: "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:"
6 . But of these ] Rather, “But from those”. The sentence would have run regularly—“From those of reputation … I gained no new enlightenment”, but having been interrupted by a parenthesis (whatsoever … person) the structure is changed. “To me, I say, these eminent persons gave no new instr…
Paul is subtly highlighting that his authority and message didn't come from the influence of the "super-apostles." The phrase "added nothing to me" isn't about them withholding information, but about them affirming that his gospel was already complete and valid without their endorsement.
Paul is recounting his visit to Jerusalem to meet with the other apostles, especially Peter, James, and John, who were seen as pillars of the early church. He emphasizes that even though these leaders were highly regarded, they contributed nothing new or essential to his own understanding or authority, as his gospel came directly from God. This encounter sets the stage for Paul to explain the agreement reached about him ministering to the Gentiles and the others to the Jews.
Paul is recounting his visit to Jerusalem to meet with the other apostles, especially Peter, James, and John, who were seen as pillars of the early church. He emphasizes that even though these leaders were highly regarded, they contributed nothing new or essential to his own understanding or authority, as his gospel came directly from God. This encounter sets the stage for Paul to explain the agreement reached about him ministering to the Gentiles and the others to the Jews.
"And from those who seemed to be influential (what they were makes no difference to me; God shows no partiality)—those, I say, who seemed influential added nothing to me." — Paul is subtly highlighting that his authority and message didn't come from the influence of the "super-apostles." The phrase "added nothing to me" isn't about them withholding information, but about…
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Last reviewed October 2026