Devine Scripture

Galatians 2:10

What does Galatians 2:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Galatians 2:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Galatians 2:10 means

The only request from the Jerusalem leaders was that Paul remember the poor—likely the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. Paul gladly agreed, already eager to care for them. This shows that the unity they shared was not merely doctrinal but practical, expressed in love. The gospel that frees from the Law’s demands does not produce indifference; it bears fruit in generosity and compassion. Remembering the poor also expresses solidarity between Gentile and Jewish believers, knitting the diverse body into one family. Thus, the leaders’ affirmation of Paul’s mission came with a call to mercy that Paul wholeheartedly endorsed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

only they would that we should remember the poor; which very thing I was also zealous to do.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Only it was their desire that we would give thought to the poor; which very thing I had much in mind to do.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

only, of the poor that we should be mindful, which also I was diligent--this very thing--to do.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Only that we should be mindful of the poor: which same thing also I was careful to do.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

only that we should remember the poor, which same thing also I was diligent to do.

Context

Having secured recognition for his Gentile mission, Paul notes the one practical request tied to that agreement: care for the poor. This concludes the Jerusalem episode on a note of unity in love. The narrative now pivots to Antioch (verses 11–14), where conduct contradicted the truth of the gospel. The contrast is purposeful: even with formal agreement, behavior still must align with gospel truth, and when it does not—even for a leader like Cephas—correction is necessary.

v.9and when they perceived the grace that was given unto me, James and Cephas and John, they who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship, that we should go unto the Gentiles, and they unto the circumcision;

v.10This passage

v.11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 John 3:17

    But whoso hath the world’s goods, and beholdeth his brother in need, and shutteth up his compassion from him, how doth the love of God abide in him?

  • Acts 24:17

    Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:

  • 2 Corinthians 8:1

    Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God which hath been given in the churches of Macedonia;

  • Hebrews 13:16

    But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

  • James 2:15

    If a brother or sister be naked and in lack of daily food,

  • Romans 15:25

    but now, I say, I go unto Jerusalem, ministering unto the saints.

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