Galatians 2:1
Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
after
G1223
διὰ
after
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
2 of 13
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
5 of 13
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἱεροσόλυμα
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
8 of 13
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
9 of 13
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
Βαρναβᾶ
Barnabas
G921
Βαρναβᾶ
Barnabas
Strong's:
G921
Word #:
10 of 13
son of nabas (i.e., prophecy); barnabas, an israelite
Cross References
Galatians 2:3But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised:Galatians 2:13And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.Titus 1:4To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.
Historical Context
This visit likely corresponds to the Jerusalem Council of Acts 15 (circa AD 48-49), though some scholars place it earlier during the famine relief visit (Acts 11:30). The fourteen-year gap demonstrates Paul's extensive ministry experience independent of the Jerusalem leadership. He had already established multiple Gentile churches before seeking formal recognition from the apostles.
Questions for Reflection
- Why would Paul wait fourteen years before consulting with the Jerusalem apostles about his gospel message?
- What strategic purpose did bringing the uncircumcised Titus serve in Paul's mission?
- In what ways does God's timing in your spiritual journey differ from human expectations or institutional timelines?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. The phrase dia dekatessarōn etōn (διὰ δεκατεσσάρων ἐτῶν) marks a significant chronological gap—fourteen years after Paul's conversion or perhaps after his first Jerusalem visit. This timeline establishes Paul's independence from the Jerusalem apostles; his gospel came by revelation, not human instruction.
Paul brings Barnabas (Βαρναβᾶς), his trusted ministry partner, and Titus (Τίτος), an uncircumcised Greek convert—a living test case for the gospel of grace. The verb anebēn (ἀνέβην, "I went up") echoes the sacred journey to Jerusalem, yet Paul emphasizes this was by divine revelation (v. 2), not apostolic summons. His deliberate inclusion of Titus signals the theological battle ahead: will Gentile believers be free in Christ, or bound by the law?
This verse sets the stage for the Jerusalem Council debate—the most pivotal controversy in early Christianity. Paul's measured timeline and careful selection of companions reveal his strategic wisdom and unwavering commitment to the gospel of justification by faith alone, apart from works of law.