Galatians 2:10
Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.
Original Language Analysis
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πτωχῶν
the poor
G4434
πτωχῶν
the poor
Strong's:
G4434
Word #:
3 of 11
akin to g4422 and the alternate of g4098); a beggar (as cringing), i.e., pauper (strictly denoting absolute or public mendicancy, although also used i
ἵνα
they would that
G2443
ἵνα
they would that
Strong's:
G2443
Word #:
4 of 11
in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)
μνημονεύωμεν
we should remember
G3421
μνημονεύωμεν
we should remember
Strong's:
G3421
Word #:
5 of 11
to exercise memory, i.e., recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse
ὃ
which
G3739
ὃ
which
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
6 of 11
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐσπούδασα
I
G4704
ἐσπούδασα
I
Strong's:
G4704
Word #:
8 of 11
to use speed, i.e., to make effort, be prompt or earnest
Cross References
Acts 24:17Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings.Hebrews 13:16But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.1 John 3:17But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
Historical Context
Paul spent years organizing a collection from Gentile churches for the Jerusalem poor (AD 52-57), personally delivering it despite knowing it would endanger his life (Acts 20:22-24, 21:10-13). This wasn't mere charity but theological statement: Gentile and Jewish believers are one body in Christ, obligated to care for one another. The collection demonstrated that Paul's gospel of freedom produced generosity, not selfishness.
Questions for Reflection
- How does care for the materially poor demonstrate the authenticity of the gospel rather than contradict it?
- What connections exist between the doctrinal freedom Paul defended and the practical generosity he practiced?
- In what ways are you actively "remembering the poor" as evidence of genuine gospel transformation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do. The qualifying adverb monon (μόνον, "only") introduces the single request from the Jerusalem leaders: hina tōn ptōchōn mnēmoneuōmen (ἵνα τῶν πτωχῶν μνημονεύωμεν, "that we should remember the poor"). The verb mnēmoneuō (μνημονεύω) means more than mental recollection—it implies active care and practical support. Ptōchoi (πτωχοὶ) refers to the destitute poor, those in desperate need.
The Jerusalem church faced severe poverty, likely due to economic persecution, famine (Acts 11:28), and the communal sharing of resources (Acts 2:44-45). Paul's enthusiastic response—ho kai espoudasa auto touto poiēsai (ὃ καὶ ἐσπούδασα αὐτὸ τοῦτο ποιῆσαι, "which very thing I was eager to do")—shows the aorist verb spoudazō (σπουδάζω, "to be diligent, eager, zealous"). He didn't view this as imposed obligation but willing partnership.
This verse reveals that gospel freedom doesn't eliminate social responsibility. Paul's collection for Jerusalem saints (mentioned in Romans 15:26, 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, 2 Corinthians 8-9) demonstrated the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers—Gentiles benefited spiritually from Jewish foundations, so they should share material resources. True theology always produces practical love for those in need.