Galatians 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:
Original Language Analysis
ἀπὸ
of
G575
ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
1 of 23
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοκοῦντες
these who seemed
G1380
δοκοῦντες
these who seemed
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
4 of 23
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
ὁποῖοί
(whatsoever
G3697
ὁποῖοί
(whatsoever
Strong's:
G3697
Word #:
7 of 23
of what kind that, i.e., how (as) great (excellent) (specially, as an indefinite correlative to the definite antecedent g5108 of quality)
οὐδὲν
no
G3762
οὐδὲν
no
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
10 of 23
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
διαφέρει·
it maketh
G1308
διαφέρει·
it maketh
Strong's:
G1308
Word #:
12 of 23
to bear through, i.e., (literally) transport; usually to bear apart, i.e., (objectively) to toss about (figuratively, report); subjectively, to "diffe
πρόσωπον
person
G4383
πρόσωπον
person
Strong's:
G4383
Word #:
13 of 23
the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
14 of 23
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
λαμβάνει
accepteth
G2983
λαμβάνει
accepteth
Strong's:
G2983
Word #:
17 of 23
while g0138 is more violent, to seize or remove))
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
19 of 23
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δοκοῦντες
these who seemed
G1380
δοκοῦντες
these who seemed
Strong's:
G1380
Word #:
21 of 23
compare the base of g1166) of the same meaning; to think; by implication, to seem (truthfully or uncertainly)
Cross References
Galatians 2:2And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain.Acts 10:34Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:2 Corinthians 12:11I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing.Romans 2:11For there is no respect of persons with God.2 Corinthians 11:5For I suppose I was not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles.Galatians 6:3For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.1 Peter 1:17And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
Historical Context
The "pillar" apostles had walked with Jesus for three years, witnessed His resurrection, and led the Jerusalem church. In ancient honor-shame culture, their status was unassailable. Paul's claim to equal authority despite his past as a persecutor and his lack of time with the earthly Jesus was shocking. Yet he insists God's calling, not human pedigree, establishes apostolic authority—a radically counter-cultural claim.
Questions for Reflection
- Why might impressive religious credentials or spiritual pedigree actually hinder dependence on God's grace?
- In what ways do modern Christians show favoritism based on external status rather than God's impartial calling?
- What human authorities in your life do you rely on more than direct relationship with Christ through His word?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. The repeated phrase hoi dokountes einai ti (οἱ δοκοῦντες εἶναί τι, "those reputed to be something") refers to the Jerusalem apostles—Peter, James, and John. Paul's parenthetical hopoioi pote ēsan ouden moi diapherei (ὁποῖοί ποτε ἦσαν οὐδέν μοι διαφέρει, "what they once were makes no difference to me") isn't dismissive but establishes spiritual equality.
The theological principle: prosōpon ho theos anthrōpou ou lambanei (πρόσωπον ὁ θεὸς ἀνθρώπου οὐ λαμβάνει, "God accepts no man's person/face"). The idiom prosōpon lambanō means showing favoritism based on external status—God doesn't privilege some apostles over others based on their relationship with the earthly Jesus. Paul walked with the risen Christ; his apostolic authority was equally direct and valid.
The result: ouden prosanethento (οὐδὲν προσανέθεντο, "they added nothing"). The Jerusalem apostles couldn't improve Paul's gospel because it came by revelation from Christ himself. This verse demolishes hierarchical claims—no human authority, however impressive, can validate or modify the gospel received by divine revelation. Truth isn't determined by credentials but by conformity to Christ's finished work.