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I. A FACT.

1. Paul was not summoned by the apostles, who, by taking no action, must virtually have endorsed his conduct.

2. Paul was sent by the Spirit of God.

(1) He was no stranger to these revelations (Ephesians 3:3).

(2) He had them at every crisis in his career — through inner promptings and prohibitions (Acts 16:6-7); through dreams and visions (Acts 16:9-10; Acts 18:9; Acts 22:18-21; Acts 27:23); and through inspired men (Acts 13:2; Acts 21:11).

3. Paul was sent to strengthen his inspired mission by securing a co-operation of the apostles.

II. THE EXPLANATION OF A SEEMING DISCREPANCY. Acts 15:2 describes Paul as sent by the Church. But revelation may have —

1. Governed the action of the Church.

2. Confirmed the desire of the Church.

3. Occurred concurrently to the mind of Paul and the Church. Paul was dismissed from Jerusalem (Acts 9:35) by his anxious brethren; but not without urgent directions from Christ (Acts 22:17, 21). The historian looks at these events from the outside, the autobiographer from within.Learn:

1. Not to follow the wisest counsels until Christ has spoken (Proverbs 3:6). The course will thus be

(1)  clear;

(2)  safe;

(3)  successful.

2. When Christ has spoken obey

(1)  promptly;

(2)  courageously;

(3)  with the best powers of the mind. Paul's consummate tact here to be noted.

3. Leave the responsibility with the great Commissioner.

4. Look for His approbation and reward.

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KJV: And 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.

WEB: I went up by revelation, and I laid before them the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately before those who were respected, for fear that I might be running, or had run, in vain.