Galatians 2:6

But as for the highly esteemed—whatever they were makes no difference to me; God does not show favoritism—those leaders added nothing to me.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Galatian churches to defend his apostolic commission after a meeting with Jerusalem leaders. He addresses this moment to clarify that his message was neither derived from nor improved by those in authority.

The words — δοκοῦντων (dokountōn) means "esteemed" or "highly regarded," pointing to those recognized for status. ποτε (pote) means "formerly" or "at any time," underscoring that their past or present standing holds no weight.

The thread — The claim that God does not show favoritism appears in Acts 10:34 and Romans 2:11. Paul's assertion that leaders added nothing to him echoes his earlier report in Galatians 2:2 of setting the gospel before them privately.

Why it lands — The text states that human reputation does not validate or alter the gospel message. A reader must decide whether to submit their calling to human approval or to the impartial standard God established.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

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:

Cross-references

Galatians 2:2 I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain.
Acts 10:34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism,
Romans 2:11 For God does not show favoritism.
2 Corinthians 12:11 I have become a fool, but you drove me to it. In fact, you should have commended me, since I am in no way inferior to those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing.
2 Corinthians 11:5 I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.”
Galatians 6:3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.
1 Peter 1:17 Since you call on a Father who judges each one’s work impartially, conduct yourselves in reverent fear during your stay as foreigners.
Job 32:17 I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.
Mark 12:14 “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and seek favor from no one. Indeed, You are impartial and teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay them or not?”
Luke 20:21 “Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth.