On the contrary, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted with the gospel to the circumcised (for he who worked through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles), and when James and Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave the right hand of fellowship to Barnabas and me, that we should go to the Gentiles and them to the circumcised.

Galatians 2:7-9 (ESV)

 

In the Kingdom, there is no competition or rivalry because we are all members of the same body in Christ. Even if we belong to or minister in different Christian groups or communities, it is crucial to grow relationships with other believers, like Paul did with Peter, John and James.

Given that we are already united in Christ and His gospel, we should trust God's grace to do everything we can to demonstrate and sustain this unity in an unbelieving world. The antithesis of kingdom building is empire building. This happens when we expand the size and scope of our ministry at the expense of hurting our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Paul makes it clear that there is only one gospel for Jews and Gentiles (cf. Romans 10:12). In certain church settings, however, the gospel has fallen into the background of theological interests, leaving many Christians spiritually anaemic and without spiritual vitality. If we continue to distinguish ourselves from one another by our own dogmas and ideologies, we risk losing the gospel that unites us in the oneness of God.

Paul and Peter both acknowledges the other's calling because their shared faith demonstrates the validity and purity of the gospel. This enables them to extend the right hand of friendship to one another. Since God has bestowed His favour on every believer to go and preach the gospel to every nation on the earth, let us grow in mutual trust and support, as well as acceptance and appreciation of other Christians and churches who diligently and faithfully serving our community, city and beyond.