In the first place, let us view them in the order in which they stand: that done, the degree of importance may determine the order in which they are considered.
1. Fourteen is the number of years, between this third visit of his to Jerusalem, reckoning either from the first of his visits made to that same holy place after his conversion, or from his departure from Damascus after his return thither from Arabia.
2. On this journey of his to Jerusalem, he has with him not only Barnabas, as mentioned in the Acts, but Titus, of whom no mention is there made.
3. It is by revelation, that this journey of his was undertaken.
4. The Gospel, which he then and there preaches, is a Gospel of his own.
5. Private at the same time, and for reasons thereupon given, is his mode of communicating it.
6. Titus, though at his disposal, he leaves uncircumcised.
7. False brethren is the appellation he bestows upon those, who, on this occasion, standing up for the Mosaic law, give occasion to this debate.
8. Elders, Apostles, kinsmen of Jesus,—be they who they may,—he, Paul, is not on this occasion a man to give place to any such persons: to give place by subjection: say rather in the way of subordination.