Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

GALATIANS 2:1KJV
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Galatians 2:1 (KJV)

What does Galatians 2:1 mean?

Galatians 2:1 describes how, after fourteen years, Paul traveled again to Jerusalem, this time bringing Barnabas and Titus with him. The verse marks a specific moment in Paul’s life when he returned to Jerusalem with companions, setting the stage for important discussions with church leaders.

Paul is writing to the believers in Galatia, recounting his own history to explain his authority and message. By mentioning the time span (“fourteen years”) and naming Barnabas and Titus, Paul highlights both the significance of this visit and the trusted people who accompanied him. This sets up the context for the events and discussions that follow in the chapter.

The Greek behind Galatians 2:1

  • The word “again” (πάλιν, palin) signals that this was not Paul’s first trip to Jerusalem, emphasizing a return after a significant period.
  • “Took” (συμπαραλαμβάνω, symparalambanō) means to take along with oneself, suggesting that Paul intentionally chose Barnabas and Titus as companions, which may hint at their importance to the mission or the message he was bringing.

Why Galatians 2:1 matters

  • This verse helps clarify Paul’s timeline and movements, which is important for understanding the sequence of events in his ministry and how his message developed.
  • By naming Barnabas and Titus, Paul shows that his ministry included both Jewish (Barnabas) and Gentile (Titus) believers, which becomes important in the discussion about Gentile inclusion in the church.
  • The mention of Jerusalem connects Paul’s work with the original apostles, setting up the context for the debates about the gospel and authority that follow in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“fourteen” Greek G1180 · used in 3 verses

  • Matthew 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations.
  • 2 Corinthians 12:2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago,(whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.

“took” Greek G4838 · used in 4 verses

  • Acts 12:25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark.
  • Acts 15:37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John, whose surname was Mark.
  • Acts 15:38 But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

“Titus” Greek G5103 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Corinthians 2:13 I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia.
  • 2 Corinthians 8:6 Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.

“Then” Greek G1899 · used in 16 verses

  • Mark 7:5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.