Truth v Unity

But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus. Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days.

Galatians 1:15-18

[When Saint Paul says that he went up to Jerusalem to see Peter] it is a sure record that his former speaking of his going into Arabia was not of any pride or disdain, but to the end that God's grace might be known, and that no worldly means might be made as a vail to keep men from knowing that Jesus Christ had wrought by singular miracle, in that a man which had been so stubborn before, had been brought to the lure. Thus we see on the one side how Saint Paul meant to reserve unto God his due, and on the other side, that yet notwithstanding he meant to show there was good agreement between him and the other Apostles.

Calvin's Sermons on Galatians, 129

Whenever I used to read Paul's description of his movements immediately after his conversion, I would read into it my own ideals of individualism. By going off into Arabia, Paul seemed to be describing an ascetic period in which he shunned the negative influence of men in favor of some sort of direct communion with God. The idea appealed to my own sense of individualism, which was really just pride.

Calvin makes a good point for why the opposite is true. If he had immediately gone to the other apostles, Paul's teaching might have come under the accusation of being coached by them, and his own ministry and influence diminished - especially as it pertains to the issues grappled with in this epistle, namely the forensic nature of Christ's saving work and the place of Gentiles to what was at the time still a predominantly Jewish church.

Paul's initial isolation permitted him to articulate the truth of the gospel in a manner both distinct from the other apostles and also more appropriate to the Gentiles. But it was still the same gospel truth, which is affirmed by the apostles when they finally meet him some time later and give him the right hand of fellowship. By travelling to see the other apostles, Paul also demonstrates his firm commitment to church unity - later on, we see that he even checked in with the other apostles to make sure that he wasn't preaching a false gospel. If he were an individualist he would not have done this. Instead, he places himself in submission to the other apostles as an expression of his submission to Christ and the truth of the gospel.

We see in this how we ought to be committed to the truth of God while simultaneously committed to the unity of the church. This can be really humbling - in our pride, we would often like to hear things said just so; we're certain that we could do better. I know that I can be a great snob when it comes to how things are said, and I need to confess my pride and rejoice to hear the gospel proclaimed, rejoicing also at the unity I can enjoy with other believers in such a great salvation.