It seems odd that Paul waited fourteen years between trips to Jerusalem if he was concerned that he was "running or had run his race in vain". But the very good news for Paul, and for the rest of the world, was that he and his message were accepted by James, Peter and John, who were "reputed to be pillars" within the early church community. It's a beautiful picture of the one body, many parts idea that Paul writes about in Romans, 1 Corinthians, etc.
But then we get another, uglier picture of the divisions that creep up within the church, as Paul is led to confront Peter in his hypocrisy. It's interesting that Paul confronts Peter in front of others, rather than pulling him aside and talking things out privately. I've always wondered what that scene must have been like to push Paul to such forceful, rather than gentler action, at least at first.
Toward the end of the chapter we get the often quoted and memorized verses 19-21, highlighted by verse 20, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
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