"Later, when Peter came to Antioch, I had a face-to-face confrontation with him because he was clearly out of line. Here’s the situation. Earlier, before certain persons had come from James, Peter regularly ate with the non-Jews. But when that conservative group came from Jerusalem, he cautiously pulled back and put as much distance as he could manage between himself and his non-Jewish friends. That’s how fearful he was of the conservative Jewish clique that’s been pushing the old system of circumcision. Unfortunately, the rest of the Jews in the Antioch church joined in that hypocrisy so that even Barnabas was swept along in the charade. But when I saw that they were not maintaining a steady, straight course according to the Message, I spoke up to Peter in front of them all: 'If you, a Jew, live like a non-Jew when you’re not being observed by the watchdogs from Jerusalem, what right do you have to require non-Jews to conform to Jewish customs just to make a favorable impression on your old Jerusalem cronies?'” Galatians 2:11-14 MSG
WOW!! Galatians 2:11-21 is a passage I can truly appreciate.
WOW!! Galatians 2:11-21 is a passage I can truly appreciate.
If we are honest with ourselves at some point or another in our lives we have been one way around a group of people & another way around others. Even if they never know it, God's sees all. In this chapter Paul addressed Peter openly regarding his hypocrisy. There is much compromise & hypocrisy in the body of Christ. Our sins & errors should convict us, leaving the opportunity for correction & forgiveness. Instead we often distance ourselves, get lofty or stubborn, even lash back thinking we are above rebuke but we are not. I have been guilty of this myself, but it does not excuse the fact that the bible clearly states that it's "better to obey God than men." (Acts 5:29)
Although this never feels good and could cause confrontation, this was a sincere act by Paul. He was NOT telling others Peter can't be trusted or followed anymore, but CORRECTING his conduct. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). Peter was a Christian leader but his actions represented the people and not Christ. As we read Barnabas, a fellow Christian leader also followed his hypocrisy, which could have damaged the new church so correction was done in accordance to the Word.
If you make a public or private mistake don't beat yourself up. Comdemnation and guilt will try to attach itself to us when we compromise our walk. It will try to make us feel like we can never get back up from our fall, but we CAN overcome this by confessing our sins to God and others where needed & repent (a change of mind, or a conversion from sin, followed by the relinquishment of any practice that has offended God.). God has provided a way of forgiveness, restoration, and salvation that comes only through His Son, JESUS CHRIST, and not our own efforts. He is just and faithful to forgive us so that we can get back on track.
PRAYER: Lord forgive me for my hypocrisy. Jesus you were often criticized for hanging around the disabled, demon possessed, tax collectors, sinners, non-Jews, and so forth, but you came that you would save the lost. You are no respecter of persons. You died for both Jew and non-Jew, rich and poor, popular and unknown, male and female. There is no reason for me to act different around certain people. Help me keep from being a people pleaser or clique-ish so that you are glorified. I do not want others to see my actions as ok to follow. In Jesus name--AMEN
Although this never feels good and could cause confrontation, this was a sincere act by Paul. He was NOT telling others Peter can't be trusted or followed anymore, but CORRECTING his conduct. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). Peter was a Christian leader but his actions represented the people and not Christ. As we read Barnabas, a fellow Christian leader also followed his hypocrisy, which could have damaged the new church so correction was done in accordance to the Word.
If you make a public or private mistake don't beat yourself up. Comdemnation and guilt will try to attach itself to us when we compromise our walk. It will try to make us feel like we can never get back up from our fall, but we CAN overcome this by confessing our sins to God and others where needed & repent (a change of mind, or a conversion from sin, followed by the relinquishment of any practice that has offended God.). God has provided a way of forgiveness, restoration, and salvation that comes only through His Son, JESUS CHRIST, and not our own efforts. He is just and faithful to forgive us so that we can get back on track.
PRAYER: Lord forgive me for my hypocrisy. Jesus you were often criticized for hanging around the disabled, demon possessed, tax collectors, sinners, non-Jews, and so forth, but you came that you would save the lost. You are no respecter of persons. You died for both Jew and non-Jew, rich and poor, popular and unknown, male and female. There is no reason for me to act different around certain people. Help me keep from being a people pleaser or clique-ish so that you are glorified. I do not want others to see my actions as ok to follow. In Jesus name--AMEN
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