Paul Confronts Peter
Christians Confronting Christians
Galatians 2:11-13 NLT
11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I had to oppose him to his face, for what he did was very wrong. 12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision. 13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.
Examine the Scriptures
Paul Confronts Peter
Christians Confronting Christians
11 But when Peter
Peter’s reputation
A pillar of the church
Galatians 2:9 NLT
9 In fact, James, Peter, and John, who were known as pillars of the church.
Part of the “inner circle” of disciples.
Matthew 17:1 NLT
The Transfiguration
17:1 Six days later Jesus took Peter and the two brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain to be alone.
Mark 14:33 NLT
Jesus Prays in Gethsemane
33 He took Peter, James, and John with him, and he became deeply troubled and distressed.
The spokesman for the disciples
Examples:
Matthew 19:27 NLT
27 Then Peter said to him, “We’ve given up everything to follow you. What will we get?”
Luke 12:41 NLT
40 You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
41 Peter asked, “Lord, is that illustration just for us or for everyone?”
Mark 8:29 NLT
29 Then he asked them, “But who do you say I am?”
Peter replied, “You are the Messiah.”
- The early church regarded Peter as the representative of the apostolic body.
(Note: Peter held no distinct office and never claimed any powers that did not belong equally to all of his fellow apostles.)
came to Antioch,
The first Gentile church was established in Antioch.
The starting point of Paul’s three missionary journeys.
(Note: The time of Peter’s trip is unknown.)
I had to oppose him to his face,
A tense face to face confrontation between two Christian leaders.
Two reasons for Paul to oppose Peter.
Defending the Gospel.
Demonstrating his own independence and equality as an apostle.
Remember that Paul was “not appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead.” Galatians 1:1 NLT
for what he did was very wrong.
- Paul had to oppose Peter to his face for doing something very wrong.
Peter’s conduct threatened to compromise the gospel.
- There are times when face to face confrontation is necessary.
12 When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised.
Acts 10:9-15, 28 NLT
Peter Visits Cornelius
9 The next day as Cornelius’s messengers were nearing the town, Peter went up on the flat roof to pray. It was about noon, 10 and he was hungry. But while a meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw the sky open, and something like a large sheet was let down by its four corners. 12 In the sheet were all sorts of animals, reptiles, and birds. 13 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter; kill and eat them.”
14 “No, Lord,” Peter declared. “I have never eaten anything that our Jewish laws have declared impure and unclean.”
15 But the voice spoke again: “Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.”
28 Peter told them, “You know it is against our laws for a Jewish man to enter a Gentile home like this or to associate with you. But God has shown me that I should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.
- When Peter, a Jew, first arrived at Antioch he ate with the Gentile believers.
This was a demonstration of the unity of Jews and Gentiles in Christ.
- God had shown Peter that he should no longer think of anyone as impure or unclean.
But afterward, when some friends of James came, Peter wouldn’t eat with the Gentiles anymore.
It is doubtful that they had James endorsement.
Judaizers added Jewish traditions to the Gospel.
- Peter had, in appearance, supported the doctrine of the Judaizers and nullified Paul’s teaching.
Actions speak louder than words.
Matthew 7:24 NLT
24 “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.
26 But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand.
- Peter compromised the Gospel.
He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.
- Peter acted out of fear. He was afraid of criticism.
Proverbs 29:25 NLT
25 Fearing people is a dangerous trap,
but trusting the Lord means safety.
God speaking to Ezekiel:
Ezekiel 2:3-7
3 “Son of man,” he said, “I am sending you to the nation of Israel, a rebellious nation that has rebelled against me. They and their ancestors have been rebelling against me to this very day. 4 They are a stubborn and hard-hearted people. But I am sending you to say to them, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says!’ 5 And whether they listen or refuse to listen—for remember, they are rebels—at least they will know they have had a prophet among them.
6 “Son of man, do not fear them or their words. Don’t be afraid even though their threats surround you like nettles and briers and stinging scorpions. Do not be dismayed by their dark scowls, even though they are rebels. 7 You must give them my messages whether they listen or not.
13 As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter’s hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.
Hypocrite – someone who masks his true character by pretending to be something he is not.
These believers were denying the truth by their conduct.
Challenge:
2 Timothy 4:2-5 NLT
2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching.
3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths.
5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.
- Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord.
