Paul Corrects Peter

Galatian Liberty • Galatians 2:11-14 • April 17, 2022 • English Service 10:00 AM

 

Sermon Introduction

Paul brought Barnabas and Titus with him to visit the influential leaders in the Jerusalem church. Barnabas was a Jew and Titus a Gentile. Perhaps Paul tried to show how the team of different races could work together in reaching out to the Gentile world. Paul cited that the apostles did not require circumcision from Titus, which supported Paul’s position on the matter. However, Paul narrated that some tried to pressure them. But they remained steadfast and did not give in to their demands.

Dr. Ed Pilapil Jr.
Senior Pastor

 
 
 

Galatians 2:11-14 ESV

11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.[a] 13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

Notes

Paul narrated an incident in Antioch. It is unclear whether the event happened before or after the second trip to Jerusalem. However, the incident spoke volumes concerning Paul’s conviction that the gospel does not require the law of Moses for salvation. The incident involved Peter, Barnabas, and other Jewish believers. Their actions showed that they gave in to religious pressure that separated them from Gentile believers. But Paul exhibited consistency by not giving in to the demand of the false brothers, nor would Peter’s behavior influence him. Paul would defend the gospel no matter what.

  1. Peter’s Wrong Response
    Paul mentioned that he opposed Peter’s wrong response. Peter fellowshipped with the Gentile believers, but his behavior changed when men from James arrived (2:12). Peter separated himself to avoid being criticized.
    11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they arrived, he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.

  2. A Leader’s Influence
    Paul narrated that the other Jewish believers followed Peter’s wrong response, including Barnabas. Paul stated that Peter acted in hypocrisy, and such hypocrisy influenced the others, even his partner, Barnabas (2:13).
    13 And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

  3. Paul Rebuked Peter’s Hypocrisy
    Paul rebuked Peter together with those who followed the hypocrisy. Paul showed that no one is above the gospel, not even a fellow apostle. Paul knew that Peter knew that a person is justified by faith and not by the law.
    14 But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

Application

  1. Live According to the Gospel
    Does our behavior betray the gospel of Christ? Are we ashamed of the gospel? Do we proclaim that it is by grace through faith and not by works? And do we state that faith leads to works of obedience but not the other way around?

  2. Gospel Above People and Trends
    Despite Peter’s stature and reputation, Paul rebuked him for not defending the gospel. Let us defend the gospel and expect other true believers to defend the accuracy of the gospel. We must address inaccurate gospel presentations.

  3. Expect Believers to Live the Gospel
    Paul expected more from Peter. Paul also expected more from the Galatians. He expected them to stand firm in the gospel. Thus, let us expect each other to believe in the gospel and to live the gospel.

Reflection & Discussion

  1. What was Peter’s wrong response?

  2. Why was it necessary for Paul to rebuke Peter in front of the others?

  3. In what ways should we defend the gospel?