Galatians 2:11-16 Apostles in conflict

Sometimes what seems to be a local conflict can have wide-ranging implications – the issue at the heart of differences may be of great significance in a much wider sphere and to many people.  That has often been the case in history and in church history.  Thus an incident in Antioch involving Peter and Paul had major implications for the situation in Galatia and is still a crucial issue for the church.  We consider Galatians 2:11-16 Apostles in conflict.

1. The gospel threatened

If v1-10 present an encouraging picture, in v11 things suddenly change – ‘When Peter came to Antioch’.  The reason for his visit is unknown.  It possibly took place between the Council; of Jerusalem and Paul’s second missionary journey (see Acts 15).  The council had decided that Gentile Christians were not obliged to observe the Mosaic ceremonial law, and at first Peter ‘used to eat with Gentiles’ (v12).  This was consistent with gospel freedom.  But things had gone badly wrong as a result of the arrival of ‘certain men…from James’ (v12).  James, the Lord’s brother, was especially respected by Jews, but there is no evidence that these people were sent with a mission by James and their views contradict what James had said at the council.  Their view is noted in Acts 15:1 ‘Unless you are circumcised…you cannot be saved’.  Sadly Peter ‘began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles’ (v12) – totally inconsistent with the truths he professed.  Paul understands what is at stake – ‘they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, the one gospel for Jews and Gentiles.

2. The gospel preserved

In light of this serious threat to the heart of the gospel – the salvation of Jews and Gentiles solely by God’s grace through faith in Christ – Paul takes decisive action.  If Jewish rites are accorded a place in conveying salvation, the result will be ‘another gospel, which is really no gospel at all’ (1:6-7).  Because Peter’s sin is public, Paul’s response is public – ‘I said to Peter in front of them all…’ (v14).  Paul acts for the glory of God and the welfare of God’s people, including Peter.  Peter’s sin is ‘hypocrisy’ (v13) – believing Gentiles were free from the Mosaic law yet himself acting differently.  He was trying to force Gentiles ‘to follow Jewish customs’ (v14).  It is vital for the sake of the gospel that we believe and live consistently, and that hypocrisy is exposed courageously and lovingly.

3. The gospel defined

In God’s providence conflicts over doctrine and practice have often served to clarify and protect the truth.  This episode in Antioch is no exception.  The confrontation between Paul and Peter crystallised the truth as Paul states the grand principle at the heart of the gospel.  That is one reason why Galatians became so important for Luther and the Reformation.  Paul speaks as a Jew: ‘We who are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ’ (v16).  This is the great truth of justification by faith alone, expounded at length by Paul in Romans.  Note also Ephesians 2:8-9.  It is by faith we are justified, never by law-keeping.  We must never allow any ‘works’ to displace grace and faith, or we will have a false gospel.

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