SCRIPTURE
Galatians 2:11-14
But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 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. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. 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?”
LANGUAGE
Vs 11 Condemned - to find fault with, blame, condemn
COMMENT
Peter lost a bit of his focus, and was acting differently certain Jews. He withdrew from eating with Gentiles, most likely in order not to offend those of the circumcision party (those who insisted that Christians must still follow the laws of the Jews). Apparently Paul had no problem offending someone, even Peter, if he thought they were doing wrong. Rightfully so, as Peter's actions were affecting others as well.
Confrontation can be tough. Some, like Peter, shy away from confrontation. Others, like Paul (and my wife would see me too) don't have problem with confrontation. I think this extends to churches too. Some want to preach the nice, loving, smiley face god rather than the God who also requires justice. I think this section goes right along with the theme of the entire book of Galatians.
But if you want to be popular, preach smiley face Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment