How does Galatians 2:13 connect with Jesus' teachings on hypocrisy in Matthew 23? The incident in Galatians 2:13 “ And the rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was carried away.” (Galatians 2:13) What happened • Peter withdrew from eating with Gentile believers when certain men from Jerusalem arrived. • Other Jewish believers, watching Peter, did the same. • The withdrawal sent a false message: faith in Christ alone was not enough for full fellowship. • Paul calls this “hypocrisy” (literally, “play-acting”), because their outward behavior no longer matched what they confessed—“there is neither Jew nor Greek” in Christ (Galatians 3:28). Jesus’ definition of hypocrisy in Matthew 23 “ Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces.” (Matthew 23:13) “ For they preach but do not practice.” (Matthew 23:3) “ You are like whitewashed tombs… outwardly you appear righteous, but within you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” (Matthew 23:27-28) Key parallels between Galatians 2:13 and Matthew 23 • Two-faced religion – Matthew 23:3: “preach but do not practice” – Galatians 2:13: professed gospel freedom, practiced social division. • Fear of people over fear of God – Matthew 23:5: “all their deeds are done for men to see.” – Galatians 2:12: Peter acted “for fear of those belonging to the circumcision party.” • Blocking access to God – Matthew 23:13: leaders “shut the door of the kingdom.” – Galatians 2:14: their conduct was “not in line with the truth of the gospel,” confusing Gentiles about salvation. • Contagious influence – Matthew 23:15: “you travel land and sea to make a single proselyte… twice as much a son of hell.” – Galatians 2:13: “even Barnabas was carried away,” showing how hypocrisy spreads. Supporting scriptures that reinforce the connection • Proverbs 29:25—“The fear of man brings a snare.” • 1 Samuel 15:24—Saul confessed, “I feared the people.” • James 2:1-4—partiality in the assembly contradicts faith in Christ. • 1 Peter 2:1—Peter himself later warns, “rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy.” Take-aways for today • Consistency matters: belief and behavior must match (Titus 1:16). • Peer pressure can seduce even seasoned leaders; stay alert (1 Corinthians 10:12). • Hypocrisy doesn’t just hurt the actor; it misleads observers (Romans 14:13). • The cure is gospel clarity—remembering justification by faith alone (Galatians 2:16) and the indwelling Spirit who produces sincerity (2 Corinthians 1:12). Living the opposite of hypocrisy • Walk openly with all believers (Ephesians 2:14-16). • Confess sins quickly (1 John 1:9) instead of hiding behind appearances. • Seek the praise of God, not people (John 12:43). • Let love be “without hypocrisy” (Romans 12:9), reflecting the Savior who is “the way and the truth” (John 14:6). |
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