What can we learn about hypocrisy from Peter's actions in Galatians 2:11? Setting the Scene—The Verse Itself “When Cephas came to Antioch, however, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.” (Galatians 2:11) What Peter’s Hypocrisy Looked Like • He had freely eaten with Gentile believers (Acts 10:28; 11:2–3) but withdrew when men “from James” arrived (Galatians 2:12). • His change was not doctrinal but social—fear of human opinion overrode revealed truth (Proverbs 29:25). • By acting one way in private and another in public, he denied the very unity he had preached (Acts 10:34–35). Roots of the Problem • Fear of man: the pressure of influential voices (Galatians 2:12). • Forgetting revelation: God had already shown Peter that Gentiles were cleansed (Acts 10:15). • Drift from grace: a subtle slide back toward works-based acceptance (Galatians 2:16). Why Hypocrisy Is So Serious • It distorts the gospel—implying Christ’s work is insufficient (Galatians 2:14). • It misleads others—“even Barnabas was led astray” (Galatians 2:13). • It invites public rebuke—Paul confronted Peter “to his face” for the sake of the church (1 Timothy 5:20). • It contradicts Christ’s own warnings (Matthew 23:27) and undercuts sincere love (Romans 12:9). Paul’s Model for Dealing with Hypocrisy • Confront promptly and openly when the gospel is at stake (Galatians 2:11). • Base correction on Scripture, not personal preference (Galatians 2:15–21). • Seek restoration, not humiliation—Peter later speaks affectionately of Paul (2 Peter 3:15). Lessons for Today • Consistency matters: live the same convictions publicly and privately (James 3:17). • Guard against the subtle pull of approval; fear God more than people (Matthew 10:28). • Remember the finished work of Christ—nothing needs to be added for acceptance (Ephesians 2:8–9). • Be willing to both give and receive loving correction; it preserves gospel integrity (Proverbs 27:6). |
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