Galatians 2:11-12 But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.… I. WHAT IS REPROOF. 1. An act of charity and mercy, not of pride and vain-glory (2 Thessalonians 3:15; James 3:17. 2. Using fit discourse, not chastisement, and, in general, from God's Word (Colossians 3:16). 3. Having as its end not our brother's shame, but his reclamation from sin to duty (Galatians 6:1). II. The KIND of reproof it is our duty to give. 1. Authoritative. By way of office (2 Timothy 4:2). 2. In the way of general duty, which lieth on all men (1 Thessalonians 5:14). III. The MANNER in which to discharge this duty. 1. Faithfully (Titus 1:13). 2. With lenity and Christian meekness (Galatians 6:1). 3. Prudently. Well weighing all the circumstances of person, time, place, occasion, provocation, that all things may be proportioned to the design (Proverbs 25:12). IV. The ARGUMENTS which enforce this duty. 1. The law of nature, which teaches us to love our neighbour. 2. The law of God (Proverbs 25:8-10; Matthew 18:15; 1 Thessalonians 3:15; 5:14; Jude 1:22, 23). 3. Giving reproof is commended (Proverbs 24:25; James 5:19, 20), and taking reproof (Proverbs 13:18; Proverbs 15:31, 32; Ecclesiastes 7:5). 4. The maintenance of society and the improvements of human relations depend upon it. V. WHEN AND TO WHAT this duty binds. 1. Not unless the fault is certainly known; not, therefore, on mere suspicion (1 Corinthians 13:5), uncertain hearsay (Isaiah 11:3), flying reports, or slander. 2. Not if our brother has repented. 3. Not if a good result is unlikely, and a bad result probable (Matthew 7:6).In conclusion: 1. If we are to reprove others, let us take care that we are blameless (Matthew 6:3-5; Romans 3:21). 2. If others are bound to reprove, we are bound to take reproof. (T. Manton.) Parallel Verses KJV: But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.WEB: But when Peter came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned. |