Galatians 2:11-14

Summary retelling of Galatians 2:11-14

Paul then talks about when Peter came to Antioch and Paul opposed him.  Peter had been in Antioch and fellowshipping with the Gentiles.  But when some people come from Jerusalem (from James) they begin to affect Peter’s behavior.  Peter quits hanging out with the Gentile converts.  Even Barnabas started to quit being around the Gentile converts.  Paul confronts their hypocrisy directly be reminding them that they are saved the same way as Gentiles, so why should they make a distinction?

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Peter shows a little humanity in Paul’s account.  Peter comes to Antioch and has no trouble being with Christians regardless of who they are.  Then, Peter finds himself being influenced by other Jewish Christians.  Peer pressure is at work, even in one of the earliest pillars of the church.  Suddenly Peter doesn’t want to hang out with the Gentiles anymore.  Rather than stay true to what he believes, his belief caves under the influence of other humans.

How difficult is peer pressure to resist?  Why is it so difficult?  Who are your best influences with respect to peer pressure?  Who are your worst influences with respect to peer pressure?

Second Thought:

Even Barnabas was led astray.  Paul’s companion – his mentor! – was led astray.  This is the danger of peer pressure.  When one person falls, it makes it easier for everyone around them to fall as well.  We must learn from Peter’s fall and Barnabas’ follow.  We must learn to be uncompromising pillars of faith who know what is truly important.

Does it surprise you to hear about Barnabas’ fall?  Why is it significant to hear about such big-name Christians in the early church making mistakes in the faith?

Third Thought:

Paul stands up for what he knows is right.  Paul stands up for the fact that anyone can be saved so long as they are repentant as well as the fact that we are saved through the cross of Jesus and not through our ability to follow the law.  But Paul doesn’t just stand up for the truth, he stands up against Peter – a very important disciple who knew Jesus personally – and Barnabas – his mentor in the faith.

How hard do you think it was for Paul to stand up to Peter?  What gave Paul his strength?

Passage for Tomorrow: Galatians 2:15-16