2:11
We now get the famous confrontation between Peter and Paul, or rather Paul rebuking Peter. Why does Paul recount this incident here? There are several factors that might be at play. One could be to further demonstrate his independence of the Jerusalem apostles, something he has emphasised in the preceding verses. It could also be to demonstrate that Peter accepted Paul’s teaching on the matter. So if the Judaisers were saying that Paul was subordinate to the Jerusalem apostles, he is showing that that was not the case, for Peter listened to what Paul said and accepted his rebuke. It could also be to emphasise the importance of the absolute equality in Christ between Jews and Gentiles. Christ has broken down the wall of division between Jews and Gentiles (Eph 2:14).
2:12
What had happened was that Peter had been at Antioch eating quite happily with the Gentile Christians on equal terms. Remember that in Acts 10 we read of God sending Peter a vision, and doing so three times, that he should go and meet with Cornelius. However, some men “came from James”. This does not necessarily imply that they were there on James’ behalf, and given what Paul has said earlier in this letter, and the decision of Acts 15 this seems unlikely. These men were of the “circumcision group”, ie they believed that being circumcised gave you a superior status. They would be quite forceful, and when they came they would disapprove of the Jews and uncircumcised Gentiles eating together, and Peter gave into their attitude. It is interesting to note that while Peter had been filled with the Holy Spirit, has spoken boldly for Jesus, has suffered for Christ, has received visions from God about the matter, there is still something of his old weak nature there. The weak nature that led to him denying Jesus three times. Later on Paul will speak about the flesh warring against the Spirit, and we see an example of that here.
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