Galatians 2:13,14 - Led astray by hypocrisy

2:13

Paul does not beat about the bush in describing what has happened. Hypocrisy is called hypocrisy.  The rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite. This is understandable, as if the apostle Peter would not eat with the Gentiles, then they would not do so either. Even Barnabas, Paul’s great friend and supporter, went along. This demonstrates the danger of judging an issue on the basis of who is supporting it. For here we have Peter, the foremost apostle, and Barnabas that great encourager refusing to eat with the Gentiles. Surely they must be right, so their actions must be right? Wrong! We must judge things on the basis of God’s word.

2:14

“They were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel.” Living, speaking and acting in a manner that is consistent with the truth of the gospel is vital. The common custom was to rebuke someone in private, at least at first. Indeed, this was the practice taught by Jesus (Matt 18:15-20). However, this was an extraordinary situation. The whole integrity of the gospel was at stake. The gospel bring unity between all who believe, and does so purely on the basis of faith in Christ. Peter’s actions were saying that the Gentile believers were less than the Jewish believers.  Paul then referred to Peter’s previous actions, when he did eat quite happily, and quite rightly, with the Gentiles. His actions were now saying Gentiles needed to live as Jews, and this was not true.