Paul Rebukes Peter
Galatians 2:11-21
The Problem vs. 11-13
Peter had always had an ultra sensitivity to what others thought of him.
Even though God had given him permission to eat the same meats as the Gentiles (Acts 10), because more strict Christians came, he chose to separate himself from the Gentiles in the church
It caused so much of a stir that other Jewish Christians including Barnabas did the same thing.
Dissembled – to act hypocritical
This made the Gentile Christians feel like second class citizens, that they had less value then the Jewish Christians.
Even worse, it promoted the idea for them to be “right”; they had to obey the tenets of the law
The Protest vs. 14
Paul rebuked Peter to his face because he was to be blamed.
Three lessons learned in this passage:
- Great leaders can be in error
- God’s grace means no second-class Christians
- Standing for the gospel can be a lonely business
The Principle: Justification by Faith
The Doctrine Declared: vs. 15-16
Justification – declaration somebody is right. It is the verdict of God because of atonement which is the basis of justification
The Works of the Law – Specific requirements God gave Israel through Moses. The nature of the law cannot produce a right relationship with God
Faith in Christ – faith is essential for justification Faith is the human response to what was already accomplished on the cross
Objections Answered vs. 17-20
If we seek to be justified in Christ, and it is evident we are still sinners, does that means Christ promotes sin?
NO!
By displacing the Law as the proper channel for being right with God, has Paul undermined the very basis for living a righteous life?
- I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live unto God
- I have been crucified with Christ
- Nevertheless I live, yet not I, but Christ liveth in me
- I now live in the flesh, I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me
The Terrible Alternative vs. 21
If we could make ourselves right with God by obeying the law, then Christ didn’t have to die.