Galatians 2:11-13 RejectA Self-Righteous Attitude, For Such Is Opposed to the Gospel

Galatians 2:11-13 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy.

Hypocrisy; it comes in many forms. No one is immune to it, and everyone does it at one time or another to varying degrees. One way in which this occurs is that a person feels superior to others and/or wants to impress others and to be part of some “in group,” and so this person, even after socializing and being part of the non-“in group” for a while will change social habits. To impress the “in group,” such a person may stop interacting with their old friends, they may seek for their old friends to change, or they may act differently toward them, especially when around their new found “friends.” The apostle Peter was doing this, making demands upon the Gentiles, even ones by which he was not willing to live (2:14), and neglecting the Gentile believers, probably due to their lack of status.

Watch yourselves, brothers and sisters, for it is easy to get a self-righteous and pompous head upon your shoulders; especially when seeking to impress others. You cannot seek the honor from God and men (cf. John 5:44). If Peter was not above such sin, then neither are you. Look to the example of Jesus, who humbled Himself and become identified with sinners, even to death upon the cross (Philippians 2:5-11). Jesus was identified with tax collectors, women, and sinners in general; three groups of people who were not popular in first century culture. However, Jesus did not leave them to their sinful ways, but revealed to them the way of Life: Himself (John 14:6). He constantly told them of their need of repentance and sincere faith. This is how you must act, dear child of God. Be willing to be identified with those who are not the most popular (this especially goes for those who are still not yet high school graduates, but affects all of us). This may mean the homeless, addicts, homosexuals, or even adulterers. Be in the world, but do not join in with their wicked ways. This is how you can be light and salt.

Further, consider this. Your sinful ways may, and most likely will, cause others to stumble into sin; especially those who are less mature in the faith. Peter’s example of rejecting and dejecting the Gentile believers led to all the Jewish believers, and even Barnabas’ sin against the Gentiles. Do not think that your sin of self-righteousness will go unnoticed and will not affect others and give them a stumbling block. That is not the case. Many will take notice, and like the example that Paul gives us, they will follow your lead and the Body of Christ, the Church, will grow divided.

Let us not look at Peter’s failure here only, however. Let us look at Paul’s example. When Paul noticed Peter in sin, he rebuked him. And notice how he rebuked Peter: to his face. Paul went to Peter, he did not make a big scene and a big fuss over it. He approached him, no doubt in love, and confronted Peter’s error and called him to repentance. Take this as your example of how to approach and confront a brother or sister in sin (see Matthew 18:15-17 for proper discipline tactics). Openly rebuke him/her (Proverbs 27:5), but in a one on one fashion. Do this for his/her benefit and for the benefit of the Body. Correct them in gentleness and a prayerful attitude. Let love rule you. And always remember, you are doing this for God’s glory alone and for the benefit of the Body of Christ.