But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
Paul had said in verse six that he was no respecter of persons. Here, he demonstrates it with this rebuke of Peter. This, by the way, gives no license to disrespect those God places in authority over us. Paul’s point, at least in part, was to show that he was a peer to Peter, having an equal calling as an apostle of Christ.
Even then, an open and public rebuke such as this ought not be the normal practice. In this case, it was necessary—
Because he was to be blamed.
There was no question where the blame lay. Far from being the vicar of Christ, as the Roman Catholics make him out to be, he was a man, subject to like passions, on equal ground with the other apostles and in need, in this case, of correction.
Because others had followed him.
If this had been a private error on Peter’s part, it would have been appropriate to take him aside and speak to him privately. But this error had influenced others and had to be corrected in a public manner.
Because even Barnabas had gotten carried away with them.
Note how easily an error can spread. I learn from this that, while there is much I can gain from the example of others, my whole being must be set to follow Christ alone—and Him, only as I see Him in the Word of God.
A thought for further meditation (but not my primary one in this daily visit with God) is to note that verses 14–21—a significant passage indeed—is actually a record of the public rebuke of Peter. Notice it is not a flaring of the temper, but a reasoned preaching of the cross.
Always point to the cross!
#EqualCallingNotIdolatry #RespectWithDiscernment #PublicErrorPublicCorrection #FollowChristAlone #AlwaysPointToTheCross
Are you letting personalities lead you—or the Word of God?
Too many today follow men instead of Christ. Even Peter got it wrong, and Paul had to step in. That’s why we must stay anchored in Scripture and hold each other accountable in love.
💬 Question for you: When have you had to stand for truth, even when it wasn’t easy? Share your story in the comments.
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Galatians 2:11 (KJV) Peter’s Public Mistake
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