Paul's Rebuke (Lesson 1) Series

INTRODUCTION

Outline.

1. Paul’s Rebuke

Remarks.

1. This is lesson 1, in the sermon-series entitled: “He walked not uprightly.” This sermon deals with an important truth to be heard again by the church, and maybe for the first time the religious world. There may come a time, and today is that time; a man of faith will have to correct his brother's error. This is the situation we find ourselves observing between Peter and Paul. It should be stated: it takes tremendous courage to rebuke another, in a public setting. We must applaud Paul for what he did save the church of Christ in Antioch, and the entire world, by fulfilling his apostolic work: "reprove, rebuke, and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine," 2 Timothy 4:1-3.

2. In this lesson, we will consider Paul's rebuke to the "face of Peter." The beloved Paul felt it necessary to: "withstand Peter to his face because he was to be blamed." So egregious was Peter's error; it was needful that Paul corrects him publicly; because the offense was committed publicly. Present at this gathering were: Paul, Peter, Barnabas, the men from James, and the entire family of Jews and Gentiles, in the church of Christ at Antioch. The offense of Peter, Barnabas, and other Jews was before the assembly; at their "love feast," which we call "pot luck" that it presented an example of hypocrisy, that disturbed the “unity and fellowship” of the saints at Antioch. This dissimulation needed to be corrected immediately. The text does not describe Peter's reaction to this criticism, and we can only surmise; he repented of his actions, to the church, and overcame his weakness. With this brief introduction, let’s consider lesson 1, in this sermon-series: Paul’s Rebuke, of the Apostle Peter.

BODY OF LESSON

I PAUL’S REBUKE

A. Paul’s rebuke. He wrote: "But when Peter came to Antioch, I (Paul) withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed," Galatians 2:11. The text reads as such in the Greek: “But when Cephas came to Antioch to his face I stood against him because he had been condemned,” The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament, Page 656. This Interlinear, translates the word “blame,” as condemned. Paul wrote: Peter stood self-condemned for his actions! Note the Greek.

1. The word “blame” in Gr., is katagin'sko or kä-tä-ge-no'-sko, which means to note against, i.e., to find fault with:—blame, condemn. The idea is to find fault with, blame; to accuse, or to condemn.

a. Paul wrote he rebuked Peter, because he stood self-condemn by his actions. He uses a similar word in Titus, to describe a heretick.

b. He wrote: “A man that is a heretick after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself,” Titus 3:10.

c. That word in Gr., is autokatakritos or au-to-kä-tä'-kre-tos, which means self-condemned:—condemned of self. I think it wise to remind all, that the Lord warned Peter of his weakness and fearful disposition, the night of his betrayal. Recall--

2. Lord’s warning to Peter: “And the Lord said, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fails not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. And he said unto him, Lord, I am ready to go with thee, both into prison and to death. And he said, I tell thee, Peter, the cock shall not crow this day, before thou shalt thrice (three times) deny that thou knowest me,” Luke 22:31-34.

3. Peter’s denial of Jesus: “But a certain maid beheld him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked upon him, and said: This man was also with him. And he denied him, saying: Woman, I know him not... And Peter said, Man, I know not what thou sayest. And immediately, while Peter yet spake, the cock crew. And the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him: Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out (from them); and, wept bitterly,” Luke 22:56-62.

4. Peter’s offense. The offense of Peter, Barnabas, and other Jews was before the assembly; at their "love feast," which we call "pot luck" that it presented an example of hypocrisy, that disturbed the "unity and fellowship" of the saints at Antioch. This dissimulation needed to be corrected immediately, before the entire assembly.

a. The text does not describe Peter's reaction to this criticism; we can only surmise; he repented of his actions, to the church and overcame this weakness in his character, and strengthened his walk-in Christ.

b. However, in 2 Peter 3:15-18, Peter speaks kind words regarding Paul and his letters to the churches.