Justified By Faith Series

Justified by Faith

Galatians 2: 11-21

Our text today reveals Paul’s continued struggle with the legalistic Judaizers and their expectations regarding salvation. The Judaizers refused to accept salvation by faith alone in Christ alone. Unfortunately, their influence affected the early ministry of Peter and others who proclaimed the true gospel. While Peter preached the truth, he was guilty of seeking to accommodate the Judaizers at times rather than confront their false doctrine.

The focus of the text is foundational to our Christian faith. Within this passage, Paul beautifully defends salvation by faith in Christ alone, apart from any works of man. Many seek to add to the gospel, but Paul argues biblically that salvation is based in personal faith in the finished work of Christ. He refused to appease the Judaizers in their quest of adding works to faith. In fact, Paul adamantly opposed such doctrine and exposed this doctrine as contrary to the gospel.

As we examine the directives Paul gives in the text, I want to consider the foundational truth of: Justified by Faith.

I. The Confrontation with Peter (11-13)

A. The Dispute (11) – But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. After Paul returned to Antioch from Jerusalem with Barnabas, Peter came to Antioch and met with Paul. Paul wasted no time confronting Peter regarding his accommodation of the Judaizers. As we will discuss, Peter had hindered his reputation and effectiveness with Gentile believers due to his actions and Paul wasted no time rebuking him. He was not going to allow such behavior in Antioch, possibly hindering the furtherance of the gospel. (While confrontation is never easy, there are times when it is warranted and necessary. We must be willing to stand boldly for truth, regardless of the situation or who is involved.)

B. The Disparity (12) – For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. Peter’s interaction and association with Gentile believers was heavily influenced by those present at the time. He gladly fellowshipped with the Gentiles when no one was around, but when influential people for Jerusalem were present, Peter shunned them. Paul declares Peter’s behavior was based on fear of the Judaizers rather than obedience to God.

Unfortunately, such behavior continues within the church today. These actions certainly are displeasing to the Lord. We are all one body, born again in Christ, serving the same Lord, and will spend eternity together. There is no room within the church for prejudice or partiality regarding those of like faith. We cannot allow matters of race, social/economic status, or prior backgrounds to create division and segregation within the body of Christ. Gal.3:28 – There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

C. The Dilemma (13) – And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation (hypocrisy). Peter’s behavior was detrimental enough in itself, but his actions also encouraged others to behave in the same manner. Barnabas, the man serving alongside Paul in reaching the Gentiles with the gospel, also began to engage in such hypocrisy and prejudice. Paul knew, left unchecked, such behavior would greatly hinder their ability to reach the Gentiles with the gospel. This had to be stopped immediately.

There are many truths that can be discerned from Paul’s confrontation with Peter. One that rises from the text needs to be understood – situational ethics are often contrary to biblical ethics. One must stand upon the truth, regardless of the situation or audience. There are not many gospels, given for specific circumstances, but one true gospel that transcends all boundaries. As we encounter such behaviors or false doctrine, we must confront it and stand for truth.

II. The Exhortation of Truth (14-21) – Following his description of Peter’s error, Paul defends the truth of the gospel and exhorts all who hear to submit to this truth. Notice:

A. The Challenge (14) – But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? Paul publicly challenged Peter regarding his treatment of the Gentiles. Although Peter was a Jew, he did not live according to the false teachings of the Judaizers. If he lived like the Gentiles in matters of faith, why would he expect the Gentiles to live in a way that he knew was contrary to the faith? Paul had no desire to humiliate Peter, but to confront the blatant hypocrisy he displayed toward the Gentiles. (We must never expect more from others than we are willing to engage ourselves, particularly in matters of faith. If we are planning to expose the splinter in another’s eye, we better be certain there isn’t a log in ours!)