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.
c. I believe Peter rose above Paul’s criticism and saw the hurt he had brought to the saints at Antioch. He undoubtedly, amended his ways, in his future interactions among them. Let’s review briefly the start of the Antioch church, before moving forward in this point regarding Peter’s rebuke. It contributed greatly in “opening the door of faith unto the Gentiles,” Acts 14:27.
B. Peter came to Antioch. Peter visited the Gentile church at Antioch. This work had a great history within the Gentile world. The Antioch church had begun due to the persecutions afflicted on the saints in Jerusalem and Judaea.
1. The persecution of Stephen, Acts 8:1-3. Saul was making havoc of the church in Jerusalem and Judaea, putting men and women in prison who confessed faith in Jesus Christ. The church at Jerusalem was undergoing internal squabbling. There was a dispersion of the saints, as a result of persecutions. Luke wrote:
a. The disciples were scattered abroad. Observe--
1) First, “And at that time there was a great persecution against the church which was at Jerusalem; and they were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles,” Acts 8:1.
2) Next, “Therefore they that were scattered abroad went everywhere preaching the word,” Acts 8:4.
b. The disciples. These scattered believers.
1) First, “Went as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.”
2) Further, “And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they came to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus.”
3) Finally, “And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord,” Acts 11:19-21.
4) Conclusion: These verses which speak to the preaching of the “scattered believers,” show how early in the church's- history, how some preachers ignored the larger audience of the Grecian people. They practiced “selective preaching” of the gospel of Christ among the Jews and Grecians. We might understand their behavior like: preaching to the white audience; but, ignoring the people of color. Men from Cyprus and Cyrene (men of color) proclaimed the message of the “liberty in Christ,” among the Grecian people. And the hand of the Lord: “was with them.”
c. Persecutions brought about by Saul, caused the church to leave out of Jerusalem, and go elsewhere preaching the word of the Lord. This scattering sent men down into Antioch, preaching Christ. Their preaching was filling the cities everywhere; bring great joy and salvation, Acts 8:5-8. Word reaches Jerusalem of a church in Antioch. It would become a bedrock church among the Gentiles. They sent one of their own to investigate this church among the Gentiles.
2. Barnabas was sent to Antioch from Jerusalem. Luke wrote: “Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas; that he should go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad and exhorted them all, that with the purpose of heart, they would cleave unto the Lord. For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and faith: and much people were added unto the Lord,” Acts 11:22-23.
The church at Jerusalem had learned that something was happening in Antioch. They sent Barnabas there to inquire about the work. Luke wrote:
a. He was a good man. He was a man of uprightness and godliness before God.
b. Full of the Holy Ghost. He was full of the Holy Ghost, and a great preacher.
c. And of faith. He was full of faith and devotion to God.
d. He became a leader in this church. After seeing the growth in Antioch, he recognized he needed some help. So he went to Tarsus to seek Saul.
e. Some men rise to the challenges that weigh upon them and find the courage to overcome their weaknesses. Others fall beneath the weight of such problems and fail in the course of their duties before God and men. We will see such a man in this lesson. You might also notice yourself as one of these men!
3. Barnabas went to Tarsus. Luke continued: “Then departed Barnabas to Tarsus, for to seek Saul: And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught many people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch,” Acts 11:25-26.
a. Whole year Barnabas and Saul worked together with the church in Antioch: strengthening it, and being strengthened by it.
b. Men, such as these, will find themselves undertaking more significant work for the Lord, Acts 13:1-3. This, we will see, occurs with Barnabas and Saul.
c. B. W. Johnson wrote: “The Holy Ghost said: ...Separate me, Barnabas and Saul. Both had been tried and shown to be worthy. They are now, by Divine direction, to be formally consecrated to the work of preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. From this time, Antioch is the great missionary center... (For the work) I have called them,” Page 297.
4. Saul and Barnabas call by Holy Spirit. Luke penned: “Now there were in the church that was at Antioch certain prophets and teachers; as Barnabas, and Simeon who is called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, which had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus,” Acts 13:1-4. Observe--
a. This began the first missionary journey of Saul and Barnabas into the Gentile world.
b. With this background, we see the work of Paul and Barnabas in Antioch; and, their first missionary efforts among the Gentiles. Paul had a part in this church’s success and work. It was encumbered upon him to stand for the truth of the gospel in Antioch and elsewhere.
c. Peter had come to Antioch for a visit. Paul witnessed Peter’s divisive behavior and took corrective actions.
d. Paul and Peter discussed his work among the Gentiles. We learn of this earlier in Chapter 2 of the book of Galatians (Galatians 2:1-10).
e. Paul felt no inferiority to Peter. He wrote: “But contrariwise when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (For he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles): And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to Barnabas and me the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen and they unto the circumcision. Only they would like that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do,” Galatians 2:7-10.
C. Paul withstood Peter to his face. There may come a time when an older brother, minister or elder has to correct a minister's error. Paul felt it necessary to confront Peter on his cowardly behavior. Observe--
1. David wrote: “Let the righteous smite me; it shall be a kindness: and let him reprove me; it shall be an excellent oil,” Psalms 141:5.
2. Solomon wrote:
a. First, “Open rebuke is better than secret love,” Proverbs 27:5.
b. Further, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful,” Proverbs 27:6. Remember, Judas, Matthew 26:48-49.
c. Finally, “He that rebuketh a man afterward shall find more favor, than he that flattereth with the tongue,” Proverbs 28:23.
3. Jesus said: “Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he hears thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglects to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican,” Matthew 18:15-18.
4. Paul wrote: “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted,” Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20.
5. Paul again: “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear,” 1 Timothy 5:19-20. Paul establishes the need, time, and place for open criticism.
D. Peter was to be blamed. Paul wrote: “He was the blame,” Galatians 2:11. Remember: “He was self-condemned.” We will learn the real reason for this rebuke in the next point. But it is important to note that Paul rebuked the Apostle Peter, to his face before the entire church.
1. Peter knew of the “kosher dietary laws.” He once observed them religiously. Kashrut was a set of Jewish religious dietary laws. Food that may be consumed according to halakha (Jewish law) is termed kosher, or lawful for Jews to eat.
2. Numerous laws that form part of kashrut prohibited the consumption of unclean meats (such as pork, shellfish, etc.). There are also laws regarding agricultural produce that were unsuitable foods to be eaten, by the Jews. Kosher means: “fit for consumption.” The Jews in the first century adhered to these laws.
3. These dietary restraints conflicted with the Gentile way of life and eating. Those Jews that followed them were forbidden to eat with the Gentiles. Therefore, those that did eat with them were out of fellowship with the Kosher Jews (i.e., the men from James), or “those of the circumcision,” Philippians 3:2-3; Luke 12:1; Matthew 16:11-12.
4. However, in Peter’s work and life among the Gentiles, he became accustomed to eating like the Gentiles. And this Peter did until the “men from James” arrived in Antioch. This was the basis of Paul's rebuke of Peter. He acted hypocritically before the whole church. Paul witnessed this behavior. Here is the rule:
a. If you observe the offense.
b. If it is committed before the church.
c. Rebuke them before the church in love.
d. That others might fear in acting similarly.
E. Peter's, learning regarding meats. The Lord had prepared Peter regarding meats, long before this event in Antioch. Somehow he had forgotten the “truth about meats” and “eating with publicans and sinners.” Observe--
1. Examples of Jesus. He witnessed Jesus eating with "publicans and sinners," Luke 15:1-2. He and the other disciples heard the complaints of the scribes and Pharisees concerning Jesus eating with the publicans and sinners, Luke 5:30; Luke 7:34; Matthew 9:11.
2. Peter’s vision in Joppa. Anytime God has excellent work for His servants; he prepares them for the task. While residing at the house of Simon, the Tanner, he went up on the roof while waiting for the meal to be prepared. Being hungry--
a. He fell into a trance. Luke wrote: “And he became famished, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance. And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said: Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten anything common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time: What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice. The vessel was received up again into heaven," Acts 10:10-16.
b. Peter was summoned. Luke continued: “Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision which he had seen should mean, behold, the men which were sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood before the gate: And called, and asked whether Simon, which was surnamed Peter, were lodged there. While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. Arise therefore, and get thee down, and go with them, doubting nothing: for I have sent them,” Acts 10:17-20.
c. Peter’s inquiry. Luke penned: “Then Peter went down to the men who were sent unto him from Cornelius; and said, Behold, I am he whom ye seek: what is the cause wherefore ye have come? And they said, Cornelius the centurion, a just man, and one that feareth God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned from God by a holy angel to send for thee into his house and to hear words of thee. Then called he them in, and lodged them. And on the morrow, Peter went away with them, and certain brethren from Joppa accompanied him. And on the morrow, they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius waited for them and had called together his kin and near friends,” Acts 10:21-24.
3. Peter’s visit with Cornelius in Caesarea. Luke wrote further: “And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell at his feet, and worshipped him. But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I also am a man. And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that were come together.”
a. First, “And he said unto them: Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation.”
b. Second, “But God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean.”
c. Third, “Therefore I came unto you without gainsaying, as soon as I was sent for: I ask therefore for what intent ye have sent for me?” Acts 10:25-29.
4. Cornelius’ visit by an angel. Luke begins: “And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing. And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in God's sight. Send therefore to Joppa, and call hither Simon, whose surname is Peter; he has lodged in the house of one Simon a tanner by the seaside: who, when he cometh, shall speak unto thee. Immediately, therefore, I sent to thee; and thou hast well done that thou art come. Therefore, are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God,” Acts 10:30-33.
5. Peter’s discourse with Cornelius. Luke continued: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation, he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him...To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins,” Acts 10:34-43.
a. Peter’s stated the unlawfulness of his actions. Luke wrote: “And he said unto them, Ye know how that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company or come unto one of another nation, but God hath shewed me that I should not call any man common or unclean,” Acts 10:28.
b. Peter ate with these Gentiles. Luke continued: “And the apostles and brethren that were in Judaea heard that the Gentiles had also received God's word. And when Peter was come up to Jerusalem, they that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest into men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them, etc.,” Acts 10:1-18. Observe, Peter--
1) Ate with the Gentiles in Caesarea. Luke wrote: “They that were of the circumcision contended with him, Saying, Thou wentest into men uncircumcised, and didst eat with them,” Acts 11:3-4. Peter made an excellent defense for his actions before the “men of the circumcision” and prevailed. He could have done the same thing in Antioch. Stood up and defended his actions to the: “Certain that came from James,” the sect of the Pharisees, before the church at Antioch.
a) But, he did not do it. His fear of men and their criticism of his actions have left him impotent!
b) It was this weakness and fear; the Lord had warned him.
c) Peter, “when thou art converted, strengthened thy brethren,” Luke 22:32.
2) Ate with Gentile saints in Antioch. Paul wrote: “For before that certain came from James, he (Peter) did eat with the Gentiles: but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision,” Galatians 2:12. This was something he customarily had done in Antioch.
a) This same sect that had taken Peter to task for eating with Cornelius; and his house while in Caesarea. Are now in Antioch, and observed him eating with these Gentiles. They must have given him the “evil eye” because his behavior changed before them immediately. And so did other Jews and finally Barnabas, one of its leaders.
b) Peter should have corrected this error, long before now. He had a voice, and so did the other apostles and elders in Jerusalem after their first attack.
c) He feared the criticism of the "men from James" (those of the circumcision). This problem was allowed to manifest and corrupt the work of the church, because men, who had the lead, were more fearful of their critics, than of the Lord.
d) This sect of the Pharisees was now troubling both the church in Jerusalem; and Antioch, Galatians 2:4-5; Acts 15:1-5. They were troubling the souls of the saints and perverting the gospel of Christ.
3) B. W. Johnson wrote: “Peter had no scruples about eating with Gentile Christians, but many... Jewish Christians did. Hence he did before the messengers came from James what he refused to do after they came, "separating himself" from the Gentile Christians at Antioch,” Page 456.
c. Cornelius’ conversion, Acts 10:44-48. For a more exhaustive discussion of Cornelius’ Conversion, see lesson titled the same, on SermonCentral.com.
6. Conclusion: The apostle Peter had a good understanding of the purity of meat, and how no man was considered common or unclean. He observed the Lord’s work among the heathen, the publicans and sinners. He ate with them. The Lord prepared him for his visit to Cornelius’ house. Peter taught these Gentiles, ate with them, and lodge with them in Caesarea. He knew that eating with the Gentiles had nothing to do with the faith of the gospel. It was a matter of custom and conscience. He allowed these segregationists to upset the work of Christ in Antioch. Thank God for Paul. For a more in-depth study on diet, days and drink downloaded at SermonCentral.com, a sermon entitled: “Let Every Man Be Fully Persuaded,” by Ron Freeman. As I begin to conclude this lesson, recall we discussed--
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Paul’s Rebuke
B. Summarize main points.
1. We considered 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.
2. 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; we can only surmise; he repented to the church.
C. Invitation. Present the pattern of conversion, H.B.R.C.B.
D. Exhortation.
E. Motivation.
References:
1. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
2. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
3. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
4. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
5. Clarke Commentary on the Bible, Eight Volumes, Published 1810-1826, New York, Published by J. Emory and B. Waugh, for the Methodist Episcopal Church, at the conference office, 13 Crosby-Street., J. Collord, Printer, 1831.
6. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
