Basic Hypocrisy

“Then the rest of the Jews joined his hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were deviating from the truth of the gospel, I told Cephas in front of everyone, ‘If you, who are a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel Gentiles to live like Jews?’” (Galatians 2:13-14 CSB)

There comes a time when people must take their stand, especially when a central and fundamental truth is at stake. For Paul that time came at Antioch.

Peter journeyed to Antioch while Barnabas and Paul were there. Peter and Barnabas were old friends. The fellowship at Antioch enjoyed quite a bit of cultural freedom in comparison to the Jewish fellowships in Jerusalem. The Antioch church included Gentiles, and so the Jewish legal system was not so much observed. When Peter arrived, he joined right in with them. Though a Jew, he lived like a Gentile.

Then, a group of Jews who had been sent by James arrived from Jerusalem. Peter then withdrew fellowship from the Gentiles and fellowshipped only with the Jews. Even Barnabas was influenced by Peter’s actions.

Paul, however, saw right through their duplicity. He saw that these actions were, in reality, hypocritical and a denial of one of the basic and indispensable tenets of the gospel – that the grace of God is for everyone. Their actions sent the message that because the Gentile believers were not circumcised and did not follow the Jewish traditions that they were unacceptable. Paul heard that message loud and clear, and on behalf of the Gentile believers and the fundamental truth of the gospel, he opposed Peter publicly and face to face. While undoubtedly an awkward moment for all, it was something that just had to be happen, for the gospel itself was at stake.

When it comes to the truth of the gospel, there is no middle ground. Political correctness, as we call it, has no place. We must take our stand with regard to the truth of the gospel, whatever the cost.

Father, May we maintain the full truth of the gospel at all costs. Amen.