“When Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong” (2:11). 

In eating with the Jews, rather than the Gentiles, Peter appears to side with the contention that salvation comes in a ‘faith in Christ + adherence to Jewish law’ formula, also leading others astray (even Barnabus), and puts the Gentiles in the position of having to follow Jewish customs.  Perhaps Peter struggles to free himself of the dominant voices around him, even if he knows it is wrong. 

Paul confronts Peter (in front of others it appears) due to his failure to stand firm to the understanding that salvation comes through faith in Jesus – and nothing else.  If we think of standing before others accused of wrongdoing, we might invariably think of a court room; where laws have been broken.  In order for society to function, we need laws and we most often will hear about them in terms of them being broken.  Even small children look for praise at having done something well but laws don’t do that; there are no points for following laws well!  In a society that has laws and rules to function and to know right from wrong, it is perhaps natural to try to frame our behaviour as Christians in these terms, as a way of earning favour or proving wrongdoing, but Paul is clear that we are justified by faith in Christ, and not by observing ‘the law’; “if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!” (2:21). 

This is not to say that rules don’t apply to us, but rather that our understanding of Christ’s sacrifice for us, and of our belief in Him should and does lead to freedom, not constriction.  We acknowledge that we still sin even though we are justified by Christ, and Jesus certainly does not approve of sin (see Jesus’ words to the woman in John Chapter 8).

Paul is sure that Peter is wrong, and rather than confront his behind his back, he speaks directly to him.  Peter’s actions are not just diplomatic failures, they are publicly denying the truth of the gospel and so Paul confronts him publicly in return.  It is described briefly but it must have been quite an awkward scene; Peter, better known than Paul at this point, with other well-known figures such as Barnabus and James (and the rest of the Jewish community) publicly opposed him.  But Paul knows what is at stake, and that he must speak out regardless.

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Is Christ’s power to save in the centre of your life?

“I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (2:20).