2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ga 2:11). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
Don’t you love to see a good fight? When I was growing up we would watch wrestling often. Although that was entertaining, I do not find pleasure in “fights” of a confrontational nature. Very few people find joy in confrontation, in fact most people shy away from it and avoid confrontation at all costs. There are moments in life when it is unavoidable. Perhaps we should learn to choose our battles, but clearly one must ask if the integrity of the Gospel is a matter worth fighting for, and even dying for. When it comes to genuine elements of the Gospel message, there can be no compromise; and if needed there must be confrontation.
Galatians 2:11-14 records a confrontation between Paul and Cephas, or Peter. In the preceeding verses Paul has just affirmed his partnership with Peter, in their agreement that Paul should spread the Gospel to the Gentiles, with the endorsement of the Apostles. Paralleling Acts 15:30-35, Peter seems to be speaking from both sides of his mouth. One one hand he affirms that the Gospel should be shared to the Gentiles, but in this confrontation Paul recounts the story of Acts 11 and Peters separation.
Paul’s confrontation was due to the apparent hypocrisy of leadership, and the inability to “practice what was preached”. No doubt the perceived hypocrisy of leadership attributes to Pauls three-fold sarcastic references to the leadership of the church found earlier in Galatians. Galatians 2:11 offers two significant challenges:
1. Do we practice what we preach? We say that we love our neighbor, but do we truly love the unlovable? We speak of Christ’s love, but do we express that love to those who act or look differntly? We say that we have faith, but do we show our faith by what we do? The fullness of the Gospel requires boldness in our life.
2. Do we have the courage to confront our brother or sister in Christ to defend the integrity of the Gospel? One should note here that Pauls confrontation was to the actions of another believer. We are commanded to “sharpen one another” (Proverbs 27:17). In 1 Corinthians 5:12, Paul urges that we should judge other believers to hold one another to the high standard of living that God has called us to. It is also important to note how Paul confronted Peter. It was done face to face; man to man! Too often we cower behind an email, a text message, or a social networking post. The appropriate way to handle confrontation is face to face, and in private. As believers, it does not help to advance the Gospel if we air our dirty laundry for the world to see. Doing so fuels the flame of hypocrisy.
I am the first to admit that confrontation is difficult and uncomfortable. However, as fellow laborers for Christ, we should urge one another to be the best that God has called us to be (Hebrews 10:24). Perhaps it is moments like Paul mentions here with Peter that he is remembering when he recounts his ministry and says in 1 Timothy 4:7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith”.
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