Galatians 2:11-14

                                                             Galatians 2:11-14

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned.  For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party.  And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.  But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

 

The fear of man is a dangerous thing.  When we care too much about what others think of us, it can lead to disastrous consequences.  The opinions of others can never be more important than the truth of the Gospel.  This passage illustrates how the fear of man works, some of the dangers associated with it, as well as how to deal with it.

 

JEWISH INTIMIDATION: The fear of man almost always comes with some sort of intimidation.  Peter was a high-ranking member of the Jewish leadership.  One would think that he would not be intimidated by a group of other Jews who were not even apostles.  However, Peter apparently did not want to face the criticism that eating with Gentiles may have caused.  No matter what the reasons might have been, Peter was fearful and allowed that emotion to control his actions and lead him away from the truth.  Popularity is so important to us that it often blinds us to the sinful attitudes and actions that can hinder our walk with God.  The fear of man can never supplant the fear of the Lord.

 

PETER’S INFLUENCE: Another problem with giving into the fear of men is that it is contagious.  Peter’s actions influenced the other Jews and even Barnabas to separate themselves from the Gentiles.  Sin will often take others in its wake.  When leaders model a hypocritical posture, it is even more likely that others will follow their example.  Peter’s insecurity had a far greater impact than he likely imagined.  Our commitment to the truth will influence others, just as our sinful tendencies will impact others.  

 

PAUL’S INDIGNATION: The only way to deal with this kind of sin in the lives of other is by direct communication and courageous confrontation.  Paul became indignant by what he observed in Peter’s intimidation and his influence on others.  However, he handled it by confronting him face to face.  He didn’t go behind his back and complin to others.  He didn’t just ignore it and allow bitterness and animosity to begin building in his life.  Instead, he rebuked Peter to his face in front of everyone.  Peter’s sin was public so the confrontation needed to be public.  When our brothers in Christ give in to the fear of men, we owe it to them to hold them accountable for their own good and for the health of the body of Christ.

 

APPLICATION: Don’t be too concerned about what others might think of us.  Don’t allow others to influence us to follow them into sin.  Beware that our choices have an eternal impact on ourselves, others and the body of Christ as a whole.  Confront people at the same level of publicity that their sin occurred.  Humbly receive that faithful rebukes of others when we fall into the traps of sin and self assureance.