Basic HTML Version
The Amish Voice 2
INTRODUCTION:
There is a little bit of the “Prodigal Son” in all of us. Unless we are
firmly grasping our Father’s hand, we are prone to drift away. Like
everyone else, we as believers can become mesmerized by the lures of
the world that beckon us. And the longer we listen to the pleas, attrac-
tive and appealing as they sound, the less we desire to remain in a
place that is safe.
This is a passage packed full of truth and meaning for all men,
but especially for the believer. It is a passage that deals with backslid-
ers, with righteousness and self-righteousness, works and faith, the law
and God’s grace. It is a passage that needs to be proclaimed to the
world. It is the message of the gospel proclaimed to those who drift
away.
OUTLINE:
1. Paul confronted Peter (vv.11-13).
2. A believer cannot have double standards (v.14).
3. A believer is justified by faith alone (vv.15-16).
4. A believer is not misled by Christ (vv.17-18).
5. A believer is justified by living for God (vv.19-21).
1. PAUL CONFRONTED PETER (vv.11-13).
What happened is simply explained. Paul and Barnabas were ministers
of the Antioch church, and they had apparently invited Peter to visit
them, or else Peter had taken it upon himself to conduct some services
in Antioch (see Ac.11:25-26). Antioch was not only a great church, but
it was the first great Gentile church and the very first church to send
missionaries forth. It was comprised mainly of Gentile believers (see
Ac.11:20-21; 13:1-3). When Peter began his ministry in Antioch, he
joined right in with the Gentiles, fellowshipping, eating, and sharing
with them. However, some Judaizers or religionists came to Antioch
and began to visit the church. They were astounded to find Peter fel-
lowshipping and eating so freely with Gentiles, even though they were
Christians. Remember: the Judaizers believed in the gospel of Jesus
Christ, but they thought it was only an addition to the existing religion
(Judaism). They said that if people wished to be saved...
they had to undergo the ritual of circumcision
they had to subject themselves to the law of Moses
they had to adopt the ritual and ceremonies of the existing reli-
gion
they had to practice the rules and regulations of religion, for ex-
ample, observe strict food laws which prohibited the eating of
pork and meat bought in the marketplace
they had to separate themselves and have no fellowship with
Gentiles who had not been circumcised nor subjected themselves
to the law of Moses and the rules and regulations of religion
When the Judaizers saw Peter, the great Jewish apostle, eating
with Gentiles who had not done these things, they apparently jumped
all over him. They even used James’ name to support their position. Of
course, James did not support their position or false teaching (see
Ac.15:24). However, Peter weakened under their attack and withdrew
himself from close fellowship with the Gentiles. When Peter withdrew,
the inevitable happened: the church split. The church became tragically
divided just as any church does when a leader becomes a man-pleaser
and begins to follow critics and cliques.
Note how severe the split was: Peter and the other Jews sepa-
rated themselves from the Gentiles. And note another fact: their argu-
ment was so strong that the senior minister, Barnabas, was even led to
join their ranks. Paul stood alone among the leaders to fight for the
truth of the gospel.
Another way to look at Peter’s failure is to look at the three
gross sins he committed. (See Ga.2:14 for discussion.)
2. A BELIEVER CANNOT HAVE DOUBLE STANDARDS
(v.14).
In common language, Peter was two-faced; he was a man-pleaser. He
ate with the Gentile Christians, but when some Judaizers arrived, he
separated himself completely from the Gentiles. He feared what the
Judaizers would think. His failure was
threefold.
He was hypocritical. He said one thing (Ga.2:9) but lived
something else (Ga.2:11-12).
He followed the crowd simply because they put pressure upon
him—even when he knew better.
He esteemed some persons better than others (Ga.2:12).
1. Peter was walking an unrighteous path, not living according to
the truth of the gospel. The gospel declares that God loves and
receives
all men
. But Peter was separating himself from those
who
followed Christ differently
than he and the mother church
at Jerusalem.
This publishing work is registered as a charitable organization in the USA and is supported through freewill offerings. We welcome
your articles, testimonies and questions. We reserve the right to edit or decline any material and are not responsible for the return of
any articles.
Since our beginning in 2000, many people have written to us, asking to be added to our mailing list, while others have sent us names of
their friends and family members. We think it is important for us to tell you that the cost of
The Amish Voice
is $.45 a copy and is totally
funded by readers from across our great country, who appreciate the ministry and care to support it. If the Lord would lay it on your
heart to come along side of us, by helping with expenses, it would be a great benefit as well as highly appreciated. In order to contin-
ue receiving the Amish Voice, please keep us informed of any changes to your address.
W
H
O
W
E
A
R
E
QUESTIONS:
1. Does anyone love you enough to confront you if you are going
astray? Are you able to receive correction from him?
2. Do you love anyone enough to confront him if he is going
astray? Is he able to receive correction from you?
3. Everyone has to face peer pressure. In what areas of your life
do you feel the pressure to conform to the world and its pres-
sures? What can be done to avoid giving in to these pressuring
situations?
4. How does trusting God allow you to accept others who are
different?