In Galatians 2:11-21 Paul recounts a public conflict with Peter that took place in Antioch. It seems Peter, the great apostle, was not above reproach. The passage describes Peter as behaving a certain way around one group of people (the Gentiles) and then acting another way around a different group (the Jews). Paul knew immediately he could not ignore this display of hypocrisy. I think Paul was a little like the Sons of Isasachar in 1 Chronicles 7:1. They “understood the times, and knew what Israel should do.” Paul intuitively understood the perils of compromising gospel truth at this critical stage of church history. Thank God for Paul’s clarity! So much was at stake. Peter’s hypocrisy could have been absolutely destabilizing. Peter had position and influence in the church. This meant that his personal weaknesses and compromises were not always so private. In fact, if left unchecked, he could be downright dangerous to the very truth he was preaching. Verse thirteen confirms this. “The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.” I emphasized the word “even” because there is the sense that even subtle errors can evade the most discerning saints!
While our situation might not carry the same significance as the one in Galatians, there is a clear kingdom principle that we can extract. Compromising the truth of the Gospel is not a personal decision. There are souls at stake. Whatever your sphere of influence, a decision to act out of step with the gospel can put others are at risk. If it happened to Peter, it can happen to us.
Lord, give us the grace to live for truth. Forgive us for compromise that has caused others to stumble. Transform us into men and women of gospel clarity and integrity. Amen.
Excellent admonition here and one that we all need to hear again and again. One that I NEED TO HEAR! If we do not get the Gospel right, then nothing else will be right. Conversely, if we do get it right, then everything else will right…in due time, of course.
May we say, with Paul and without compromise, “I came knowing nothing among you save Jesus Christ and him crucified.”
Amen. Excellent words indeed, Christina. Thank you.
Christina,
Thank you! This week I had to take a decision, regarding this. “No compromising the truth of the doctrine, there are souls at stake”, so true, so simple, yet so hard at times. It was tough to take the step, but God helped me.
I join my voice with yours in prayer, may God help us to stand faithful to His Word.
This is a sobering reminder Christina. It’s easy to compromise Truth when it has the potential to cause conflict. This message also reminds me that not only do I need to be careful not to compromise the Gospel, but also my walk and life. It’s so easy to get careless and appear the hypocrite to those around me (or in public- or…ahem…while driving behind someone who drives too slow) – especially on days when I don’t fell well or allow the cares of the world to overcome me.
Thank you for sharing!