When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face,
Summary: Sadly, conflict is an unavoidable part of life this side of heaven.
How do we deal with conflict in the church?
Cephas, aka Peter, was a pillar in the new church. He was considered the leader of the apostles that Jesus had left behind after he ascended to heaven. Paul also was considered a force to be reckoned with. Barnabas had brought Paul to Antioch specifically to help lead the young church there.
To have Paul and Peter in the same place at the same time would be amazing. Given that they were both leaders in the church, it would be important that they were seen as being of one mind in Christ. Yet here we have Paul telling us that he opposed Peter to his face. We can’t know for certain, but it seems likely that their confrontation was witnessed by others.
What was going on?
Paul will explain the details in the next few verses, but for now it is enough to consider the scene that was witnessed by the early church. Two of their greatest leaders had joined together for what should have been a meeting of mutual encouragement. Instead, there was conflict.
How did they deal with this? Did Paul back down to ensure “peace?”
Apparently not.
Instead, he “opposed [Peter] to his face.”
Wow.
The conflict was over a matter of principle that was critically important to Paul’s understanding of the gospel.
We can only imagine what that meeting was like. Was Paul angry? Was Peter shocked? I suspect, given the people involved, that the meeting was courteous, but serious. It turned out that Peter was in the wrong. Paul’s reliance on faith in Christ won the day.
Since that time, this scene has played out over and over again in church history. Sometimes, the pure gospel wins. Other times, somebody has added something to complicate the gospel message. Occasionally, instead of working out their differences, believers have gone their separate ways.
It is commendable that these two giants of the early church were able to resolve their differences.
Application: A deep understanding of God’s Word is a powerful ally when deep conflict arises.
Food for Thought: How might things have turned out if their roles had been reversed and Paul was the one who had strayed from he true gospel?
It is difficult to imagine that Paul could be influenced by outside forces to compromise his gospel message as evidently Peter did. But it is also hard to imagine that Peter did.
I have no idea how such a situation would turn out, because it didn’t happen 😊. But hopefully, like Peter did, Paul too would receive the correction and repent of his position.
All people are susceptible to error. So it should not surprise us to see them sin. We are not told to keep our eyes fixed on Peter or Paul, but in Jesus (Hebrews 12: 2; 1 Corinthians 3: 1 – 11).
Great point, Rich.
Even if we go wrong somehow, fixing our eyes on Jesus brings us quickly back on course.
Anything less than being justified by faith will ultimately place mankinds will above Gods will. Then there will be an element of self preserbation thrown in and the exclusion of someone or a group of people.
Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
Lol, forgot to put my name.
Chris,
You make a great point. It is simple, but at the same time complicated. Reliance on Jesus is simple, but describing it can lead to complications.
02-03-2021, How might things have turned out if their roles had been reversed and Paul was the one who had strayed from he true gospel?
We would not have the Three Minute Bible. Paul did not stray.
Paul was circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee. Philippians 3:5
He had received letters from the high priest and the whole council of elders to his Jewish brothers in Damascus, authorizing him to bring the Christians from there to Jerusalem, in chains, to be punished. He followed the Jewish religion and violently persecuted God’s church. Doing his best to destroy it. He was so zealous that he harshly persecuted the church. And as for righteousness, he obeyed the law without fault. Act 22:5, Galatians 1:13, Philippians 3:6,
Jesus appeared to Paul, Acts 9:5-6,22:17-21,23:11,26
Paul was convicted of his sin, righteousness and judgement to come. John 16:8-11
The word convict means to convince someone of the truth; to reprove; to accuse, refute, or cross-examine a witness. The Holy Spirit acts as a prosecuting attorney who exposes evil, reproves evildoers, and convinces people that they need a Savior.
The convicted feel the sheer loathsomeness of sin as they see God’s beauty, purity and holiness, and fully understand sin cannot dwell with Him, Psalm 5:4.
When Isaiah stood in the presence of God, he was immediately overwhelmed by his own sinfulness: “Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips and my eyes have seen the King, the LORD Almighty”. Isaiah 6:5
“How could I do this great evil and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9
“Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight”. Psalm 51:4
The Holy Spirit not only convicts people of sin, but He also brings them to repentance. Acts 17:30; Luke 13:5
2 Corinthians 1:21-22, Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.
Hebrews 7:21, for they indeed became priests without an oath, but He with an oath through the One who said to Him, “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind, You are a priest forever’
Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Ron,
You are right — whatever happened at that meeting would have been guided by the Holy Spirit. Thank you! 🙂