Galatians for Beginners - Lesson 5: Paul Confronts Peter

Overview

• Series: Galatians for Beginners
• Lesson Number: 5
• Title: Paul Confronts Peter
• Main Text: Galatians Chapter 2

Context

• Paul defends against accusations of altering the gospel to suit Gentiles by removing commands like circumcision.
• Judaizers argue they and the true apostles (e.g., Peter) uphold the original gospel, including circumcision.
• Paul asserts that Peter and other apostles agree with his gospel, not the Judaizers'.
• Communication barriers of the time allowed Judaizers' false claims to spread.
• Paul writes a letter to address these issues and defend the gospel.

Paul's Confrontation with Peter (Galatians 2:11-21)

Incident in Antioch

• Galatians 2:11: Paul publicly opposed Peter (Cephas) in Antioch because Peter stood condemned for his actions.
• Galatians 2:12: Peter initially ate with Gentiles but withdrew when men from James arrived, fearing Judaizers.

Consequences of Peter’s Actions

• Other Jewish Christians, including Barnabas, followed Peter in his hypocrisy.
• Peter’s actions lent legitimacy to the Judaizers' false gospel and created division between Jewish and Gentile Christians.

Paul's Public Reprimand (Galatians 2:14)

• Paul accused Peter of hypocrisy, pointing out that Peter, a Jew living like a Gentile, was compelling Gentiles to live like Jews.
• Galatians 2:15-16: Even Jews recognize salvation through Christ, not the Law. Paul argues that the Law reveals sin but cannot justify.

The Role of the Law

Purpose of the Law

• The Law was intended to reveal sin and show how God deals with it (Romans 3:20).
• The Law is part of God's broader plan to bring man to an understanding of sin, righteousness, and salvation through Christ.

Misinterpretation by Judaizers

• Judaizers and Pharisees viewed the Law, including their traditions, as a means of self-righteousness.
• They believed they were righteous by being chosen and obeying their version of the Law.
• Paul and Jesus emphasized the true purpose of the Law: to reveal sin and the need for a Savior.

Salvation Through Faith, Not Law

Justification by Faith (Galatians 2:17-21)

• Galatians 2:17: Seeking justification by faith is not sinning; rather, it’s the true path to righteousness.
• Galatians 2:18: Rebuilding the Law-based system brings condemnation and undermines Christ’s sacrifice.
• Galatians 2:19-20: Paul describes being crucified with Christ, dying to the Law, and living through faith in Christ.
• Galatians 2:21: Righteousness cannot come through the Law; if it could, Christ’s death would be meaningless.

Key Points

• Faith in Christ leads to righteousness; the Law reveals sin but cannot save.
• Paul opposes any system that mixes Law and faith, stressing that salvation is solely through faith in Christ.
• Peter corrected his stance after Paul’s confrontation, showing the importance of adhering to the true gospel.

Conclusion

• Next lesson: Exploring other aspects that come by faith, beyond righteousness.
• Emphasis on the sufficiency of faith in Christ for salvation, rejecting legalism.

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