Hypocrisy

Now when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy. – Galatians 2.11-13

One might think that two spiritual giants like Paul and Peter would never row. One would think that in their maturity there would not be a major issue that had to be dealt with.

Paul saw Peter and others, including Barnabas, were living one way before the Jews and one way before the Gentiles. Before the Gentiles they lived by grace and before the Jews they lived by the Law.

Hypocrisy is a big deal It was big enough that Paul had to call out Peter and others out for their behaviour. The world sees hypocrisy and it always gives the world reason to mock. They had to be reminded of the need not to be double minded or to act in a way that made them look better.

If Paul had to publicly call out Peter we need to see that hypocrisy is not something we can take lightly. Inall our dealing we must be pure and upright and not give the world a chance to poke holes in our faith.

Beware of the dangers of hypocrisy.