But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

                                                                                                                 Galatians 2:14

I have made mention before that the word hypocrite is a theatrical term meaning, “to wear a mask.” Being a hypocrite is not being a Christian and making mistakes rather it is pretending to be something that you are not. Denial of mistakes is what breeds hypocrisy, not the mistakes themselves. Cephas (Peter) was acting in a hypocritical manner because he was enjoying spiritual freedom with his fellow Gentile believers yet his countenance and behavior changed when his Jewish friends were around. Scripture tells us that it was fear that drove this hypocrisy. I believe that is what Paul was talking about when he said that he was no longer trying to please other people (Galatians 1:10). Anytime we begin to allow fear of the reaction of others to dominate our thinking, we start down a road of compromise in our Christian life. Peter had fallen into this trap.

There are two things that I like about this passage. First, I like the fact that Paul did not hesitate to confront Peter about his hypocrisy. It doesn’t appear that Paul even considered Peter’s status among the apostles. He saw a fellow believer acting in a way inconsistent with the gospel and “he opposed him to his face.” Secondly, I like the fact that Peter didn’t “pull rank” on Paul. There is no evidence that Peter attempted to hide behind his status as an apostle. Consider what could have taken place, “How dare you Paul. I was there when Jesus did all of his miracles. I walked and talked with Christ. I’ve been at this a lot longer than you have. Don’t you know who I am?” If we are honest, that’s how many of us might have reacted. But there is no evidence that Peter argued the point with Paul. It is vitally important, especially for those in church leadership positions, to stay humble towards one another, not attempting to hide behind titles, degrees, or spiritual accomplishments. Although Peter acted in a hypocritical manner, he seems to have maintained his humility during the confrontation with Paul.

I believe it is important for us to acknowledge Paul’s determination in protecting the gospel. Consider the following:

I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ.

                                                                                                                        Galatians 1:6-7

But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!

                                                                                                                             Galatians 1:8

As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!

                                                                                                        Galatians 1:9 

But it was because of the false brethren secretly brought in, who had sneaked in to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. But we did not yield in subjection to them for even an hour, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you.

                                                                                                                        Galatians 2:4-5 

But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, “If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?

                                                                                                                           Galatians 2:14 

And Paul is just getting started. He will continue with this theme throughout the remainder of the letter. The truth of the gospel is Paul’s focus. When we add to the simplicity of the good news of Jesus we distort the gospel. Paul recognized the negative spiritual consequences that come from emphasizing the religious works of man over salvation by faith. Disruption, distortion, accursed (used twice), and bondage are all words Paul associates with those who attempt to preach a “different gospel.”

The gospel is good news. Paul equated Peter’s fear of the Jews to “not being straightforward” about this good news. What about you? Have you experienced salvation by faith in Jesus Christ or are you in bondage to a message that is not good news at all? God loves you. Christ died for you. For Jew and Gentile alike, salvation and spiritual life are only a prayer away. The gospel brings spiritual freedom! Let’s dedicate ourselves to the proclamation of the good news about Jesus!

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, abounding in riches for all who call on Him; for “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

                                                                                                                   Romans 10:12-13