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"They were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel..."

Text: Galatians 2:14a

PAUL’S INTEGRITY

The apostle Paul’s integrity was affronted. He could not remain silent. Not to have spoken up strongly for the truth would mean compromise on Paul’s part.

But when I saw that they were not straightforward about
the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all,
‘If you, being a Jew, live in the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews,
why do you compel Gentiles to live as Jews?
We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles.’

Galatians 2:14-15

1. “The truth of the gospel”

a) It was to be believed.

b) It was also meant to be lived out.

c) There must be a “straightforward” approach adopted.

i) Faith and life must go together.

ii) There must be consistency.

2. “I said to Peter before them all”

a) Peter did this in front of the church.

b) This was a public event.

c) Thus Paul had to deal with the problem publicly (even though it must have been painful for Peter).

3. Paul’s word to Peter

a) Gentiles were regarded as “sinners” by the Jews.

b) This does not mean that Jews were not sinners. (The entire human race is sinful before God.)

c) Before the delegation from James came

i) Peter had not been fastidious about keeping Jewish laws and customs.

ii) Peter had fellowship with Gentile believers at meal times.

d) By pulling himself away

i) Peter was virtually saying that Gentiles ought to live as Jews.

ii) He was “compelling” the Gentiles to live like Jews (keeping Jewish laws and customs).

iii) The implications could not be denied.

iv) This action of Peter was uncalled for and inconsistent with the truth of the Gospel.