Daily Devotional for Monday, December 16

The Need for Paul's Rebuke

"For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation;' Galatians 2:12,13.

As I read this section of Paul's letter, I cannot help but picture the cool children versus uncool children in the cafeteria. The cool children are at one table staring over at the uncool children and whispering as they giggle, while the uncool children progressively feel more and more unworthy to even eat in the cafeteria. I know Peter's situation was much more serious than that, but think about the times in our churches when we may have made someone feel like he was less of a Christian for some reason. Have you ever been guilty of either accidentally or purposely ostracizing someone because you felt you were superior?

Sometimes holdingfellowbelievers accountable canbeuncomfortable but necessary, especially when the offense involves blatant hypocrisy. Peter was visiting and fellowshipping with the members of the church in Antioch. However, when a group of Jewish Christians from Jerusalem came to Antioch for a visit, Peter separated himself from the Gentile Christians out of fear. He feared what the men from Jerusalem would say and think. Following Peter's lead, others from the Antioch church also separated themselves, including Barnabas who hadbeen advocating for the Gentile believers and proclaiming the gospel of grace through faith alone. While observing these customs is not inherently wrong, Peter gave the Gentile Christians the impression that he believed as the Judaizers did after he had professed his convictions otherwise and led others to follow him. Paul wrote in verse 11 that Peter was to be blamed for leading this dissimulation and needed to be called to accountability.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Let us examine our actions and convictions today to make sure they align with the gospel of grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

Ashley Ridings