Galatians 2:11 But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. ¹² For prior to the coming of certain men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision. ¹³ And the rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. ¹⁴ 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?

THE FACE OF HYPOCRISY/GALATIANS 2:11-14

Hypocrite is an ugly name. A hypocrite, by definition, is one who acts a part, or puts on a different face depending on their surroundings. So, a hypocrite is one who pretends to be something that they are not. And, the truth is that we have all encountered such folks. God gives us a powerful case study of hypocrisy, a somewhat unexpected study, from the life of the Apostle Peter. So, let’s listen in on this story, and see what we can glean that will help us face the real danger of hypocrisy. We begin with ...

I) PETER CONFRONTED ABOUT HYPOCRISY

A) Here’s the setting of our story ... Peter (called Cephas) was visiting Antioch. While there, Peter is confronted by the apostle Paul. Paul says it this way, "I opposed him (Peter) to his face, because he stood condemned" (v.11). This is a bit unsettling. Two apostles find themselves at odds with each other, and it is no private matter. What would cause such a thing to happen between two pillars of the church?

B) What was the issue that got Paul so uptight, and led him to make a scene? Hypocrisy. Paul describes the hypocrisy in verses 12 & 13. Peter, who experienced new found freedom in Christ, was enjoying fellowship with those he once considered "unclean," outside the blessing of God--the Gentiles (v.12a). But, when some Jewish folks came around, Peter "began to withdraw and hold himself aloof" from the Gentiles (v.12b). Why? Verse 12 tells us: because he feared the party of the circumcision. Peter’s fear and subsequent hypocrisy was contagious. Note verse 13: others joined in his hypocrisy, even Barnabas got caught up in it all. The power of influence–good or bad--cannot be underestimated. Why was this such a big deal? OK, we’ve all done it ... we’ve played the hypocrite because of fear ... So what? What’s at stake?

C) Paul goes on to tell us what’s at stake in verse 14: "the truth of the gospel." So, it’s no small issue, it’s about how a person is saved that is at issue. Paul then gives us some insight into what Peter’s actions were conveying about the gospel–the message of salvation. Here’s the bottom-line: Peter’s behavior was rebuilding the dividing wall that Christ torn down cf. Ephesians 2:11-16. Peter’s behavior erected a barrier that Christ demolished by His death. Let’s finish by considering ...

II) SOME IMPLICATIONS

A) There are several, but here are three I want to bring to our attention:

1) Public confrontation may be necessary if the gospel of salvation is at stake, as Paul did with Peter. For the most part, confrontation is to be a personal matter according to Matthew 18. But, there are times when the stakes are higher that a public confrontation may be necessary. Surely, such things need to be weighed, prayed about, and counsel sought before public confrontation is attempted. The danger is in thinking that we should seek peace or unity at all costs, even at the expense of the truth of God’s Word. But, our text today teaches us otherwise.

2) At the heart of hypocrisy is the fear of man. That is, the fear of what others may think of us, what they may say about us, or what they may do to us becomes our greatest concern. This was Peter’s problem. Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man brings a snare, But he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted." We cannot suppose that we are trusting in God when we fear man’s opinions or actions. Do you tend to fear man? How does it manifest itself? Being silent when folks talk of salvation as being a matter of personal preference–the all roads lead to heaven view? Added to this danger of personal hypocrisy is the danger personal hypocrisy is to others–Peter’s actions led others into hypocrisy. What then should we do if we are guilty of hypocrisy? Repent of our hypocrisy! Trust in God alone for the outcome of saying and doing what is right according to His Word. Ask others to hold you accountable to a consistent walk of faith. Trust God’s grace!

3) Finally, we need to be sure about the "truth of the gospel." We will be spending more time on this point next week, but for now the gospel is simply: Jesus doing for us what we could not do for ourselves. It is about what Jesus Christ does for sinners, and not what sinners do for Jesus. God declares us just/right with Him through the work of Jesus Christ alone. In other words, we add nothing to this equation. But, this goes against our nature ... We want to take some credit, but none is merited ... We are, as Paul says, "justified by faith in Christ" (v.16). What are you trusting in to save you? Your works? Or Christ’s works alone? Trust Christ today, and be saved!