The Context

Paul continues to outline the events following his conversion, providing further evidence that his gospel is not of human origin. In Galatians 1:13-24, Paul demonstrated that he labored independently of the Apostles. In Galatians 2:1-10, he showed that his apostleship was affirmed by them. Now, in this text, Paul asserts that his gospel holds authority even over the other Apostles, because it is the same gospel given to them by Jesus Himself.

The Confrontation

As the narrative unfolds, we witness a dramatic conflict between Peter and Paul in the city of Antioch. Recall that Paul’s early ministry was in Antioch with Barnabas (see Acts 11). Even after Barnabas and Paul were sent on their first missionary journey by the Antioch church, Paul returned to continue his ministry there (see Acts 14:24-28). During this time, Peter visited to labor alongside Paul.

Antioch, about 135 miles north of Jerusalem, was a large, predominantly Gentile city with a significant Jewish population (see Acts 11). The church in Antioch was truly multicultural and multiethnic—the first of its kind in the New Testament. The question was, how would the gospel shape this community of both Jews and Gentiles? The gospel united them. When Peter first arrived, he freely ate with the Gentiles, not imposing Jewish dietary restrictions. Peter understood the freedom the gospel brings. After his vision in Acts 10, he knew God welcomed Gentiles into His covenant family by faith alone.

However, Peter’s behavior changed because of fear. His actions began to suggest that he no longer believed the gospel of grace. This hypocrisy was damaging and dividing the church, as Peter acted out of step with the gospel. This inconsistency led Paul to confront Peter directly.

Main Point of the Sermon: Freedom from hypocrisy is found only in the gospel.

Sermon Outline: Five Realities of Hypocrisy

1. It warrants loving confrontation (v11)
2. It has a deeper cause (v12)
3. It becomes dangerously contagious (v13)
4. It is a serious contradiction (v14)
5. It has a merciful cure

Study Questions:

1. How does hypocrisy undermine the gospel?
2. Why does Paul publicly confront Peter? What can we learn about biblical confrontation from this event? Consider other Scriptures.
3. Why does Paul include this event in his argument at this point in Galatians? What is he telling us about the gospel, and why does it matter?
4. In what ways might we walk out of step with our profession of faith?