Searching for Reconciliation

Confronting others concerning biblical/theological compromise is never easy or pleasant. Such encounters must be handled with sensitivity to the needs of others, directed by spiritual wisdom and the Scriptures, and guided by the Holy Spirit. Paul closed chapter two of his letter to the Galatians by telling of his public encounter with Peter, during which Paul boldly confronted Peter concerning his hypocrisy before the church in Antioch. In so doing, Paul unwaveringly confirmed that we are justified by faith in Christ while strongly opposing the preaching and practice of being justified by the works of the law.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Read in Acts 10 and 11 of how God moved in the lives of Peter and Barnabas and led them to minister to the Gentiles, and eventually to those in Antioch. How does this influence your understanding of the actions of both Peter and Paul in Galatians 2?

2. Peter’s hypocrisy was caused by his being “afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.” Have there been times when your spiritual behavior was negatively influenced by your fear of what others might think of you? How did you respond? How did it impact your relationship with Jesus?

3. Consider Galatians 2:13, “The other Jews joined [Peter] in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray.” Discuss how this ties into our mission of Influencing People to Find and Follow Jesus? How can we avoid leading people astray in fulfilling our mission?

4. In verse 14, what did Paul mean when he said he saw that Peter and others “were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel?”

5. Discuss what it means to be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law? Consider how you would explain/teach this to others.