Gal 2-Acts 10 and 11

Paul confronts Peter

God doesn't deal with Peter based on his mistakes, but rather who God has called him to be, which is a revelation of the character of God and His grace. It doesn't highlight Peter but rather the goodness and faithfulness of God.

Galatians 2:11–14 ESV

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that their conduct was not in step with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, “If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you force the Gentiles to live like Jews?”

this party of Jews to whom Peter fell into fear came from James. Interesting to note that Paul states from James and not Jerusalem. Possibly Paul meant Jerusalem or possibly James initiated the visit.

This party was instructed to teach the new Gentile converts to adhere to the Law of Moses to be saved.

Could it be that was the opinion of James? Acts 15

The hypocrisy of Peter and the rest of the Jews caused Barnabas to be led astray.

Our actions do not just impact ourselves but those around us.

2 Cor 3:2-3 “epistles read by all men” what is the story you are telling? Your are being read whether you know it or not. Especially during times of conflict, troubles, and trials.

Interesting to note the power and persuasion of these Judiazers.... we obviously see this in our day with certain minority groups that call themselves Christians yet hold and practice sins that are specifically addressed as severe enough to exclude one from the Kingdom, yet they have gained a foothold in the Church and have caused many to yield to their position. For many of us we are afraid of the cancel culture sword they wield.

How do we practically put in place the opportunity to call each other up and not tippy toe around the things we clearly see are stumbling blocks in maturing in Christ?

How do we create an atmosphere where this is done and done with grace, not exalting ourselves over each other and not taking on the role you think you're calling is to point out everyone's sin?

Acts 10

Peter commanded to do what was not the norm or at least not the norm based on what he knew.

Can God call on you do that which you may have deemed not Godly or not right?

are we really open to God doing amazing things in our lives which may cause us to go against our grain or understanding, maybe even what you have been taught?

interesting note, Peter denied the Lord 3 times when Jesus was arrested

This same Peter stood up and declared the gospel without fear and pointed out the Jews that they had killed Jesus, 3000 are added to the Church that day.

Now after the event with Cornelius, Peter reverts back to fear of man, regarding those of the circumcision, so as to get up from eating with gentiles so as not to be seen with them or associating with them.

Peter says no to the Lord’s command 3 times regarding killing and eating the unclean animal

Cornelius sends 3 men to retrieve Peter, bunch of 3’s. Maybe God sent 3 men to motivate Peter to address his sin pattern that continues to resurface?

Don’t find it unusual if God continues to chase your

Funny note: Peter declares to Cornelius that when he was sent for, he came without objection. LOL This might have been the moment Peter finally overcomes his fear and he voices it with confidence.

This same Peter stood up and declared the gospel without fear and pointed out the Jews that they had killed Jesus Acts 2:23

Peter also confronted the Jews after being arrested for preaching Acts 5:29

Now after the event with Cornelius, Peter reverts back to fear of man, regarding those of the circumcision, so as to get up from eating with gentiles as though he wasn't.

Cornelius - based on Scripture account reflects typical Godly ethics - poses a challenge when we try to judge based on ethics or morals alone. Cornelius may have presented himself better than many Christians in terms of conduct but wasn't saved and didn't have the Spirit.

Is being Spirit led the same as keeping Christian ethics, rules and regulations?

Parallel story - Exodus 19 - God wanted to speak to all and give His covenant, people didn't want to hear God but wanted rules to live by - to their detriment given they couldn't keep the rules.

How do we as Christians do the same? Although we don't keep the law, but do we choose to try our best to do good, be kind, etc? vs having a relationship with God and being Spirit led?

Peter had certain ethics in grained into him being a Jew, but God asked him to do what seemed to contradict those ethics.

Do we miss out on supernatural interventions or moves of God because we are bound by living by ethics vs living by the Spirit?

Fruit of the Spirit is evidence of transformation but not a “to do list”, it is evidence of being led by the Spirit. Its not “what would Jesus do” methods or practises. We are not to try to do the fruit, we are the fruit.

Jesus rebuked the pharisees for searching the scripture but not accepting Him. Their perspective was how can I keep the law vs how can I follow God and be transformed. Man centered vs God centered. John 5:39 . Do we also search the scriptures with the angle of being a better person or do we search the scriptures to find God, to know Him better, to want to hear Him?