Galatians 2: Goliath vs Goliath

The two biggest leaders within the early church were Peter and Paul. They came head to head on the issue of the gospel. This is the once and for all Super Bowl of Theology. Paul speaks of it plainly as if it were the simplest thing to do. In a sense it was. Paul was clear on the gospel in his own mind, and the thought of the gospel being perverted disturbed him more than a conflict with Peter would; so it really was natural and plain for him to confront Peter directly on the gospel.

This reveals two important truths that empower us when we are in conflict.

1. The real issue in this situation was whether Peter was “walking in line with the truth of the gospel” (v. 14). Our growing clarity in what “walking in line with the truth of the gospel” means will give us a growing sense of morale direction. Also, our growing commitment to “walk in line with the truth of the gospel” will give us the moral footing to make a stand when it counts.

2. Paul had nothing to lose in his conflict with Peter. He had already lost his life (20). To make a stand with the possibility of defeat wasn’t such a big deal. He had already lost and had been taken up into Christ’s win. So he can plainly and with great abandon risk all for the gospel.

Posted by Marc