Unity Is Essential

Galatians 2:11  

"But when Peter was come to Antioch, 

I withstood him to the face, because 

he was to be blamed."

   Here in Antioch arose a terrible problem. The Jews and the Gentiles sit down together at a common meal. If the old law was to be observed it was obviously impossible. Peter came to Antioch and, at first, disregarding the old standards in the glory of the new faith, he shared the meal with Jew and Gentile. Then came in the Jewish party from Jerusalem. They used James' name although quite certainly they were not representing his views, and they worked on Peter so much that he withdrew from the meal. The other Jews withdrew with him and finally even Barnabas got up an moved as well. It was then that Paul spoke with all the intensity of which his passionate nature was capable, for he saw certain things quite clearly.

   A church ceases to be Christian if it contains distinctions. In the presence of God a man is neither Jew nor Gentile, noble nor base, rich nor poor; he is a sinner for whom Christ died. If men share in a common son-ship they must be brothers. 

   Paul saw that action was necessary to stop what just had occurred. He did not wait; he struck.  It made no difference to him that this problem was connected with the name and conduct of Peter. It was wrong and that was all that mattered to Paul.

   My Friends, a famous name can never justify an infamous action. Paul's action gives us an example of how one strong man by his steadfastness can see a obvious infraction and fix it before it becomes a problem.

Amen!

Reading: Gal. 2:11-13

Ref: HG SB

May God Bless You

And Your Family

Minister Robert A. Lail Sr.

The Cross Life Ministry