Book of Galatians - Chapter 2 - Verse 12
Meaning
In this verse, the apostle Paul recounts a situation where Peter, also known as Cephas, acted hypocritically by eating with the Gentiles before certain Jewish Christians arrived from James. Peter then separated himself from the Gentiles out of fear of offending the Jewish Christians who believed in circumcision. This incident highlights the issue of prejudice and hypocrisy within the early Christian community. It shows how even a prominent figure like Peter could succumb to societal pressures and compromise his beliefs. The verse serves as a cautionary reminder to believers to be consistent in their actions and to not show favoritism or discrimination based on external factors. It also emphasizes the importance of confronting and challenging cultural barriers that may hinder the unity and acceptance within the body of Christ.