There is recorded in Galatians 2 an event that occurred in the church at Antioch of Syria that I refer to as a “clash of Titans.” Although Peter was a leader of the church, he was acting like a hypocrite. Paul knew he had to confront Peter before his actions damaged the church. Therefore, Paul publicly confronted Peter. Sometimes sincere Christians, even Christian leaders, make mistakes and need to get back on track.
Dear ones, it’s easy to rate people on the basis of their official status and to be intimidated by powerful leaders. However, when both parties are at the top of leadership, their actions are always under scrutiny. The church leaders in Jerusalem, James, Cephas (Peter), and John realized that God was using Paul to reach the Gentiles, just as Peter was being used so greatly to reach the Jews. “But when Peter was come to Antioch, I (Paul) withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.” (Gal. 2:11-12) While we can see the “clash of the Titans” between Peter and Paul, internally Peter is having a “clash of the Titans,” i.e., Truth and Tradition. They met head-on, and Peter chose tradition.
Peter knew the truth. Hear him in Acts 10:34-35: “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: But in every nation he that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.” In our society today, there is a continued clash of truth and tradition. Let truth prevail.
Pastor J. Amos Jones
