Paul wasn’t afraid of Peter, James, and John‘s opinion

 Good morning. Paul finishes his discussion about his trip to Jerusalem by saying: Recognizing the grace that had been given to me, James and Peter and John, who were reputed to be pillars, gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, so that we might go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised. But when Peter came to Antioch (that was Paul’s base of operations), I opposed him to his face because he stood condemned. This re-iterates Paul’s assertion that James, John, and Peter’s reputation meant nothing to him. For prior to the coming of certain men from James (notice where they are from), he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and hold himself aloof, fearing the party of the circumcision (who believed that circumcision was necessary for salvation). Paul wasn’t afraid of Peter, James, and John‘s opinion, but Peter was afraid of James’ opinion. We will continue with this next time. Father thank You that it is Your will that matters the most – not the opinion of those around us. Help us to seek and do that will every day.

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