As a result of revelation, Saul of Tarsus experienced a tremendous upheaval in his personal life

Paul and Barnabas’ returned to Antioch from the apostles’ conference in Jerusalem with confirmation that faith in Christ is the unique gospel. The believers “rejoiced at t= he encouragement” (Acts 15:31). Cephas supported the truth of the gospel at Jerusalem. Cephas afterwards came to Antioch, enjoyed fellowship and ate with the Gentiles, free from condemnation. He practiced according to the visi= on he had seen earlier (Acts 10) regarding God’s acceptance of believing Gentiles as “clean.” All was well in Antioch= .

Then, some came from James. The environment changed. Joy and sincerity were overtaken by coercion and legality. Law and tradition reemerged despite the accord reached in Jerusalem. Cephas’ freedom and enjoyment changed to fear of “the circumcision.” Despite all he had seen and spoken previously, he shrank back and separated himself to the Jews. He knew the truth full well but de= parted from it, dutifully playing the role cast by the intimidating visitors.=

The timid complicity of Cephas, the great apos= tle, had a compelling effect on others. The Jewish believers in Antioch joined him in hypocrisy. Even Baranabas, who labored with Paul for years to bring the gospel to Gentiles,= was carried away with them. This = result of this act was compelling now to the Gentiles. Again their faith was shaken as to whether they needed to adhere to the law.

Paul saw this conduct led astray from the trut= h of the gospel. Such deviation at= the origin of the Christian life would affect the ensuing course, eventually leading the entire church to discount Christ’s work as insufficient, requiring addition of our own works to be saved. The believing Jews’ own cons= cience should testify clearly that works of law never would justify them.

They were unable to bear that burden. So, Paul opposed Cephas to his fac= e for leading brothers into this trap. Cephas was condemned by his own actions. This was not merely about food. Nor was it about Peter, Barnabas o= r even Paul himself. This was about = the foundation of faith. Only by = faith in Christ will we be justified. The only work that avails for salvation is Christ’s work on our behalf.

We must reject anything, apart from Christ, th= at would be introduced as necessary for our salvation or growth, regardless how impressive and influential the source.&nbs= p; They will become a burden that no one has ever been able to bear.

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