Menu
If you wish to receive these free devotionals every weekday by E-mail, click the button below. Note: you'll have to log in or create your membership account first. Membership in the League is free. Join now!
Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional
Galatians 2:11-12
When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group.
Peter knew the truth. In a vision (Acts 10), the Lord revealed to him that Gentile believers would become heirs to the promise in the same way as Jewish believers. How? By faith in Christ alone. In fact, he acted on this conviction when he shared the Gospel with Cornelius and his entire household. (Acts 10:43-48: "While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 'Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.' So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.")
In our passage today, Paul provides a little more detail about the time Peter spent in Cornelius' home. Apparently, Peter and his company not only stayed with Cornelius, but continued to eat meals with them as well (which was also against Jewish tradition). When messengers came from James to find out what was going on in Antioch, Peter drew back and separated himself from the Gentiles.
Peter knew the Gentiles did not have to conform to the Law for their salvation. Yet, when he had the opportunity to stand up firmly for this truth, he did not. What was Peter's excuse? Fear -- he was afraid of the strong opinions, passion and potential consequences of a confrontation with the "circumcision" group.
Unfortunately, no matter how strong we may think we are, on occasion (just like the Apostle Peter), we may find ourselves fearing people and not standing for the truth of Scripture. (Proverbs 29:25: "Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.") I pray that each of us would learn to draw upon the courage and strength of our Lord -- speaking and standing firmly for truth -- whenever necessary. How have you responded in the past to confrontation? What was the Lord's will? What did you learn?
Sign up to receive the Daily Devotional
There's nothing like God's Word to create purpose in your life that lasts the entire day and beyond. We encourage you to Read, Carry and Share the Word of God. Pocket Devotions are sent by E-mail every weekday (Monday to Friday). On weekends we encourage you to be creative and study on your own in any area of Scripture where God leads you.
You can start from Day 1 at any time. Messages are sent automatically. Subscribe now! You may unsubscribe at any time.
Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.
Español
Português
polszczyzna
Svenska
suomi