In chapter 1 verses 11 – 14 Paul recounts a situation in which Peter the apostle was not acting in accord with the message of grace that he had helped support some time earlier. Peter’s actions showed a distinction of Christians of Jewish background and those who believed yet were not born under the Law. In front of a large group Paul confronted Peter regarding his actions; his wrong actions. I wonder what went through Peter’s mind. What words of argument was he preparing? Did Peter’s anger flare? I wonder if the former fisherman ALMOST began to talk like a fisherman again? I have in mind that Peter quickly quieted any thoughts and really listened to Paul’s words. I don’t see him reacting, but rather pondering what was said. Then to the astonishment of the Jewish believers and the joy of the Gentile believers Peter agreed. He might have gotten up and hugged Paul. He might have thanked him out loud for his words of truth or maybe asked Paul to pray with him as he repented of his sinful attitude. But I suspect that sometime during the meal Peter put aside his pride and fear, and joined a table of Gentile Christians, eating from their plates. I imagine that the night of tears after denying Jesus was one memory that Peter never could wipe from his mind. I wonder if his meal with Paul that day was another event permanently etched in Peter’s character.
It took me about 11 minutes to read this passage.
Stuart
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