Public Rebuke by Pastor Poju Oyemade

Paul's rebuke of Peter at Antioch and how it affects us and the "Christian culture" today. The story of two cities, Jerusalem and Antioch. (Part 2 of a four-part series)

It is clear that doctrines are never built out of the experiences of people in the Scriptures no matter who they are. It was only Jesus who was sinless and outside of Him one cannot just "copy" actions without having a sound theological foundation for it. Paul made it clear in his writings the nature of this principle.

For example, the early Church practised at a stage having all things in common among them, without any form of discrimination, they made sure all had from the material substance of others. We, however, read later Paul teaching on the essence of work and encouraging believers not to enable laziness among the brethren. He said

2 Thessalonians 3:10-11
"For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies."

Was the practice of the early Church of having all things in common a valid move? Yes, it was by the promptings of the Spirit as He moved strongly in their hearts but that doesn't mean it should now become a doctrine of faith for believers to always sell all their belongings and distribute among the brethren. If that were the case then the doctrine should extend to all things being placed at the feet of the apostles and whoever doesn't comply fully like Ananias and Sapphira should be placed under judgment by the apostle as did Peter. 

Acts 4:34-35
"Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, And laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need."

Paul also taught that he constantly had to put his body under subjection so that he will live up to the things he was preaching. He knew there was a separation between what was revealed by the Spirit and what men sometimes did. Paul himself retracted a public rebuke he gave the high priest on the grounds that you do not curse the ruler of the people.

Acts 23:3-5
"Then said Paul unto him, God shall smite thee, thou whited wall: for sittest thou to judge me after the law, and commandest me to be smitten contrary to the law? And they that stood by said, Revilest thou God's high priest? Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people."

Paul went up much later to Jerusalem again and came under the influence of the Judaizers that were with James. We must remember Peter had no problem with the Gentiles, he was freely relating with them he and the other Jews until some came to Antioch from James.

Galatians 2:12
"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."

Paul now visits Jerusalem and meets with James and the same set of people who dissuaded Peter from the right path, see what they did to Paul.

Acts 21:18-24
"And the day following Paul went in with us unto James, and all the elders were present. And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry. And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law: And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs. What is it therefore? the multitude must need come together: for they will hear that thou art come. Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them; Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.......Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purification, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them."

Hear what they said and Paul allowed it 

"....and all may know that those things whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law"

This is my personal judgement here, Peter should not have come to Antioch, he was called to the Jews and should have stayed with that while Paul shouldn't have gone to Jerusalem to try to win any Jew for he was sent to the Gentiles. When we step out of our assignment wrong things happen. Did this affect the authenticity of their revelation from God? No sir, not in anyway.

Paul said in Galatians 6:1 that we should not be haughty when we see others make mistakes for we will only set ourselves up to be tempted also. Was Paul teaching from experience?

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

However was Paul right to have rebuked Peter and if so in what context did he do it that made it right?

Let's get back to the beginning, why did Paul have to go to Jerusalem for clearance on the doctrine he was teaching? He had separated himself, God had revealed things to him and in his ministry, God was doing mighty things already. Could he have gone on without visiting Jerusalem and having the discussion with the apostles there? Yes. Why then did he deem it necessary to go and he even said lest I should run or had run in vain. Paul said he went up by revelation, God clearly instructed him to do that, it was important he did it....... to be cont'd.

-Pastor Poju Oyemade
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