THURSDAY, JANUARY 6
Scripture: Galatians 2: 11-13

Did Paul expect the Galatians to represent Jesus the Judge? Verses 11-13 state, “But when Peter had come to Antioch, I withstood him to his face, because he was to be blamed; for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came he withdrew and separated himself fearing those who were of the circumcision. And the rest of the Jews also played the hypocrite with him, so that even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy.” It is interesting that Galatians 2 shows us the conflict that took place among the apostles. Paul confronted both Peter and Barnabas about their hypocrisy and it is obvious that Paul won the argument. How strong did Paul get with Peter and Barnabas? Did Paul mention them as example of the an-ath-em-ah, double-death anointing and its ability to save from error? Angelos is the Greek word used meaning one sent with God’s messages. This same word is used in addressing the individual leaders of each of the seven churches of Revelation. The Greek word for withstood is the same one used for resist the devil in James 4:7 and I Peter 5:9. The case can be made that Paul confronted Peter and Barnabas for supporting that which was an-ath-em-ah to God! Paul stood for Jesus the Judge and he persuaded even the other apostles through the authority of the Judicial Christ that was upon him. That same authority is available to us! Should we go one more year without it? I think not!