We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the
truth of the gospel might be preserved for you (Galatians 2:5).
It’s difficult for us to imagine Christianity’s struggle to
break free from its Jewish roots. In the beginning it looked like a sect of Judaism
– people who observed the law, but believed in Jesus as Messiah. That was all
well and good until Paul’s fast-paced ministry to the Gentiles, who felt no
compulsion to adopt Jewish laws and customs.
Judaizers were Jewish Christians who insisted Greek converts
be circumcised and live by Kosher food laws. They would swoop in after Paul
moved on to the next town, and tell the fledgling congregation that the
missionary left out a few things. They would then impose on these new believers
Jewish practices foreign to them.
When Peter traveled from Jerusalem to visit, even he felt
pressured to limit his table fellowship with the Greek converts. And because of
Peter’s waffling regarding the truth, those traveling with him also backed off.
Even Barnabas, a trusted co-worker of Paul’s, was swayed to what the apostle
called hypocrisy.
Paul knew he could not give an inch in this fight: If
righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing! (2:21). If Paul allowed these Jewish
obligations what would the next group want to add? Paul was not just protecting
first century converts; he was protecting us too.
TODAY’S MEDITATION
How will you protect those
who are younger in their faith? Who needs you to hold the line?
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