In this chapter, Apostle Paul began to touch on the crux of the matter — We are all justified by faith in Christ, and not by works (or any other thing).
Here, he narrated what he had witnessed when he went to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus. He also explained his confrontation with Peter.
The common theme from the two cases was: There were members of the fellowship (or so-called Christians) who were hung up on the Law. These ones were the legacy Jews who held strong beliefs about circumcision and the like.
These beliefs were affecting how they were treating the converted Gentiles. They practically treated the Gentiles amongst them as outcasts. It was so bad that Peter was also caught up in it.
Apostle Paul was disappointed in Peter. I mean, Peter really should have known better.
Before the fellowship members, Apostle Paul confronted Peter about it. An action like this from Apostle Paul is quite instructive for us (present-day believers). As far as the true message of the Gospel (faith in Jesus Christ) is concerned, there are no buts.
We are not justified by works.
Faith in Jesus Christ is what brings justification.
Our righteousness is in Christ and not the law.
— — — — — — — — UPDATE — — — — — — — —
So, I was listening to a Bible Study of this book by Pastor Sam [@DrFeruke on Twitter]. I realised I misinterpreted the timing and location of Paul’s confrontation with Peter.
You can check out the Bible study here. (https://youtu.be/3DZ5vTL-r8s)
