Galatians 2: 11-14

Monday, September 02, 2013     Galatians 2: 11-14

In the ancient Greek theater, instead of using elaborate makeup to portray a character, the actors would simply hold a mask over their face. The Greek word for play acting another character is the root for our words hypocrite and hypocrisy. While the origin of the word related to an actor playing the role of another character, by the first century it already carried the same negative connotations that the word hypocrite carries today. As Paul continued to press his case against the Judaizers, he recalls an incident that was probably already well known by that time.

The Apostle Peter had been visiting Paul and the church in Antioch, which was made up of both Jews and Gentiles. The church enjoyed good fellowship and no distinction was made between their different ethnic backgrounds. Then some members of the church in Jerusalem arrived for a visit and Peter felt compelled to withdraw from table fellowship with the Gentiles and sit apart with the Jews from Jerusalem. That touched a nerve in Paul and he immediately, in front of all in the dining room, confronted Peter with his hypocrisy.

This episode invites us to consider two areas in our own lives. First, hypocrisy is an issue in the lives of all Christians. There is one manner of language, expression and actions that we observe on those days we are in church or are in the company of other believers, and there is another manner we live out in our work place, home or places of recreation. We all will do well to ponder the contrast between these differences and seek to understand why we wear so many different masks.

The second area to consider is our attitude about table fellowship. Jesus caused much controversy because he was so inclusive when he was dining with others. This was a huge cultural issue for Jesus and the first century church because dining was considered an intimate event, and the people were very exclusive with whom that they would share a meal. While we probably don’t think this is a big deal in our times, a quick survey of potluck dinners in church fellowship halls reveals people have a strong tendency to sit with the same group at each dinner. In fact, we can be quite choosy and exclusive about whom we want to sit next to at a dinner table.

When I am thinking of myself, my needs and my comfort zone, I too can be quite choosy and exclusive. When my eyes are on Jesus, when I am more concerned that others can see Jesus in my mortal flesh, I find that my attitude changes. It also helps to have my wife Cheryl with me. She loves meeting new people and especially likes sitting at empty tables, and with an open and inviting demeanor, let God draw to us whom He will.

Sē’lah

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(Selah is a word that appears in the Book of Psalms that I often use as the Complimentary Closing in my correspondence. Its meaning, as I use the word, is to pause and think about these things.)

These meditations are written by Alex M. Knight as he seeks the life in Christ as his way of life.  In addition to this BLOG they are distributed on the Constant Contact email server. You may subscribe to this email service by sending an email to: amkrom812@gmail.com. The BLOG is also available on Amazon Kindle, by subscription

Publications by Alex M. Knight:

·        When Christ Thinks of Me: Meditations for the Followers of Jesus will be released on Amazon Kindle October, 1, 2013.

·        Seeking the Life in Christ, Meditations on the New Testament and Psalms has been published and is now available at Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle.

·        The second edition of  First Think – Then Pray is available on Amazon Kindle.

·        Meditations on The Story of My Life as told by Jesus Christ has been released as an e-book on Amazon Kindle.