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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Galatians 2:12 - 2:12
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For before that certain came from James (pro tou gar elthein tinas apo Iakōbou). The reason (gar) for Paul’s condemnation of Peter. Articular infinitive in the genitive after pro with the accusative of general reference (tinas), “for before the coming as to some from James.” Does Paul mean to say that these “certain” ones had been sent by James to Antioch to inspect the conduct of Peter and the other Jewish brethren? Some scholars think so. No doubt these brethren let the idea get out that they were emissaries “from James.” But that idea is inconsistent with the position of James as president of the conference and the author of the resolution securing liberty to the Gentile Christians. No doubt these brethren threatened Peter to tell James and the church about his conduct and they reminded Peter of his previous arraignment before the Jerusalem Church on this very charge (Acts 11:1-18). As a matter of fact the Jerusalem Conference did not discuss the matter of social relations between Jews and Gentiles though that was the charge made against Peter (Act 11:1.).
He did eat with the Gentiles (meta tōn ethnōn sunēsthien). It was his habit (imperfect tense).
He drew back (hupestellen). Imperfect tense, inchoative action, “he began to draw himself (heauton) back.” Old word hupostellō. See middle voice to dissemble (Act 20:20, Act 20:27), to shrink (Heb 10:38).
Separated himself (aphōrizen heauton). Inchoative imperfect again, “began to separate himself” just like a Pharisee (see note on Gal 1:15) and as if afraid of the Judaizers in the Jerusalem Church, perhaps half afraid that James might not endorse what he had been doing.
Fearing them that were of the circumcision (phoboumenos tous ek peritomēs). This was the real reason for Peter’s cowardice. See Act 11:2 for “hoi ek peritomēs” (they of the circumcision), the very phrase here. It was not that Peter had changed his views from the Jerusalem resolutions. It was pure fear of trouble to himself as in the denials at the trial of Christ.