Fearing the People - October 21

Read Galatians 2:11-12 

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. For before certain men came from James, he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came he drew back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party. 

Reflect 

Have you ever acted in a way that is not consistent with the Gospel because you feared what others will think and say about you? 

Simon Peter (Cephas) is quite the character in the Bible. Throughout the Gospels, he was passionate and zealous for Christ. In Matthew 16:15-16, after Jesus asked the disciples, “Who do you say that I am?” it was Peter who ardently declared: “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”  

Peter was one of Jesus’ first disciples and he quickly left everything behind to follow Him. From the start, his leadership characteristics shine through the text and he was quick to speak up on behalf of the group. He was a part of Jesus’ inner circle along with John and James, the sons of Zebedee.  

But Peter definitely wasn’t perfect. In some cases, it seemed as if his best traits were often the very traits that tripped him up the most. His enthusiasm and intensity led him to act and speak impulsively. He often jumped ahead without considering the consequences. One of those instances was when he claimed that he would never betray Jesus but, suddenly fearing the consequences of his association with Jesus, he denied Him—not once, but three times (Matthew 26:33, 69-74)! 

Still, through it all, Jesus was steadfast toward Peter and maintained that Peter would be a leader in building up His church. Of all people, Peter should have deeply understood that apart from the Lord’s grace, no one can be saved. After all, Peter was guilty. He had failed the Lord. He wasn’t better than anyone else. But the Lord was gracious toward him and offered him forgiveness and salvation. Jesus even reinstated him as a key apostle! 

In today’s verses, we see that Peter had once again allowed his fear to cause him to compromise and Paul wasn’t afraid to call him out on it. Peter knew that in Christ, God does not show partiality between Jews and Gentiles (Acts 10:34). Because he understood that, he was eating and engaging in fellowship with both Jews and Gentiles alike while ministering in Antioch. 

But one day, some Judaizers claiming to be from Jesus’ brother James in Jerusalem show up and Peter begins to snub the Gentiles. Why? It’s not like these Judaizers had the power to kill him. They didn’t even have any spiritual authority over him. Peter had been appointed an apostle by Jesus Himself! His authority came from Christ. He should have known that, regardless of what anyone else thought, he wasn’t doing anything wrong by eating with Gentiles. In fact, by eating with Gentiles and not discriminating against them, he was being obedient to the Lord. But he let his fear of what others may think or say lead him into compromise.  

How often are we guilty of the very same thing? Most of the people we fear have no authority over us. They can’t kill us or hurt us. But they can mock us and call us names. They can try to cancel us or assassinate our character. But at the end of the day, we know that if we are being faithful and obedient to the word of God, we are right in the eyes of the Lord. Which is all that ultimately matters. Friends, may we be faithful and act consistent with His Word. May we always fear the Lord more than we fear the reactions of men. 

Respond  

Lord, I confess that sometimes it is difficult for me to stand up and speak up for Your truth. Being a biblically faithful Christian seems to be less and less popular and sometimes, I fear the reaction of the crowd. Please give me the courage to faithfully serve You despite the consequences. Amen. 

Reveal  

Sometimes we shrink back from doing what’s right simply because we fear awkwardness or rejection. This week, find a small way to push past that fear in order to care for someone around you. Maybe there’s a coworker or neighbor you’ve quietly avoided because you didn’t know how to connect—start by inviting them to lunch or asking how they’re really doing. If someone is being left out or talked down to, choose to step in kindly rather than stay silent. These small acts of courage may not seem dramatic, but they communicate something powerful: that people matter more than our comfort or reputation. When you choose connection over caution, you reflect the same grace Jesus extended to Peter—the grace that brings people together instead of letting fear pull them apart.