Gal 2:11-14 | RWP | e4.org | I resisted him to the face ( κατα προσωπον αυτω αντεστην ). Second aorist active indicative (intransitive) of ανθιστημ . "I stood against him face to face." In Jerusalem Paul faced Peter as his equal in rank and sphere of work. In Antioch he looked him in the eye as his superior in character and courage. Because he stood condemned ( οτ κατεγνωσμενος ην ). Periphrastic past perfect passive of καταγινοσκω , old verb to know against, to find fault with. In N.T. only here and .

‏ Galatians 2:11-14

I resisted him to the face ( κατα προσωπον αυτω αντεστην ). Second aorist active indicative (intransitive) of ανθιστημ. "I stood against him face to face." In Jerusalem Paul faced Peter as his equal in rank and sphere of work. In Antioch he looked him in the eye as his superior in character and courage.

Because he stood condemned ( οτ κατεγνωσμενος ην ). Periphrastic past perfect passive of καταγινοσκω, old verb to know against, to find fault with. In N.T. only here and 1Jo 3:20f.

For before that certain came from James ( προ του γαρ ελθειν τινας απο Ιακωβου ). The reason ( γαρ ) for Paul's condemnation of Peter. Articular infinitive in the genitive after προ with the accusative of general reference ( τινας ), "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 (Ac 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 (Ac 11:1ff.).

He did eat with the Gentiles ( μετα των εθνων συνησθιεν ). It was his habit (imperfect tense).

He drew back ( υπεστελλεν ). Imperfect tense, inchoative action, "he began to draw himself ( εαυτον ) back." Old word υποστελλω. See middle voice to dissemble (Ac 20:20, 27), to shrink (Heb 10:38).

Separated himself ( αφωριζεν εαυτον ). Inchoative imperfect again, "began to separate himself" just like a Pharisee (see on 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 ( φοβουμενος τους εκ περιτομης ). This was the real reason for Peter's cowardice. See Ac 11:2 for " ο εκ περιτομης " (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.

Dissembled likewise with him ( συνυπεκριθησαν αυτω κα ). First aorist passive indicative of the double compound verb συνυποκρινομα, a late word often in Polybius, only here in N.T. One example in Polybius means to pretend to act a part with. That idea here would help the case of the rest of the Jews, but does not accord with Paul's presentation.

Insomuch that even Barnabas ( ωστε κα Βαρναβας ). Actual result expressed by ωστε and the indicative and κα clearly means "even."

Was carried away with their dissimulation ( συναπηχθη αυτων τη υποκρισε ). First aorist passive indicative of συναπαγω, old verb, in N.T. only here and 2Pe 3:17. Hυποκρισε is in the instrumental case and can only mean hypocrisy in the bad sense (Mt 23:28), not merely acting a part. It was a solemn moment when Paul saw the Jerusalem victory vanish and even Barnabas desert him as they followed the timid cowardice of Peter. It was Paulus contra mundum in the cause of spiritual freedom in Christ.

But when I saw ( Αλλ' οτε ειδον ). Paul did see and saw it in time to speak.

That they walked not uprightly ( οτ ορθοποδουσιν ). Present active indicative retained in indirect discourse, "they are not walking straight." Ορθοποδεω ( ορθος, straight, πους, foot). Found only here and in later ecclesiastical writers, though ορθοποδες βαινοντες does occur.

According to the truth of the gospel ( προς την αληθειαν του ευαγγελιου ). Just as in 2:5. Paul brought them to face ( προς ) that.

I said unto Cephas before them all ( ειπον τω Κηφα εμπροσθεν παντων ).

Being a Jew ( Ιουδαιος υπαρχων, though being a Jew). Condition of first class, assumed as true. It was not a private quarrel, but a matter of public policy. One is a bit curious to know what those who consider Peter the first pope will do with this open rebuke by Paul, who was in no sense afraid of Peter or of all the rest.

As do the Gentiles ( εθνικως ). Late adverb, here only in N.T. Like Gentiles.

As do the Jews ( Ιουδαικως ). Only here in N.T., but in Josephus.

To live as do the Jews ( Ιουδαιζειν ). Late verb, only here in the N.T. From Ιουδαιος, Jew. Really Paul charges Peter with trying to compel (conative present, αναγκαζεις ) the Gentiles to live all like Jews, to Judaize the Gentile Christians, the very point at issue in the Jerusalem Conference when Peter so loyally supported Paul. It was a bold thrust that allowed no reply. But Paul won Peter back and Barnabas also. If II Peter is genuine, as is still possible, he shows it in 2Pe 3:15. Paul and Barnabas remained friends (Ac 15:39f.; 1Co 9:6), though they soon separated over John Mark.