When he first arrived, he ate with the Gentile believers, who were not circumcised. 

But afterward, 

when some friends of James came, 

Peter wouldn't eat with the Gentiles anymore. He was afraid of criticism from these people who insisted on the necessity of circumcision.

As a result, other Jewish believers followed Peter's hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.

Galatians 2:12-13 NLT

Controversy 

Conflict

Arguments 

Hypocrisy

People being led astray

There's lots going on here inc choosing to talk direclty to people about their behaviour that is impacting others in their faith.

However I'm interested in the "why"

Why did Peter change the way he was?

Because he was afraid. 

Fear of what others would say to him, think about him, fear that others would judge him in some way, see him as "less than", associated with a different social & ethnic group.

Fear. 

Fear of people who he knew held strong views. 

Ever done just what Peter has done and changed, gone against your own values and beliefs out of fear of a strong personality, a person with power, a parent, a boss, a social norm or expectation, fear of losing status?

I have. 

Peter needed Paul to not just be clear about it, but show the impact on others. 

Where do we need Paul to help us stand firm, to face the fear of what others might think or say?

#letters

#Galatians

#donotbeafraid