Galatians 2:13
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse highlights how deeply hypocrisy can spread, even drawing in trusted leaders like Barnabas, Paul's long-time partner. This wasn't just about Peter's inconsistency; it was about the entire group of Jewish believers joining in his pretense, showing how quickly a flawed example can sway others and create a false consensus.
And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy.
English Standard Version (ESV)
The narrative describes a tense situation in the early church at Antioch. Peter, a prominent apostle, had been eating with Gentile believers but suddenly withdrew when a delegation from Jerusalem arrived, fearing their judgment. This verse reveals that other Jewish Christians in Antioch followed Peter's hypocritical example, and even Barnabas, Paul's close companion, was influenced by this fear-driven conformity, compromising the gospel's truth.
Ever seen one person's bad decision ripple through a whole group? This verse shows how easily deception can spread, even to the best of people.
The passage highlights how a deviation from truth, even by respected leaders, can create a wave of hypocrisy.
The Power of Example
Peter, a prominent apostle, initially separated himself from the Gentile believers in Antioch. This wasn't just a personal choice; it sent a powerful message. The other Jewish Christians, who had previously embraced fellowship with Gentiles, now followed Peter's lead. This illustrates the immense influence that leaders, even when in error, can have on their communities.
Concealing Conviction
Their 'dissimulation' or hypocrisy involved concealing their true convictions. They likely still believed in the gospel's truth that broke down barriers between Jews and Gentiles. However, by mimicking Peter's withdrawal, they publicly acted as if Jewish customs were still mandatory for Gentiles, betraying their deeper spiritual understanding.
Even the Best Can Stumble
Remarkably, even Barnabas, Paul's close companion and a man known for his faith and the Holy Spirit's presence, was swept up in this wave of hypocrisy. This wasn't because Barnabas suddenly changed his beliefs, but because the force of example and social pressure can be incredibly strong, leading even godly individuals astray.
Ask a follow-up
When truth is compromised, standing by does nothing. This verse is part of a pivotal moment where Paul steps up, risking his reputation for the sake of the gospel.
Paul's confrontation of Peter, described in the verses surrounding this one, wasn't about personal conflict; it was about defending the core truth of the gospel.
The Gospel's Integrity at Stake
The issue in Antioch wasn't a minor disagreement. Peter's actions, by separating from Gentiles, implied that Jewish law was still required for salvation or full acceptance. This directly contradicted the gospel Paul preached – that salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not by adherence to the Law.
Public Stand for Public Error
Paul's decision to 'withstand him to the face' publicly was a bold move. He recognized that Peter's error, amplified by the hypocrisy of the other Jews and the influence on Barnabas, threatened to undo the freedom and unity Christ had established for all believers, Jew and Gentile alike. A private word wouldn't suffice for a public deviation.
Preserving Christian Liberty
Paul's core message was that the gospel liberates believers from the bondage of the law. Peter's behavior was compelling Gentiles to live like Jews, effectively undermining this freedom. Paul's courageous stand was to ensure that the 'truth of the gospel' – the liberating power of God's grace through faith – remained uncompromised.
Understand the original words
hypokrisis · Greek Noun
Acting in a way that is inconsistent with one's stated beliefs; literally an actor wearing a mask, denoting duplicity or pretense in moral conduct.
This event highlights the profound danger of social pressure and the fear of man, showing how even respected leaders like Peter and Barnabas could compromise the gospel's clear message under duress.
c. AD 48-49
Jerusalem Council
A pivotal council where apostles and elders decided that Gentile believers did not need to be circumcised or follow the Mosaic Law, establishing clear guidelines for inclusion.
c. AD 49-50
Peter visits Antioch
Peter, the apostle to the circumcised, visits the predominantly Gentile church in Antioch. He initially eats freely with Gentile believers, demonstrating acceptance.
c. AD 49-50
Arrival of James's delegation
Delegates sent by James, the leader of the Jerusalem church, arrive in Antioch. Their presence creates pressure and fear among Jewish believers.
c. AD 49-50— this verse
Peter withdraws from Gentiles
Under pressure from James's delegation, Peter separates himself from eating with Gentile believers. This action contradicts the Jerusalem Council's decision and the truth of the gospel.
c. AD 49-50
Barnabas and other Jews follow Peter
Influenced by Peter's example and the fear of the delegates, other Jewish Christians, including Barnabas, compromise their convictions and participate in the hypocrisy.
c. AD 50-51
Paul confronts Peter publicly
Paul boldly confronts Peter in front of the entire church for his hypocrisy and for compelling Gentiles to live as Jews, thereby jeopardizing the gospel's truth.
This passage describes the subsequent disagreement between Paul and Barnabas, possibly stemming from incidents like the one in Antioch, highlighting the serious consequences that even respected leaders' compromises can have on relationships.
1 Corinthians 8:10This verse speaks to the danger of a 'knowledgeable' Christian's actions causing a weaker brother to stumble, echoing how Peter's influential behavior negatively impacted others, including Barnabas.
Luke 6:42Jesus' teaching on the log in one's own eye before addressing the speck in another's highlights the internal hypocrisy that Paul confronted in Peter and the other Jews, who knew better but acted differently.
Romans 14:15This passage warns against destroying a brother for whom Christ died through one's actions, which is a direct parallel to how Peter's behavior in Antioch was detrimental to the unity and spiritual well-being of the Gentile believers.
1 Timothy 5:20Paul's instruction to rebuke elders publicly when they sin serves as a precedent for his bold confrontation with Peter, emphasizing that public offenses by leaders require public correction to maintain the integrity of the church.
vincentGalatians 2:13: "And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation."
Dissembled with him (συνυπεκρίθησαν)N.T.o. Peter's course influenced the other Jewish Christians as Antioch, who had previously followed his example in eating with Gentiles.Was carried away (συναπήχθη)Lit. was carried away with them (συν). In Paul only here and Romans 12:16, on which see note. In lxx once, Exodus 14:6.With their dissimulation (αὐτῶν τῇ…
bengelGalatians 2:13: "And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation."
Galatians 2:13 . Ὁι λοιποὶ ) The others , believers.— καὶ ) even Barnabas, whom you would by no means think likely to do such a thing.— συναπήχθη , was led away ) The power of frequent example.
The verse highlights how deeply hypocrisy can spread, even drawing in trusted leaders like Barnabas, Paul's long-time partner. This wasn't just about Peter's inconsistency; it was about the entire group of Jewish believers joining in his pretense, showing how quickly a flawed example can sway others and create a false consensus.
The narrative describes a tense situation in the early church at Antioch. Peter, a prominent apostle, had been eating with Gentile believers but suddenly withdrew when a delegation from Jerusalem arrived, fearing their judgment. This verse reveals that other Jewish Christians in Antioch followed Peter's hypocritical example, and even Barnabas, Paul's close companion, was influenced by this fear-driven conformity, compromising the gospel's truth.
The narrative describes a tense situation in the early church at Antioch. Peter, a prominent apostle, had been eating with Gentile believers but suddenly withdrew when a delegation from Jerusalem arrived, fearing their judgment. This verse reveals that other Jewish Christians in Antioch followed Peter's hypocritical example, and even Barnabas, Paul's close companion, was influenced by this fear-driven conformity, compromising the gospel's truth.
"And the rest of the Jews acted hypocritically along with him, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy." — The verse highlights how deeply hypocrisy can spread, even drawing in trusted leaders like Barnabas, Paul's long-time partner. This wasn't just about Peter's inconsistency; it was about the *entire g…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
