The Skirmish
The "skirmish" in Antioch (Gal. chapters 2 and 3) is re-enacted in some points in modern times. Paul was not afraid of the "issue" nor the men at Antioch. Neither was he afraid of causing trouble in the church, but realized the trouble was already there and must be stopped. He didn't talk out of one side of his mouth to the Jewish brethren and out the other side to the Gentiles. He didn't condemn the Gentiles but went right to the source of the trouble, the Jews. He pointed out they were sinning in disfellowshipping the Gentiles. If brethren were honest and sincere today as then, "issues" could be settled now. Since there is and has been quite a bit of disfellowshipping lately let us take a look at some reasons why.
Then after I had been in Beaumont for more than fourteen years some false brethren came in to spy out our liberty and bring us into bondage. "To whom we gave place by subjection, no, not for an hour; that the truth of the gospel might continue with you." But of those who seemed to be somewhat, (Big preachers) makes no difference to me: "God accepts no man's person." I have the same obligation and privileges of preaching the gospel, and defending the faith as they. Christ will work as effectively through me as he will through them. They may seem to be, or think they are "pillars," but when they act the hypocrite, some one must withstand them to their face. I am not saying all who disfellowship others are wicked and down right mean, for I don't believe it. Maybe we expect too much some time from brethren, and this may be one of those times. I expect Paul was a little disappointed in Peter and Barnabas, they knew better, no doubt about this. Some brethren today would have advised Paul to take Peter off to one side and talk this 'thing over so as not to cause trouble. But, I believe Paul did it right, don't you?
But when "Middle of the road" (Firm Foundation) came to the brotherhood, "Anti" (Gospel Guardian) withstood him to his face because he was to be blamed. For before certain came from "Liberal" (Gospel Advocate) he, (F. F.) did eat with (G. G.); but when he, (G. A.) was come, he, (F. F.) withdrew himself from (G. G.) fearing them which were of the (G. A.). And many of the others, "Standing for nothing" dissembled likewise with him; insomuch they were carried away with the dissimulation. But when (G. G.) saw they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, said before them all, If thou being a "Middle of the roader" (F. F.) why compellest thou the "Anti" (G. G.) to live as do the "Liberals" (G. A.)
We, who are Christians by obedience, and not sinners of the "Digression" know a man is not justified by acts of benevolence through human organizations, but by faith in Jesus Christ and his word. For if we build again the things we destroyed (Denominations) we make ourselves transgressors. If, as some say, righteousness comes through human institutions, then the Scriptures do not furnish us unto all good works.
0, foolish brethren, who hath bewitched you, that you should not obey the truth? This would I learn of you, received you the Spirit by works of human organizations, or by the hearing of faith? Are you so foolish? having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by human devices? For as many as are under the works of human organizations, are under the curse: "For it is written, cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them."