Board index ‹ Specific Bible verses, texts, and passages ‹ Galatians

[Salam]

Regarding Galatians 2, were Peter & Paul ever reconciled? Why did the dispute happen if Christ himself told Peter not to follow the tradition of the elders?

[jimwalton]

> Were Peter and Paul ever reconciled?

Yes, they were. You’l read in Galatians 2.9 that following their discussion, James, Peter, and John offered Barnabas and Paul the “right hand of fellowship when the recognized the grace given to me.” They came to a point of agreement.

But then in Gal. 2.11, Paul opposes Peter again. There is no indication of any permanent hostility between Paul and Peter, nor that either viewed the other as inferior. There seems to have been tacit agreement about their ministries. Paul’s argument with Peter here was not a theological difference or any disagreement about the gospel, but only on the irregularity of Peter’s conduct, which the text says was due to social pressure (Gal. 2.12). Peter and Paul meet each other again a few years later at the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15). There is no mention or indication of grudges, hostilities, or bad feelings between them. In contrast, there seems to be acceptance and cooperation.

> Why did the dispute happen?

We know that Peter was an inconsistent kind of guy—we learn that from the Gospels. Peter caved to peer pressure, not unexpected given what we know about him. (Remember he caved in to the servant girl at Jesus's trial.)

You’ll have to show me the text where Jesus himself told Peter not to follow the tradition of the elders.

Thanks for a good discussion.

[Salam]

I believe it's in Mark 7 where Jesus teaches against the tradition of the elders.

[jimwalton]

Yes, it is in Mark 7 where Jesus teaches against the tradition of the elders. I was looking that over, thinking that might be what you were referring to, but there was nothing there where “Jesus told Peter not to follow the tradition of the elders.” They questioned Jesus about why his disciples didn’t wash before eating, according to the tradition. Jesus doesn’t rebuke the elders for living by that tradition, but instead for their hypocrisy. The problem wasn’t the tradition, but their hearts (Mark 7.6). He doesn’t mind that they hold on to traditions; Jesus has a problem that they have let go of God’s commands but make not keeping the tradition a sin. That, according to Jesus, was the issue at hand.

There was no law of Moses requiring washing hands before eating. But these elders were ignoring the real law of Moses (Mk. 7.10-13) while elevating the washing of hands.

When he talks to the crowd (presumably including his disciples) starting at v. 15, he talks about the importance of the condition of the heart. He doesn’t tell Peter anywhere not to follow the tradition of the elders. What Jesus cares about is the sin in people’s hearts.