Did Peter's Vision of the Sheet Mean People & Food?

[sari83]

(05-23-2011 04:20 PM)Rose of Shushan Wrote:  I don't find it so unlikely since it is likely that those of the Circumcision bought significant pressure upon Peter probably doing his head in with the type of arguments that messianics and HR give to justify the still keeping of the food laws.
Or maybe Peter didn't want to offend those of the circumcision and ended up rebuffing the Gentile believers by separating himself of with those that still preached a separation between the two when it came to eating.
It is possible that Peter did so in order to keep in the Circumcision's good books and in keeping with the freedom to live either as a jew or gentile in order to win people to Christ.Paul however realises that this is counterproductive since other jews are then caught up in it too as we read in verse 13[/color][/b]

Gal 2:12 For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles: but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision.
Gal 2:13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.

It seems Paul being protective for the gentile part of the church realises that regardless of the reason for Peter doing what he did, it comes off as hypocritical since prior to that time he had been living like a gentile and thus not observing any law of separation.
One thing I also see here is that by Paul referring to them as the Circumcision (when he and all the other christian jews were also technically of the circumcision)he means those who seemed to still be preaching that gentiles should also obey the law,much like those in HR and messianic circles today..

You give some very good explanations, Rose. It still seems very strange to me that Peter would make a huge blunder like that.

Correct if I'm wrong, this incidence with Peter seems to be an extension of Paul's earlier expression of superiority over the others (apostles I presume) we read about in Galatians chap.2:


Gal 2:1-6
Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. But neither Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised: And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might 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 these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man's person) for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me:(KJV)