Galatians 2:17
“But if, while seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have also been found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? May it never be!”
Paul will every once in a while make an argument, follow it to it’s conclusion only to point out it’s folly. This passage is an example. Their message has been that trusting in Christ’s substitutionary sacrifice and resurrection is sufficient for salvation. Then, he brings up the thought, if we’ve trusted Christ, but still in our sin, then Christ is a minister of sin. Of which he says, “May it never be.”
What’s his point? Why does he bring this up? The verse is in the context of Peter giving deferance to the jewish believers. Paul rebuked him publicly. He did this not only to point out the wrong of preferential treatment, but more importantly, the jews did not have a higher status. While that was once true, the cross made us all equal.
Before Christ, the law was present to be kept. However, Peter said it was too great a burden (Acts 15:10). Paul said in Romans 7:13 that part of the purpose of the law was to expose sin. Not to make us sinless. It pointed out the utter hopelessness of righteousness by the law. Thus, the need for Christ.
Paul made a strong stand against Peter because his example was invalidating the gospel. His showing preference for the jews was a subtle support for the law. That’s why Paul blasted him. Yes, it must have been embarrassing, but there was a higher violation that needed to be exposed. God loves us all equally. There is no longer any preferential treatment.
In truth, the was never preference because one people was more special. The Lord chose the Israelites to be a conduit to share the message with all peoples. While this was a privilege, it was a burden. This is spoken plainly by Tevye in the Fiddler on the Roof, “I know, I know. We are Your chosen people. But, once in a while, can’t You choose someone else?”
How is our example? We are to be embasadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are to be the Lord’s representatives. Can others see God’s love when they see us? Does grace pour from our lives? David prays a great prayer demonstrating this point in Psalm 139:23, 24. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting.”
Fortunately, God does this in a merciful manner. We may have many areas that need help. Particularly when we are new to the faith. He gently points out areas here and there, but in His time. He doesn’t overwhelm us with a huge list of negatives. That wouldn’t be loving and that is His greatest trait.
Lord, thank You for Paul and Your Word. Thank You for his courage to point out to Peter and the Galatians how important our examples are. Like David in Psalm 139, search us and point out any offensive ways. Thank You for being gentle with us.