Galatians 2:11
What does Galatians 2:11 mean?
A plain-English look at Galatians 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Galatians 2:11 means
When Cephas came to Antioch, Paul confronted him directly because his conduct was blameworthy. This shows that apostolic authority is subordinate to the gospel’s truth. Paul did not relish conflict, but he valued fidelity to Christ more than deference to reputation. A public problem required a public response, especially because the stakes involved fellowship across Jew and Gentile lines. By recording this, Paul demonstrates to the Galatians that no leader is above correction and that even the most honored must walk consistently with the message of grace they preach.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But when Cephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to the face, because he stood condemned.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But when Cephas came to Antioch, I made a protest against him to his face, because he was clearly in the wrong.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And when Peter came to Antioch, to the face I stood up against him, because he was blameworthy,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But when Cephas was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But when Peter came to Antioch, I withstood him to [the] face, because he was to be condemned:
Context
After recounting the Jerusalem agreement and fellowship, Paul introduces a sobering episode: Cephas’s behavior in Antioch contradicted that unity. This sets up the reason for Paul’s rebuke. Verse 12 will describe the pressure that led Cephas to withdraw from table fellowship with Gentile believers. Verse 13 will show the wider impact, even drawing Barnabas into hypocrisy. Verse 14 will present Paul’s public challenge, exposing the inconsistency with the gospel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Jude 1:3
Beloved, while I was giving all diligence to write unto you of our common salvation, I was constrained to write unto you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered unto the saints.
- Matthew 16:23
But he turned, and said unto Peter, Get thee behind me, Satan: thou art a stumbling-block unto me: for thou mindest not the things of God, but the things of men.
- 2 Corinthians 11:21
I speak by way of disparagement, as though we had been weak. Yet whereinsoever any is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold also.
- Galatians 2:7
but contrariwise, when they saw that I had been intrusted with the gospel of the uncircumcision, even as Peter with the gospel of the circumcision
- Acts 15:1
And certain men came down from Judæa and taught the brethren, saying, Except ye be circumcised after the custom of Moses, ye cannot be saved.
- 1 Timothy 5:20
Them that sin reprove in the sight of all, that the rest also may be in fear.
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