16.What did Paul do in response to the withdrawing of Peter and the other Jewish Christians?

Paul confronted Peter in public and pointed out to him that his behaviour was inconsistent. "If you, who are Jewish, have left the Law of Moses and are living by faith in Christ, why are you requiring the Gentiles to come under the Law of Moses?

"The Gentile Christians have become true Jews in their inner man by receiving Christ. They no longer are Gentile sinners. Why should they go back under the outward circumcision of the Law of Moses?"

Paul’s logic and straightforwardness left no room for response. What could Peter say in reply?

Paul was correct. To Peter’s credit it may be pointed out that, while he did not always see as clearly as Paul the true character of the new covenant, he continued to support Paul, recognizing the Divine anointing resting on Paul (Acts 15:7-11; II Peter 3:15,16).

Peter’s acceptance of Paul’s wisdom is extraordinary, considering the role Peter had played from the beginning of Christ’s ministry. May God give us the humility of the early Apostles—their willingness to learn from each other.