One big question that comes up as we read through Galatians is “How were the agitators able to be so successful?” It seems that they had already managed to infiltrate the Jerusalem church quite significantly when Paul and Titus visited (2:1-10). They also were able to get Peter to cooperate with them, even though it does not seem that he accepted their beliefs but he was acting out of fear when he withdrew from eating with Gentiles (2:11-14). The impact of this was so great that even Barnabas seemed to be taken in for a while. The agitators seem even to have the support of James, the brother of Jesus. How could something like this happen under the very noses of the Gentiles? Here are some thoughts.
First, notice that those seeking to cause trouble and division, to lead people astray are organised. They seize the opportunity to infiltrate in numbers. The same kinds of tactics are used in politics and we’ve even seen large, main stream political parties infiltrated by extremists. So Paul talks not just about false teachers but about “false brothers.” It’s not just that there are leaders speaking publicly but others who seem to be part of the rank and file, just ordinary church members. Of course, if anyone challenged them, they could quickly play the weaker brother card or accuse the church of being unwelcoming.
These kinds of tactics mean that those bringing in false teaching are able to do things like:
– Get people onto committees where they can block Gospel initiatives and introduce practices to their liking.
– Ask seemingly innocent questions in small group discussions.
– Drip feed discontent in conversations and at social events inside and outside of the church.
– Dominate church members’ meetings.
– Take positions on ministry teams such as youth and children’s work where they can begin to influence others.
Churches should think carefully about how they welcome people in to the life of the church. Elders have a responsibility to protect the flock from danger. Whilst the Gospel of grace is welcoming and inclusive, it also exclusive in that the only way in is through grace. Before letting people get involved either through formal or more informal membership and belonging, it is essential to know their testimony and to ensure they are in good standing. I would encourage elders to meet with new people and if they have come from another church to approach the leaders there for references.
Second, there is a subtlety to things. It seems to be that it is only when Paul and Titus get to Jerusalem that the issue of circumcision is brought out into the open. The false teachers don’t lead with a full frontal attack on the Gospel and essential doctrines. Rather, they add in requirements and practices.
It is important that church leaders have the gift of discernment and are able to stop and think through the implications of things. We should be willing to slow things down in order to work through how a particular idea or practice relates back to the Gospel.
Thirdly, notice the tactic of intimidation. They are able to get Peter to act out of fear. In fact, often agitators like these will rely on our social conventions giving them the ability to be unreasonable. They know that all too often, others will seek to avoid confrontation and will want to be polite and accommodating. When leaders are nervous about confrontation, then this enables the false teachers and false brothers to convince the wider church that what they are doing is okay.
As much as we dislike confrontation, Christian leaders who love the church need to take a leaf out of Paul’s book, even if we then get accused of being awkward. Paul was willing to confront Peter face to face and in public. However, notice that in fact it isn’t Peter he confronts so much as the ideas he is giving credence to. It’s not personal when challenging a wayward brother. Paul leaves the church in no doubt as to what the issue is.
Finally, I think we can see a certain level of dependency on name dropping and connections. There are people who turn up “from James.” Now, we don’t know whether or not James would even have endorsed their ideas. He may well have been as horrified by Paul at what was happening in Antioch. Perhaps someone should have checked back with James! However, it does seem that he had at least failed to confront the problem. Attaching a well known name to a teaching, whether a contemporary Christian celebrity or a historical figure can lend it credibility.
We need to help our church family to be discerning. This means that we want to discourage a celebrity culture. We want people to check what others say and not just accept something because of who it seems to come from. This means remembering that:
1. Just because something is claimed about another person does not mean it is true. They could have been quoted out of context, their position distorted or people could be bringing up things from the past where someone has changed their mind. In fact, it might be an outright lie. We should always check original sources.
2. Just because someone is prominent and gifted does not mean that they will get everything right. They may have slipped into wrong thinking. They may have attempted to comment on something where they lack expertise. We should check back what they say against Scripture.
Sadly, false Gospels do creep into churches. We need to be on our guard. The good news is that The Holy Spirit and Scripture equip us with the defences we need against such attacks.
Faithroots 