Galatians 2:12,13

The decree of the Council of Jerusalem had virtually exempted Gentileconverts from the observance of the Jewish ceremonial law (see Acts 15:1; Acts 15:5; Acts 15:28-29). It is probable that James, fearing lest the Jewish Christians should be led to claim the same exemption, sent delegates to Antioch to keep them steadfast in their adherence to it. This would be quite in accordance with his conduct as recorded Acts 21:20-25. St Peter had been taught by a heavenly vision not to call any man common or unclean (Acts 10:28). Before the coming of these delegates, he had boldly exercised his freedom in the Gospel, and had eaten with Gentile believers, not only at the Holy Communion and the Agapæ, or love feasts, but perhaps in social life. The Pharisees regarded such intercourse with abhorrence. They had murmured against our Lord, saying, -This man receiveth sinners and eateth with them". [To those murmurs the Church owes the three parables of Luke 15] But on the arrival of the emissaries from James, Peter began to shew signs of timidity and gradually withdrew from the company of the Gentile Christians.

did eat used to eat with.

withdrew A word used of drawing off troops, and in nautical matters of shortening sail. It describes conduct the reverse of that boldness and impetuosity which had marked St Peter's previous course.

fearing them which were of the circumcision fearing to give offence to the converts from Judaism. Not for the first time did Peter learn by experience that "the fear of man bringeth a snare", Proverbs 29:25.