Galatians 2:14

This was not a case for private remonstrance. The conduct of Peter and the rest was a practical denial of the truth of the Gospel, and, as such, could not but do widespread mischief. St Paul therefore took occasion to rebuke him in the presence of the whole company of believers (comp. -I withstood him to the face", Galatians 2:11).

according to the truth Lit. -towards the truth," i.e. with a view to its maintenance and propagation.

If thou, being a Jew … Jews Various opinions have been held with regard to the limit of the address to Peter. Some suppose it to terminate in this verse; others with Galatians 2:15 or 18; most, at the end of the chapter. But a comparison of the abruptness of the opening words with the more calm argumentative style of what follows, seems to confirm the view that the actual words addressed to Peter are contained in Galatians 2:14, and that Paul passes imperceptibly into a discussion of the great principle which he felt to be at stake. It is possible that the later verses contain the substanceof the Apostle's remonstrance with Peter, as they certainly contain the ground of the expostulation in Galatians 2:14. This is confirmed by the expression "We, Jews by nature"; but the whole passage has direct reference to the state and dangers of the Galatians.

being a Jew a Jew by birth and education, not a Gentile proselyte.

livest after … Gentiles Ever since his visit to Cornelius, Peter had associated freely and eaten with the Gentiles.

why compellest thou How is it that now by your example you are forcing the Gentile converts to conform to the Jewish ceremonial? It is of course moralcompulsion that is meant, that kind of influence to which new converts would be specially prone to yield.

to live as do the Jews Lit. to Judaize, to observe the ceremonial law, as necessary to salvation. That no less is intended appears from Galatians 2:21.