Paul’s rebuke to Peter. Galatians 2:11-14 Peter changed when some other men came from Jerusalem to Antioch, apparently sent by James. Instead of offending the Jews, he chose not to eat with the Gentile believers. Peter’s example of separating from the Gentiles in Antioch because there were religious Jews present suggested that Gentiles needed to become like Jews to receive God’s grace. Through his actions, he indicated that he could not openly fellowship with them because salvation was not solely by grace.
To sacrifice fundamental truth to avoid conflicts over differing opinions is wrong. Gracious people may choose to stay silent when they should speak. They might compromise what is right, hoping that wrong will fade away on its own. The powers of darkness do not operate like that. "Give an inch, and they will take a mile."
Peter was not being honest and open about whether he would follow the law or put faith in Christ. He was trying to please the religious Jews. Peter was wrong when he stopped eating with the Gentiles. He probably thought he was promoting harmony by not offending the visitors and James, who sent them. Because of his role as an apostle, he was able to influence even Barnabas. Paul, Peter, and Barnabas were born and raised as Jews, but they had all individually discovered that it was faith in Christ, not works of the law, that justified them. It was inconsistent of them to expect Gentiles to follow Jewish rules they couldn’t keep themselves.
It is crucial that we "do not offend these little ones." New believers often follow those who visit and are dogmatic in their words, even if it's just their personal opinion. Even if a man is a leader among us and highly respected, that does not mean he is always correct. It would be wrong for us to follow someone who is doing what we know is wrong, no matter how highly we regard them. Peter caused a major problem by eating separately from the Gentile saints because other Jews followed his example, even Barnabas. There may be occasions to compromise on certain ideas or issues that are not doctrinal. However, when it comes to biblical doctrine, it's very dangerous, and serious consequences can happen because of one wrong act by an influential person.