A new gospel had come to the nations through the mouth and pen of Paul, and yet it was difficult for the believing Jews of Jerusalem to accept it. Even Peter had his doubts. A significant event, described by Paul in his letter to the Galatian ecclesia, put Peter's acceptance of Paul's new converts to the test.

Peter is seated with Paul and a gaggle of Greeks at a wedding feast in Antioch. The Greeks are thrilled that Jesus Christ's chief apostle accepts them. (Normally, Jews are not allowed to fraternize with Gentiles.) Everything is going fine until a contingent of the Circumcision arrive. These are the leaders of the Jerusalem ecclesia and their influence is such that Peter dreads the judgment he will suffer should they see him mingling with non-Israelites. Pretending to be in need of another leg of lamb and a stretch, Peter unseats himself and meanders as inconspicuously as possible toward the Circumcision table.

Did he really think Paul wasn't going to notice?